Flaunt Your Assets
Meet Tully. A donkey with attitude and an Instagram star in his own right. He’s the face of Dubbo Pets Month, when Dubbo Photo News runs our annual pet photo competition with the Dubbo Regional Council and participating sponsors offering $1,000 worth of prizes for pics of your pet that make you smile.
HE’S fast becoming an influencer on Instagram, picking up followers from across the globe, but Tully the Donkey from the west side of Dubbo (though, that would be in the South ward) is taking it all in his stride.
Tully’s talent manager Kim Goldsmith kindly allowed us a few minutes with the social star and assisted with interpreting this interview, exclusive to Dubbo Photo News. Is Tully your full name?
Yes, but I’ve had a few others over time. I can’t repeat them in a family publication. How old are you?
Depends who’s asking, but about 15. Have you lived near Dubbo long, if not, where do you come from?
I moved to Dubbo about six weeks ago from Tullamore NSW, not Ireland. Are you a donkey or an ass?
That depends on what side of the bed I got out on. On a good day, I’m a donkey. You’re a rising Insta-star. Is fame your goal or do you have another purpose?
I’ve never sought fame. I do believe I have a purpose in life though, to make humans go all warm and fuzzy and write witty messages to me in that cutesy voice reserved for babies and kittens. What do you love the most about Instagram?
It’s like a dating site for pets. I’ve met dogs, cats, horses and other donkeys from all over the world on Instagram… even a few guinea pigs. I’ve seen a cute donkey or two. We chat regularly. BTW, it’s @tully_the_donkey if you want to be my friend. Is it possible to make a living out of posting pictures online?
So I’m told. I’m thinking that a few strategically placed product placements could prove to be quite lucrative. I’ll need to be quite careful about what products I endorse though. If I’m going to be an influencer in this space I’ll need to carefully manage my credibility.
Social media can be very time consuming. How do you balance the demands of your real life and your online life?
It’s all about efficiency. One or two solid photo shoots each week can provide enough content for a couple of weeks. Having a social media manager who understands how it all works helps too. Having an Instagram account for a donkey must be breaking new ground. Have you received any offers from Hollywood or the like? ABC Radio and Online is about
as big as it’s been lately. I’m still waiting on a call from Hollywood. If an actor were to play you in a movie, who would you like it/he/ she to be?
George Clooney. I wouldn’t even consider auditioning anyone else – just the right amount of grey, gravitas and charisma in one package. Do you have an elevator pitch?
I’m not a fan of elevators. It’s bad enough being inside a horse float. If you could read, what do you
think you’d be reading at the moment?
The Wonky Donky is a favourite, and you can sing it too: “He was a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey.” Hee-haw! It could have been written about me. Have you been following the Dubbo election and what would your hopes be for the new council?
I’d hope that the new council might get over the petty stuff and focus on the big picture. Dubbo’s proven to be a great place to live so far and I’d like to think there’d be opportunities here for other donkeys. There’s nothing we can’t do in the bush but we need intelligent decision-makers who show a bit of class and foresight. As they say, don’t be an ass. It’s also Pet’s Month. Do you classify yourself as a pet, or something else? I’m more than a pet, I’m an investment. Would you say a donkey is an ideal pet? Why?
No, I wouldn’t. Taking on a donkey is a commitment for a very, very, very long time. You know we can live to be 40 plus years old? We need companionship, feed, veterinary care and lots and lots of love. You’ve got to be pretty special to take on a donkey. What would you say are the special challenges that come with donkey ownership?
Learning to think like a donkey. We’re not stubborn, we just like to consider all our options before making a decision. Sometimes that means just doing it… later. Oh, but food works. Carrots. A carrot will get me every time. What would your owner say are the special challenges of owning a donkey?
If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: Learn to think like a donkey. She’s a horsey-gal from way back but we’re nothing like those uppity equines. I think she’s getting used me braying – I’ve been desensitising her to it for a few weeks now. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Nope. It’s dinner time.