I created tags for all of my roving this past weekend - a picture of each sheep with a little information about them. Buddy's pretty roving was accompanied by this picture and tag:
"Buddy is the kindest sheep in the whole world. He is the first to welcome any newcomer and has taken Miss Ewenice under his wing this fall. She's afraid of the new guardian dog and he stays with her like a comforting teddy bear."
I wonder if people read that and thought a. I was crazy b. I was making that up or c. all of the above. Not much of his roving sold.
This morning I fed Keebler and Graham Lamb, fed Hank and then opened the gate for all the sheep to go out back (they get locked up near the barn at night). Everyone came strolling out except Buddy, who stayed in the shed baaa-ing.
My first thought was that he was complaining about being cold with no hair. When everyone moved farther away and he remained in there calling out, I knew something was wrong. Head count. No Ewenice.
Ewenice is a big girl. Too big. And she's getting old and very arthritic. Ewenice was still lying down in the back corner of the barn and couldn't get up. Buddy wouldn't leave her and was obviously trying to get someone's attention. I helped her up and the two slowly left the barn together.
These two sheep are not related, nor are they even the same breed. Miss Ewenice, a Border Leicester, came from a friend in Frankfort, Kentucky, and Buddy, a Cotswold, came from Nistock Farms in New York. They are not even close in age. They are just friends. And the answer is d. Buddy truly is the kindest sheep in the whole world.
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Regarding the deer - yes, the same deer hit Saint Tim twice. Luckily he was watching for such a problem and saw the deer just ahead and slammed on the brakes. The trailer made some nice "elevens" and had come to an almost complete stop when the deer jumped into the side door of the truck, bounced off, spun around and jumped into the side of the trailer - in a complete panic. Luckily he/she hit both vehicles rather than ending up between them and then ran away. I was in the car behind him watching the whole horrible incident.
"Buddy is the kindest sheep in the whole world. He is the first to welcome any newcomer and has taken Miss Ewenice under his wing this fall. She's afraid of the new guardian dog and he stays with her like a comforting teddy bear."
I wonder if people read that and thought a. I was crazy b. I was making that up or c. all of the above. Not much of his roving sold.
This morning I fed Keebler and Graham Lamb, fed Hank and then opened the gate for all the sheep to go out back (they get locked up near the barn at night). Everyone came strolling out except Buddy, who stayed in the shed baaa-ing.
My first thought was that he was complaining about being cold with no hair. When everyone moved farther away and he remained in there calling out, I knew something was wrong. Head count. No Ewenice.
Ewenice is a big girl. Too big. And she's getting old and very arthritic. Ewenice was still lying down in the back corner of the barn and couldn't get up. Buddy wouldn't leave her and was obviously trying to get someone's attention. I helped her up and the two slowly left the barn together.
These two sheep are not related, nor are they even the same breed. Miss Ewenice, a Border Leicester, came from a friend in Frankfort, Kentucky, and Buddy, a Cotswold, came from Nistock Farms in New York. They are not even close in age. They are just friends. And the answer is d. Buddy truly is the kindest sheep in the whole world.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regarding the deer - yes, the same deer hit Saint Tim twice. Luckily he was watching for such a problem and saw the deer just ahead and slammed on the brakes. The trailer made some nice "elevens" and had come to an almost complete stop when the deer jumped into the side door of the truck, bounced off, spun around and jumped into the side of the trailer - in a complete panic. Luckily he/she hit both vehicles rather than ending up between them and then ran away. I was in the car behind him watching the whole horrible incident.
20 comments:
What a sweet story. It is amazing the friendships that develop between animals. The bonds can run very deep. So glad that Ms. Ewenice, after all her surrogating duties for the bottle lambs, has found a friend and protector. It is sad to see them become older and frail though.
Tammy
I wonder if glucosamine chondroitin would help an old sheep like it helps old cats and old people? I sure hate to see anything suffer with arthritis too. I'd love to have some of Buddy's wool to spin, he sounds like a great friend to have!
How sweet, it brought tears to my eyes. Now you know I will have to have some of his wool to spin. You should have told me to buy it too. ;) I just love the wooly curls that he has, he looks like a big teady bear.
Good job buddy you should get a couple of cookies for that. You are a true gentle spirit and friend.
Crapers on the dear hitting the truck and trailer. Glad that it didn't turn out any worse.
Awwwww, Buddy is a great, well, buddy! How sweet is that?!
Buddy is not only kind and caring but he is also smart enough to alert you that something is not right. how lucky for Miss Ewenice to have a Buddy nearby.
That is wonderful. I want Buddy to be my friend too. I have (one of) the sweetest cat in the world and when his sister had to go to the vet and stay overnight for observation, he sat by the front door and cried. I would pick him up and cuddle him and he would stop for a few minutes then go back to the door and cry. It was heart-breaking, but makes me so glad that they have each other. The same for Buddy and Ewenice!
Now I MUST have some of his roving! :)
People who don't have animals just don't understand. They are amazing! They talk to each other, they talk across species, they bond and care for each other and in the case of chickens are MEAN to each other.(Just like people)
Beautiful post.
I'm glad Tim wasn't hurt and I'm glad it didn't turn into a car wreck hurting all of you.
Linda
http://coloradfarmlife.wordpress.com
Awwww. What a good boy, Buddy.
I have a feeling that by now all Buddy's roving may have sold to the people reading your blog! :-) He is truly special.
BTW, I've wondered the same as June about the glucosamine for arthritic old sheep, like my Inky. I've asked Rick and he's non-committal. I give it to my horse weekly but that's injectable, and I don't want to poke a sheep every week. Since tthe oral isn't as effective in non-ruminants, I have my doubts that it would be in ruminants.
Thank you for a wonderful post! I so understand the big heart of Buddy as my Cotswold wethers are the most loveable and kindest sheep in the world. There is nothing like a big hug from a full-fleeced Cotswold! Give Buddy and Ewenice a hug for me:)
Well, that explains to me Miss Eweniss' reluctance to babysit the boys this summer. Buddy had confidence that you could and would do something to help his friend. Good for you for being a consistent shepardess.
Leah
Awww... that's such a sweet story that I want some of his fleece and I don't even spin!! (yet...)
I would have bought the roving based on the story alone. Heaven knows that I do not need to add to Fleece Mountain in my stash, but Buddy is so sweet!
Buddy looks like a sheep dog with his curls down in his eyes. So sweet. :)
Ya know ~ I think your "blog family" loves your sheep almost as much as you do! You do such a wonderful job of sharing their personalities with us.
Glad that nobody was hurt by the deer antics!
Not only is he a kind sheep, he's a happy sheep. Look at the smile on his face. What a sweetie pie-I'd love to give him a big kiss on the nose.
What a nice Buddy, and a nice story. I hope Miss Ewenice is ok.
Better watch it...Robin may want Buddy back. :) It IS nice to have sheep like Buddy in your flock. I am sorry to hear Miss Ewenice is getting creeky. I know just how she feels as I've had slower mornings mow that the temperatures are lower.
Brought a tear to my eye. Buddy is one sweet sheepy. I'm sorry Eunice is having troubles. My dog, Lexie, is having some of those old age issues as well.
That's so sweet! He really is kind and loving!
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