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Monday, March 25, 2019

Daniel And His Bell


Let me tell you a story about Daniel.  Don't worry - it's a sweet story with a happy ending :-).  

Daniel is one of our more complicated sheep.  Not "Maisie complicated", but complicated more like an easy going middle child who doesn't demand special attention...but sure would enjoy a little...if someone would just notice him.

Daniel doesn't follow me around, pushing and shoving for back scratches or treats.  He doesn't climb on me or the gate, not letting me through with the hay.  In fact, Daniel is never underfoot.  Daniel is always well behaved and polite...and overshadowed by his rowdy brothers and sisters.

I am aware of this and mostly make sure I've said hello and rubbed his ears and asked him how his day was, but sometimes life gets extra busy and while I always make sure everyone is well fed and in good order, I may not think to take an extra minute to check in more personally with a sheep like Daniel.

When this happens, inevitably Daniel gets "sick"...which immediately gets my notice.  He looks droopy and sad and Eeyore-ish and I check his eyes, his ears, I rub his neck and shoulders and we have a talk about what might be the matter...and if he thinks he needs to have his temperature taken.  He never does ;-).

I really don't think he's deliberately faking being sick to get my attention.  I think his feelings are truly hurt and he's a tad depressed and therefore actually "sick".  Luckily a little special attention and some extra nose smooches perk him right up.

Petunia had gotten a small nick on her neck during shearing last week.  Over the weekend I noticed that her collar and bell had aggravated the spot and was not letting it heal properly.  I immediately removed the collar and as I was getting ready to set it on the ground so I could get a better look at her neck, I noticed Daniel standing nearby, watching.

"Would you like to wear Petunia's bell for awhile?" I asked. 

I placed the collar around his neck.  He stood still and didn't seem to be at all concerned.  I fastened one side of the buckle and let it hang for a second, ready to remove it if he got upset. Some sheep really don't like the bells.  He moved his head a bit..and the bell tinkled...and Special Daniel stood a little bit taller :-).    


19 comments:

Laura L. said...

That is a wonderful story and just what I needed this afternoon. Thank you. Daniel, you just became my favorite.

Linda said...

A special bell for a special boy!

Grey Horse Matters said...

What a sweet boy Daniel is. Im sure he’s feeling very special with his new bling! Bet he won’t want to give it back.

I need orange said...

This is so sweet. Thank you for watching them so closely and knowing them so deeply, and offering them every opportunity to be ... themselves. And for sharing so much with us.

sophy0075 said...

Oh, that’s so sweet! Daniel, I’m so glad for you!

MarmePurl said...

I tried not to have a favorite but Daniel had my heart right from the start.

FullyFleeced said...

That was so sweet. I'm glad he likes his bling :)

RuusVerd said...

Aw, how nice he gets to wear the special bell!

Mira does fake being sick... but she also gets actually depressed/sick like that when she feels neglected or stressed... but her threshold for "neglect" is so very demanding, lol. She's been drooping and dragging all over the farm for two weeks now, and while of course I'm still worried, I'm almost positive it's because I've been paying "too much" attention to the poor skinny mama sheep this winter, lol.

imsovintage said...

How precious! I have a pack of puppies and I know just how hard it is to make time for everyone! It is wonderful that you do!

knitski said...

Ahhh the important role of being of having a bell! Sweet Daniel!

ElaineChicago said...

I love this!! You take such good care of your kids and they definitely know and appreciate it!!

Terry and Linda said...

OH! That is a perfectly wonderful story!!!

LannieK said...

Awww ~ Daniel must feel SO special! Give him a hug!

Michelle said...

Oy; I just hate those nicks! Glad Daniel took the bell well, and hope Petunia heals up and doesn't mind sharing!

Karen at longwell said...

You, Sara, are the most wonderful person! To notice, to take the time...thank you for sharing!

Shirley said...

Awww what a great story!

Cheryl West said...

That is a really lovely story to brighten everyone's day. I can just imagine Daniel standing tall and proud,
You may have to get Petunia a new bell when her neck has healed.

Susan said...

Proud Daniel :) Love it.

Far Side of Fifty said...

yeah Daniel! What a sweet boy! :)

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