The Official Day To Hug Sheep

The actual (rather than every day) Hug a Sheep Day here is always a blur.  I never think to stop and take pictures.  Heck, I forgot to post my own hugging picture until the next day...or was it two days later.  

The weather didn't do any favors either day, but a fun group of friends still braved the drizzling, but not cold enough to wear wool, day to come out and visit the sheep.  While the sheep had mostly stayed in the barn and were "dry", wool absorbs water (but still keeps you warm :-) even just from the air and there was more nose patting and cookie feeding than burying your face into toasty warm sheep necks.  Oh well, that's what every other day of the year is for.

I used to try to follow every Hug a Sheep Day hashtag (#hugasheepday) on IG, but I'm sure I missed some this year.  I was so delighted to see so many posts from all over the world.  I guess I'm proud of Hug a Sheep Day, but I think delighted is the best word to describe how I feel.  Sheep are wonderful and I'm so happy people have a fun way to celebrate that.  I hope it carries on forever.

Jared was our all-star hugger.  He came out and visited with every single person.  He met some of them in the parking area, some in the driveway, some in the barn.  He let little kids walk up and touch him, he stood next to folks for pictures, he hugged (leaned into) people back almost to the point of knocking them down.  

Maisie, on the other hand....well, she didn't send anyone to the hospital...so that was good.  Her plan for the afternoon was to come out, eat a bunch of cookies, shake her head at everyone, nip a few pants legs and then go back and take a nap to rest up for the next round. 

The best part of each day was maybe the IG Live flock walks.  Friday, Murphy led us all out and across the bridge, through the lower paddock and out to the back field where we stood for several minutes and enjoyed the grazing sheep, beautiful fall colors, bird songs and peace.

Saturday he headed out and decided to go to the right, up along the Frog Pond.  From there he moved to the dam of the big pond...and then through the gate to the back field.  As he reached each gate, everyone stopped grazing where they were and followed him to the next point.  I have just loved watching them  and to actually take the time to go out with the sheep and follow along was a real treat.

Both videos are posted below.  They are both long, but I'm glad to have them.  Luckily I don't talk the whole time.  It sometimes gets confusing because I'm answering a question that was posted while we were live. I wish I'd remember to repeat the questions out loud before I reply. 

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A post shared by Sara Dunham (@thecrazysheeplady)

This was Friday's walk.

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A post shared by Sara Dunham (@thecrazysheeplady)

This was Saturday's.

Saturday night Jared looked disappointed that there were no more hugs and treats...so I gave him more of both.  Possum was just happy things had settled back down to normal and it was once again safe to come down out of the loft.  Archie never made an appearance all day because it was raining and he had business in the house...on the couch.  

Betsy on the other hand always enjoys a party and she came out both days.  I remember her very first farm party, years ago.  She didn't hang around the people that much, but we watched her race back and forth across the barn aisle showing off all evening long, just as wound up as she could be.  She does more lap sitting at parties these days.

Happy Hug A Sheep Day....everyday!