Last night I zoomed home from my summer class and helped a farmer select and load four of my yearling Shetland Sheep into the back of his truck.
It poured buckets while we gathered round the stalls and between the deafening rainfall on the tin roof and the chorus of baa-ing from the woolies, I was able to impart a few words of wisdom.
I said “Ciao” to 5 of my chickens the other day when I was visited by a family delving into the world of layer hens. I know those folks through community activities so I was more sure of the home they were going to.
I didn’t know the guy from Adam that came by last evening. He has an assortment of animals on his farm and this is his first foray into sheep. Shetland Sheep as a starter flock can’t be much easier and so I have no trepidations about my endorsement.
More than a few times I’ve wondered that I should just not have so many animals. I’m a sucker for a happy ending. Though I raise turkeys for the table and have parted with other livestock for various reasons, I still have so much anxiety when it comes to saying goodbye.
I’ll miss you, Obaamaa, Iglesias, Buttercup & Daisy. I hope you’ll be o.k. in your new home.
Related articles
- tending sheep (soulemama.com)
- From 12 to 21 – The Flock Grows, Chapter 1 (jtwhite5.wordpress.com)
You have such a big heart Tammy!
Sniff! Thanks, Ellie! I’m having a hard time with this…I keep wondering how they’re doing right now, what they’re doing, where they’re doing it, if they’re scared, if they’re being loved…I get so attached, you know?
They will be okay – I know what this is like!
Indeed, I know that you do, Julie. Thank you for the encouraging words.
Just be who you are and do what you do always. Don’t have limits. Anyone can see that things always turn out well.
(Biting nails..!) Thanks, Mark – keepin’ the faith!
What a gift you are to so many people, raising healthy animals and helping others to have them. ! I wish I lived nearby.
Thanks, Curtiss Ann – I wish you lived nearby, too! In my next life, I should probably work for PETA!
The sheep are beautiful. I would have a hard time parting with them as well. You are brave Tammy!
I really do know what you mean about parting with your animals. I don’t feel too poorly when I know the shetlands go to a breeder … but I really do worry when they go to our local Livestock Auction! But … that’s part of farming … learning to part with animals when it’s time. You’ll be OK … they’ll be OK.
PS: Finished first-cut hay today … I’m exhausted … maybe I’m too old for this!