And this is how Edna and Madge arrived.
January 2020
Every day, Floss and I drive over to Sandness. Recently we have been seeing a lone sheep talking to folk. So two days ago, on our way home, I stopped the car, and asked if anyone owned the sheep.
The older sheep was very tame. She came straight up. She was very obviously someone’s caddy (bottle fed). When she put her front feet on my shoulders, stared into my eyes and said “help me”, I knew I had to do something…..
Her friend was shyer, so we put more food on the ground for both of them. They were both very thin.
Yesterday, we fed the ewes again and I asked a few more questions. No one owned them. The first one had turned up in December and then a few weeks later the other one appeared. Neither had tags though holes where tags had been – they had been ripped out and the sheep dumped.
I phoned around including our Grazings Clerk and told him I wanted to offer them a home. He agreed this would be best.
So today we took the van and stopped off where the sheep were.
Floss and I were nervous about whether they would load but no, they both walked straight in, no fuss, no discussion!
A quick drive home and we welcomed them to Thordale.
They girls are very good about following so, as there was about to be torrential rain, I took them into the stable and put down more feed plus some hay.
After my lunch, I went back to the stable, sat down on a horse-rug and waited.
While the older ewe is very tame – like a kind gentle big dog – the younger one is apprehensive.
This old ewe is a sweetie. She is lame on her front left (holds it up while standing) and limps. I think it is arthritis so I offered her the TurmerAid and she wolfed down a good quantity. That should help.
She also quickly plonked herself down.
Friend sheep (who I think is her daughter) kept her distance. She is coughing so tomorrow I will drench them both.
The vet is coming on Monday to check them over and we will discuss how best to deal with any potential pregnancies.
They are not thrilled with hay and I want them to be eating all the time, so once the rain had done its worst, I let them out to spend tonight outside if they want.
I am glad they are home now.
As for the Boyzens? Well, after breakfast, they went “down the pub” and when they come home tomorrow morning, we will make the introductions. Well, that’s the plan.
I just couldn’t keep driving past. They need to be loved.
The last of the post got to me. And it explains you perfectly. That being said, Sister #2 & I adopted a semi-feral 4yr old Maine Coon mix girl this week. Hoping Sister’s Cat Whispering skills are up for her. No name yet, but we can pet her deep inside her kitty doughnut (which is getting the top zipped off tomorrow).
So pleased you have a new addition to your family x
Thank you
My family has a joke that on trees level with the four footed variety of animals there are pictures of soft,fluffy, smiling marshmallows with arrows. This translates ,of course, to directions to our three households (our two daughters and ours) as the wayside, permanent sites for all lost & abandoned animals. It’s comforting to know all of us provide these services because ,simply, how could we not. I love learning about how your four foot family members adopted you!
This is such a wonderful sweet happy story! I think we all need this kind of Happy Ending story in our lives just now. Of course you wouldn’t drive by. They are very lucky sheep indeed.
Am very glad you brought them home Frances. They will have a good life with you.
they have been living here for over 5 years already
I love your stories, Frances, and your good heart. You are one of a kind. I’m so glad you write this wonderful blog for all of us to read. Take good care.
You are a kind soul….poor little girls, whatever would have happened to them.
Thank you for being you X
It seems your “family” keeps growing. They are lucky to have found you.
These two sheep have been with me for 5 years. This was a look-back post.
Sorry, I’m a new subscriber and am still getting used all the new names.