We’ve had some rough weather recently and I’ve been busy these past few days looking after a little sheep.
Short story long (see what I did there?) – I had a neighbourly message a few nights back about a little sheep that was on it’s own by the road. So, when I was going over to feed my lot, I checked him out and, sure enough, there he was sitting by himself not looking good.
I went over and he did that running-away-but-falling-over-thing but I couldn’t get near him so I left him a pile of sheep food that happened about my person (ok, yes, I carry it with me because you never know).
On my way home, I found little sheep sitting beside the food, untouched. That spoke volumes. So I crept up with the hope of photographing his tags to identify his owner (so I could phone them and tell them) but he never moved.
What could I do? I picked him up and put him in my car. I hate rustling sheep. Never good or approved of.
Home and I identified little sheep’s owner and I immediately contacted him. He asked me to look after him until he got to me in a few days. Fine, absolutely no bother, I said. The red colour on his bottom is “raddle”, a sheep marker, and not blood.
It took a few days to establish our relationship. He was not very keen on eating so I tempted him with porridge and honey/glucose, or some beet shreds and bruised oats, or fibre block, or hay, or just about anything……
Pepper was also trying her hardest to make a new friend and I was trying my hardest to keep her away.
But, no, they met (never under-estimate the tenacity of a Patterdale terrier) and, by then, Little Sheep was happy to make friends.
Today Little Sheep’s owner has taken him home, which is just what I wanted. I have done my best for him (I treated him for pneumonia) and I will wonder forever whether he will remember us.
How wonderful of you (and Pepper). Looks like sheep started to eat/drink; I hope there will be a happy update, but you did more than many would, and all that you could do – that’s what counts.
The phrase “heart of gold” comes to mind. That’s you, Frances!
Oh dear; Little Sheep is in tough shape. I do hope his owner cares enough to keep him penned up and tended until he is hale and hearty again.
our last sheep, The Big Yin, a fiercely wild and independent Hebridean, is probably sleeping her last sleep tonight have her propped up by a straw bale and wrapped in a donkey rug. she is 16 or more and was flat out in the field yesterday, couldn’t get up, managed with help to get her into the donkey field shelter and put up hurdles to keep her in. Suspect it won’t be good news when her owner gets back
I hope all your neighbours appreciate you, Frances!
Charming happy ending story, thanks!
Well done Frances, you could have made all the difference to that little sheep ♥️
You are always so kind Frances. I hope this little sheep will be well and that you will hear good news. And kudos to Pepper as well.
You are wonderful ! I do wish Farmers would check their sheep more…..they are our responsibility.l
You are so kind !!
Oh thank you so much Frances for your big heart in caring for Little Sheep. He looks like he would have greatly benefitted by joining your family, but of course, he has an owner. How did he come to be in such sad shape sitting all by himself by the road and not caring about food or anything? time will tell if you ever seen him again. Glad he liked little Pepper too. You guys are awesome!
Francis, you are a good steward of the land and its folks.
What a great job you did. I am sure that little sheep is appreciative
That is so very very kind of you. I was hoping you would keep him.
Good for you and Pepper!
I now am convinced you are St. Francis reincarnated. I am happy Little Sheep came into your care, if ever so briefly and that Pepper was nice to him. Hoping he recovers fully.