I came back from Turriefield (my vegetable packing volunteering job) after a busy morning with a packet of little carrots that hadn’t sold. I was told they were for the sheep.
So the dogs and I set off to find Gussie to give them to him. He has been such a good boy recently – here was his reward.
I found the original 7 and ‘Bert quickly sussed that I had carrots……
As did Edna – carrots were given but I kept some back for Gus-Gus.
And then off we went to the end of the field (40 acres) without seeing anyone ever again. I checked that the end gate was shut as does blow open occasionally and then everyone escapes.
Now, one thing – I’ve stopped wearing my glasses. They annoy me but then I actually can’t see very much. However, I did see a vague blob in the far corner of the field and I used my camera on the phone to see what it could possibly be. A rock? No, a rather obvious Gussie shaped blob. Aha! Located.
I shouted and rustled the carrot bag and they came running over. Phew. I hate losing sheep.
Sitting on my rock, I fed them both the remaining carrots.
And the reason Gussie was a good boy was that one of his horns had to be cut off (on Sunday) as it was going to grow into his head. We also cut ‘Bert’s too for the same reason.
Gus-Gus was so good about this operation. He just let us clip it off with the pony hoof clippers – it must’ve been a bit of a surprise for him.
So Gussie is my speshul soldier at the moment and the carrots were his reward for this new experience. It will probably have to be done fairly regularly.
Gussie and Dahlia are such darlings, and they certainly look in much better condition than when you rescued them. D. no longer looks so horribly thin and gaunt.
I’m guessing they never had carrots before you came into their lives, but what a super way to ‘train’ them to come running over when called.
I did wonder if Horn Maintenance was going to be required. But not being a shepherd(ess) I just observe from a distance. Its good to know that the newest herd members know your call and get a little reward for showing up with eager little faces 🙂
M in NC
Huh, my Nigerian Dwarf goat screamed bloody murder when I had to take his off and it was half broken already!
Frances, I never thought a sheep could be especially ‘cute’ (well of course except for Lambie, he is always cute – always) but that picture of Gus Gus with a mouth full of carrots is darling! He seems like such a nice little dude.