And, it's ready.....steady go !! Bran the over enthusiastic Border Collie, tail waving like a black and white banner, eyes focused intensely on the leading ewe...... ready for the chase, waits anxiously for the gate to open. Little rotund Mr. Luke, the "almost" Australian Sheppard isn't really sure just exactly what his purpose is but when those ladies run, little Luke's head goes up, four little legs go into canine overdrive and his little stubby tail wags like a rudder. Yesterday as the mutton and lamb freestyle waited at the starting gate, both dogs, impatiently anticipating the morning's pursuit were keenly watching Greg's every move. The gate opened.....Chance, Baby Doll and Momma Bear followed by the ovine "also rans" headed determinedly for the pasture, Border Collie Bran set off in pursuit, little Luke, on his tail (but not sure what he is chasing ) when suddenly and unexpectedly Dottie the big Oxford ewe turned to face the canine assault ! Bran and Luke screeched to an abrupt stop. Dottie lowered her head and advanced on the startled dogs.... Bran totally intimidated by Dottie's brazen posture instantly adopted a "who,me ?" attitude, head lowered, tail between his legs, he retreated behind Luke who, frozen to the spot wasn't sure whether to stand or run. Dottie the mutinous ewe, stared the dogs into submission then turned and followed the flock into the pasture totally unconcerned by her terrified would be pursuers.
Barney the currently celibate ram and his woolly ladies have been suffering in the intense heat of our very unusually warm, dry, Pacific North West Spring. This week, all four were unceremoniously loaded into our less than luxurious stock trailer for a scheduled road trip. Our four over heating sheep were ( to put it mildly !) reluctant to leave the safety of their cedar barn and, with a little (lot) of gentle coercion....(Greg pulled, Erin and Jim pushed and I heaved) were safely installed in the trailer and unsuspectingly heading to a local farm for a drastic hair cut. Pushing pulling and heaving was repeated all over again and within moments, their heavy woolen fleeces were piling on the barn floor and our ladies were NAKED...and cool. Barney the ram was less than impressed by all the attention and has, for several days been bound and determined to make us pay for the indignity of baring all (and a little bit more !) to the world. Thank you Erin and Jim for risking life and limb in "Operation Makeover". All in a day's work ( or maybe not !!) here on the ranch.
Take care, keep safe, M
Barney the currently celibate ram and his woolly ladies have been suffering in the intense heat of our very unusually warm, dry, Pacific North West Spring. This week, all four were unceremoniously loaded into our less than luxurious stock trailer for a scheduled road trip. Our four over heating sheep were ( to put it mildly !) reluctant to leave the safety of their cedar barn and, with a little (lot) of gentle coercion....(Greg pulled, Erin and Jim pushed and I heaved) were safely installed in the trailer and unsuspectingly heading to a local farm for a drastic hair cut. Pushing pulling and heaving was repeated all over again and within moments, their heavy woolen fleeces were piling on the barn floor and our ladies were NAKED...and cool. Barney the ram was less than impressed by all the attention and has, for several days been bound and determined to make us pay for the indignity of baring all (and a little bit more !) to the world. Thank you Erin and Jim for risking life and limb in "Operation Makeover". All in a day's work ( or maybe not !!) here on the ranch.
Take care, keep safe, M
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