The sheep didn't really enjoy the event. Rosemary was 'okay' and she didn't baa all day as I feared she might. However she was very selective in who she allowed to befriend her. The cookies helped her, and she didn't hesitate to indulge in those when given the chance. Rosetta was okay, because she was with her mom, but she wasn't letting anyone touch her! JackieD just shut down. He didn't want to be touched, he did not want to see all these peoples ---so he hid behind the girls. Finally about mid afternoon everyone had relaxed enough to lay around and chew cud. They were very happy to be loaded up and to get home. These are three of my friendliest sheep who crave attention and petting, so I was a little disappointed that they took it so hard--I don't like to see them stress. Oh well, you never know. The stories they can tell the other sheep...." there are bajillions of humans out there, but we are the only sheep in the world!"
Highland Bull CalfAs last year, our neighbors on either side were cattle. A sweet little Highland bull calf on one side and a Dexter cow and her tiny bull calf on the other. On the other side of the cow and calf was Patrick the Dexter bull. The calf kept trying to befriend the sheep (they were his size!) but his momma kept pushing him away from them.
Dexter Cattle
Patrick the Irish Dexter Bull on a walkaboutThe Clydesdale's didn't show up this year, but a new display was a lady with her Irish Wolfhounds. She was across the aisle and catty-corner to us.
What enormous dogs these were and so quiet and even tempered. Farley --the grey one (who I did not get good photos of!) was especially friendly to me. He is a rescue dog and very happy in a now stable home. He shares it with the older tan male dog (whose name I did not get) and they get along famously from what their owner says. I just could not get over their size. They make Boone look like a lap dog.
Irish WolfhoundsThere were many dogs that passed through. There were a pair of Westies, and a pair of black miniature show poodles (the male was from Denmark!) which I failed to get photos of, as well as these happy little Scotties.
People are very interested in livestock heritage breeds and the hardiness of most of them. Small hobby or self sustaining farms are making a come back and these smaller, thrifty often dual purpose animals are filling the niche. It's funny how the circle completes itself. 
The sheep just want to know if they can go home now.....
The captivating eye of an Irish Wolfhound.
6 comments:
Are you also a Celtic music listener? A good friend of mine is a true Celtic follower. Loved the pics of the cows!!!
I spoke with the lady with the wolf-hounds while we were there. The other dog was named Seamus (not sure about spelling, but pronounced "shay-muss")
I love the Irish Wolfhounds!! That looks like a lot of fun!! The sheep sound like our goats when the fair is over I would almost be able to open the gate and tell them to go get in the truck they are so ready to go!lol Poor babies all the attention is just tough!. Love the post on the festival!
"The calf kept trying to befriend the sheep (they were his size!) but his momma kept pushing him away from them."
Come along now Timmy, we don't associate with these sorts.
A friend of mine has an Irish Wolfound, he's 8 or 9 months old and already horse size!
I didn't take any sheep to our wool festival this year for the same reasons you found taking the sheep to the festival. I had the same reactions from the sheep, although one of the ewes with lambs was very blase, all the others freaked. It was just too stressful on all of us. I made sure that people who were very interested in the sheep got an invite to the farm to have a closer look. Ralph did a nice notebook with all sorts of info on the sheep and the breed instead of distressing the sheep out this year.
Hi Kristi, Not really, but I love to hear it. I just forget about it in between times. :-0
Seamus fits him, I think. He was very friendly.
L'Helene--Boone is a French Mastiff and I really think he is massive...but he looked like a pug next to these guys!
Tonia, Kathy--yes...it seems to be pretty stressful on them. I'm thinking the solution would be to keep a couple of friendly wethers and take them every year. At least they would know what the routine is. But I really don't have the room for 'extra' sheep...
Tammy
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