There have been some pretty significant changes on this farm lately, the weather has cooled, which might be fueling the unusual activities, but I’m fairly certain it has to do with the new addition, Archie.
Archie joined our family in July, as a 3 month old, and although he was quite shy, apprehensive, and unsure at first, he eventually found his ‘sea legs’ and latched onto JoJo, who as a wether, surprisingly showed compassion and guidance to this little stinker. As a result of his babysitting efforts, JoJo has lost a tremendous amount of weight trying to keep up with, or avoid this little ram’s antics. I catch JoJo running away from Archie frequently, in an effort to get as far away from Archie’s feisty playful breeding practices (jumping on JoJos rear end with both hooves), as he possibly can. Of course Archie is just practicing, but JoJo is having none of it. Many times I’ve tried to encourage JoJo to just push him away, because he is just too old to be running around like a kid, but he doesn’t. He is much too gentle and kind, and I think he really loves Archie. The end result is amazing though, JoJo who was overweight, is now down to prime weight… the strain on his arthritic knees seems to be more bearable, and he’s acting almost like a youngin’ again.
Things were a little awkward for quite sometime, though, as Andy was completely against this new addition… after all he is the lead sheep, and he somehow knew, adding a ram would change all of that once he grows up. But now I find Andy playing rambunctiously with Archie; they chase one another and butt heads, and sniff and rub, and they have accepted one another. It is so incredibly heartwarming.
Amy, was going through some pretty serious health issues with scours (a sad but common occurrence) when Archie showed up, and was completely unsociable… she wants nothing to do with anyone when she’s feeling poorly and she isolates.
About 2 weeks ago, Amy started feeling like a young ewe again, the scours have passed (as always) and now she and Archie have begun a sweet love affair – complete with a lot of caresses, closeness, play, and a genuine interest in one another. They run through the pasture together, jumping up on all fours, they eat together, and seem completely happy, and healthy as friends. Archie still clings to JoJo when he’s up and moving around, but I am fairly sure it will be an Archie and Amy bond above the others.
This morning, at a nice cool 57 degrees, I noticed ALL of them at the end of the pasture, grazing… and when they saw me come out, they all, including JoJo, came running. There was a lot of jumping, snorting and full-on joy – and I realized that life is good on this farm. Archie, after all of my apprehension, was the best thing that could have happened to all of them… he’s brought youth back to a group of sheep that were tired, not always well, and overweight.
Amy, for the first time in over 2 years, is dropping little black sheep poops instead of big wet piles – it makes me wonder if she has either grown out of this affliction, or if Archie’s love has healed her.
FARM ANIMAL HAVEN SANCTUARY 