Lambs, got 'em coming out my ears!

So we had lambs show up in the field a couple of weeks ago that were unexpected.  Oops!!!  4 ram lambs and 1 ewe lamb. 

Phoebe and her twins - soon to be a wether and a ewe

 Phoebe's ewe lamb

Bertie - part of the planned babies

Group photo of the flock, not all, just the ones that wanted their picture taken!

A couple of thank you shout outs are due!!! 

• Lora for showing me how to wether a ram lamb!!!
• Sally for trusting me with the care of our flock
• Zeke for being my right hand.... without you red dog, this would be a whole hell of a lot harder to pull off.  You give your all every, single time.  We done good red dog, we done real good!!

I have learned so much by having my own flock, I really can't put it all into words.  I learn something everytime I am out in the field.  It's immense, amazing and so very rewarding.  I owe a great thanks to Sally, my friend and co-owner of this wonderful flock we call Sleepy Hollow Shetlands.  She trusted me to shepherd this flock and boy howdy, I have learned an immense amount in a short time....still learning too, I might add.  They aren't the easiest to herd but I rarely do things that are easy.....accidentily or on purpose.....it just seems to be my nature.

Zeke, what can I say.... I love, love love my red dog!!!!  He and I have a deep bond.  I knew it the minute he walked through my door a little over 3 years ago.  My bond and understanding of Zeke has grown so much since we moved the flock to be tended under my care.  The interaction that he has with our flock is amazing to me.  I swear I can see him plotting the next move.  That doesn't mean we don't have mis-understandings or stubborn moments, oh we do.  But I have learned to work through them and come out on the other side a better shepherd for it.... I also might add a happier Zeke!

My Tweedie Pie!  I would be remiss if I didnt' include him in all of our sheep wrangling.  Though he has yet to work our flock of Shetlands, I feel another deep, wonderful bond with him as well.  Almost 18 months and already he is one heck of border collie!  He has been so much fun and rewarding to train.  Clean slate and ready to go.  Tweed is definately different than Zeke in every fabulous way possible.  He has taught me my voice and why exactly, I need to control it.  He has taught me about pressure, and last but not least.... to mean what I say and the importance of keeping my hands in my pocket!  I can tell you so much learning is going on with Tweed that I can't possibly put it all down in a post. 

how could you not just love this face!?!?!?! - thanks Lora for capturing all that we call Tweed

working dog shot....I love Tweed, that's it, that's all, nuf said!

I am not that articulate, though I wish I was.  I am more of a deep feeling person, that is challenged to put this experience into words.  Really, all you need to know is that my boys mean the world to me and I am thankful for everything they teach me.  This journey has been full of blood, sweat, tears and fabulous moments that I cherish deeply, I am so thankful for Zeke, Tweed and my sheep.  

That'll do boys, that'll do.

Greetings

Some of my sheep greeted me at the gate today when I went to check on them. That's Bridgette in front, always first to see what goodies I might have for my wee sheepies