Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007

Subject: Mommy gave us our first haircut!

Pics of the 2-some after I gave them their first summer haircut!

Willie was so relaxed while I was clipping him, he laid down. Rosie fell asleep on her feet!
They continue to be entertaining and very affectionate! Willie is a little stronger today – he has been a little weak from the cross country trip – today I heard him baaaa for the first time!

Enjoy!
Stacy

 

Date: June 26, 2007
Subject: MY SHEEP HAVE ARRIVED! 

I have decided to add to my family - as it is a little lonely and isolated up here in Redding, Ct.

I recently cared for miniature sheep lately for another client - and fell in love - totally enchanted! I decided miniature sheep would be a good match for the Murphy household. Very little maintenance, they live outdoors, they are affectionate, and are like dogs. Perfect!!!

I managed to find a farm located in Washington State - which carried the breed I liked - miniature Icelandic sheep. I soon became aware - after many discussions with the owner and another person who had purchased sheep from this farm - that these would be rescue sheep - they were in poor condition, and ailing health. I decided to obtain these 2 little sheep, despite the ailments I knew they might come with. I started rebuilding their stall, which was full of old llama poop and rotten timbers. I pulled apart the walls, cleaned the floor, installed new studs and cedar lining, all topped off with new feed buckets and oat straw for their bedding!! My little sheep would be flown in a dog airline carrier, as they were not very big at that point. I went to Bradley airport to pick them up with a friend of mine on one of the hottest days of the year. These poor little lambs were covered in excrement, and were nothing but skin and bones. I was appalled at their condition, it was worse than I imagined....

Unfortunately it is 90 degrees today – ick – I wouldn’t want to wear a wool sweater……but – they were in ac all the way on the plane and in the car. Now they have fans blowing on them full blast! The female Rosie is very verbal, and more dominant. She baas when she hears my voice already. Willie, the male is a little scared. Maybe in time.  I laid down in the stall with them, they seemed perplexed with this – both came over to sniff me – and Rosie ended up nuzzling me and being very quiet and affectionate. She likes to have her head and ears rubbed. This is all within 4 hours of getting them. They are 4 months old, and weigh about 25 pounds. They are the size of a springer spaniel, and won’t get much bigger. They are so cute, I am happy I got them, and look forward to turning them out in the pasture in a couple days.

Next week, they get their summer haircut!

Oxoxox
Stacy