Arranged marriages

Gorgeous George - Bluefaced Leicester Ram

You want me to do what? With who??
Marty, Clun Forest Ram

It is that time of year. The time where shepards start the process of dreaming. When they begin that first step in a long journey where they pray their well thought out plans can be become reality.

This is a time of wonderment and hope. You hope you will get perfect woolie little bundles of joy bounding about your paddocks in March. You wonder if it will ever happen after you observe two maiden (virgin for the vulgar) sheep bound like rocket blasters in opposite directions of each other.

Bella, our Purebred Clun Forest ewe was introduced to her "husband" and the result was NOT something that would burn up the pages of any romance novel. Marty, the chosen groom, being as virginal as she, decided to channel his inner gopher and tunneled his way out of his love nest to join Gorgeous George and his harem in the neighboring paddock. I guess Marty missed that day at sheep school. I am sure he broke many laws, including mine which is a big one.

Don't break the g#$ D*&n fences.

Poor Bella, she stood stranded in her paddock, abandoned at the alter of love as Marty gleefully bounded around Precious, Abbey and Eve. George paid little attention because as the experienced older male he knew he had to wine and dine the girls first if he ever wanted to acheive a grand slam.

Marty repeated the "Gopher" routine for two more days until we finally erected a wooden fence somewhat sturdy enough to prevent further escapes from his imagined Alcatraz. Poor Bella, all dressed up and the boys don't even know she's there. Reminds me of many a high school dance. Yikes! I feel your pain Bella!

Gorgeous George however is the apple of my eye and apparently Eve's as her bottom is now a very bright and vibrant fire engine red from all of Georges amourous attentions. One ewe down 3 more to go!

George is a former 4H Champion and a Blueface Leicester Ram who'se body is adorned with tight curls, the like of which would make angels weep. It is like having a Ram in Armani as far as this shepard is concerned. I have particular high hopes for the offspring from George and Precious as her fleece won 3rd place at the Provincial Fleece Competition this year. With my luck, the gopher will sneak in and I will not get my dream lamb, but some dark face ram that has a fleece not even a carpet maker would love!

But one must remember that this is a season of hope and joy at what the future could bring, as long as your name is not Bella!