THE SHEPHERD

I've recently had another opportunity to understand how my role as shepherd is defined. This has always been a humbling experience, probably because its not me doing the defining. The role of shepherd has evolved over centuries and even a control freak like me can do little to influence it one way or another.

We began weaning the lambs the other day. And like so many events here at Drumcliffe Farm, the experienced ewes are quick to recognize that their lives or environment have been altered, not necessarily in a good way. It always amazes me that the very same animals that are normally sure to keep their safe distance from me are just as quick to seek me out during times of stress or danger to seek a solution. Its not as if they they see me as the solution, its more that they expect me to find the solution - fix the problem. It started in the morning as we brought all the sheep into the barn from the pastures to sort out the lambs. Our neighbors, friends, and family had gone into the pasture to gather up the sheep and push them to the barnyard. At that moment, I realized that the sheep saw these strangers as a potential danger and I directed my help to the sides and simply called the flock to me. They calmly followed me right into the barnyard. The day ended with the lambs separated from their mothers and the annual lamb/ewe chorus began in earnest. I left Melody, our guard llama with the lambs, which calmed them. However, the ewes were on their own. For the next few days I could see it in their eyes. They weren't angry, or scared, accusatory. They simply and honestly wanted me to bring their lambs back to them. But they still trusted me to do what was right. In time after a few days, they still sensed that I could fix what they perceived as a problem, but their acceptance slowly grew.

This is difficult to explain to someone that has never experienced caring for a domesticated animal like sheep. Its not the same relationship as a with a pet cat or a pet dog. A human/pet relationship is more of a mutual benefit sort of thing, and dogs and cats have evolved (with our selective breeding) for thousands of years to fill an especially unique companion role. Domesticated farm animals have also evolved (with our help again) to fill a bit different role. Sheep, even the supposed "primitive" breed like our Jacobs, depend on the shepherd to survive. They would not exist without the shepherd. I know that and I believe they know it as well. I know there are a few exceptions of sheep and goats "going rogue" and surviving in the "wild", but that is not a viable self-sustaining population.

I have a healthy relationship with my flock. I understand my stewardship responsibilities and provide their needs. I thank them for their service to me and honor their existence. I am truly blessed.