Annie and No. 74

  June 24, 2008 – So ewe no 74, the one that looked at me curiously two weeks ago and showed up as a photo, is ill, wheezing and with mucous on her nose. In my experience, sick sheep rarely recover, but at Annie’s very strong suggestion, I called the vet, who is on the way. Annie thinks she has allergies, I think she has pneumonia and is close to death. Still, she is getting the best care (thanks mostly to Annie). I subscribe to the vet code, “Sick Sheep Seldom Survive.” The illness has prompted the great annual discussion between Annie and me on the appropriate boundares around spending money and time on sick animals on a working farm.
 I will keep you posted. This ewe has some individual spirit, and this is the first sick animal I have had on the farm for nearly three years, thanks also largely to Annie. My first year here, I spent many thousands of dollars on donkey and sheep care, and learned if this farm is to survive, I have to make considered choices about caring for sick or troubles animals. It’s an interesting issue. That ewe is fortunate Annie is here. (Although I would feel badly if I didn’t have the vet take a good look and do whatever is possible.)