I would not have thought this scene possible even a few weeks ago. We got Zelda from a farmer who was about to sell her and she was – is – not like any other sheep I have known. She became the leader of our flock, battled Red, jumped fences, broke through gates, led escapes, refused to be handled, touched or calmed. We never considered getting rid of her, we probably should have, there was something about her fiercely independent and intelligent spirit we admire. She was the only sheep who refused to wear a coat to protect her fleece for yarn. She and Red still keep a wary eye on her and until this morning, she never allowed herself to be touched by me or Maria, unless it was under duress.

This morning, Maria reached over to scratch Zelda’s hind quarters – sheep get itchy this time of year until they are shorn. Zelda started to bolt, then circled around and came back. It was touching to see this, a testament to Maria’s great way with animals, her calm and loving way with animals. If Zelda is not exactly calm, she is very different, she would never have permitted this. This took about a year.