I’ve lived with sheep for more than a decade, they rarely surprise me. Sheep are predictable, lovers of ritual and tradition. They eat at the same time together in the same way every day, three times a day. They stay out of the midnight sun, graze in soft rain, are almost impervious to cold and wind.

As a rule, they are not individualists. They don’t care to be alone, and move almost in unison. Except when one is dying. I have noticed that our sheep do not let other sheep die alone.

Zelda is clearly dying, this will almost surely be her last season. She  came to us along with Suzy, who gave birth to socks, and these three are almost always together.

During the day now, Zelda lies down in the shade by the apple tree. She doesn’t move when Red comes by or when I do. She used to knock both of us down from time to time.

The last few days, I’ve noticed Suzy and Socks, also Border Leicesters,  are standing by her all die. I believe they know Zelda, once their fierce leader, is fading and they are standing with her, keeping her from a lonely death. There is really no other explanation for us.

The other seven sheep are getting their shade in the Pole Barn, these three are sticking together. Sheep are always more sensitive than they sometimes seem.

We are leaving Zelda alone, I believe it’s time to put her down, Maria wants to give her more time. She doesn’t seem to be in pain.

Sheep are not individualists, but they don’t let other sheep die alone.