June 14, 2007

  Paula the sheep is my oldest sheep and the first sheep I ever herded with a dog (it was Orson, in Pennsylvania). She is perhaps 12 years old, and today, for the first time ever, she simply refused to be herded. She stood still, wouldn’t budge, and when Rose came back to collect her, she put her head down and butted Rose, who was stunned. Rose circled, came back and nipped at Paula, but Paula would not move. I have never seen Rose so bewildered and uncertain, and eventually, she turned to look at me, and I said “leave it,” and Rose just moved to the rest of the flock and ignored Paula. I can only imagine the communication that passed between the two of them.
  Paula is probably sick, or even near death, as I can’t  imagine any other reason this docile and easy going creature (named after my wife) would ignore  a dog she has been working with for  five years, and who is as focused and authoritative as Rose. We moved the flock two or three times, and Paula twice refused to be herded, then came along at her own pace and of her own accord. I would be afraid to leave her alone, as she would be a target for coyotes, and would surely be terrified, as anytime sheep are alone, it is not a good thing. I’ve called for the large animal vet to come and check her out. She might be losing her eyesight or some other sense. I will put her with two or three other ewes, so she can be left alone, but not be alone. Rose seems not to see her, and just moves the other sheep in the usual way. Sometimes, we just cannot see what goes on between these animals. I am especially fond of Paula, as we have a rich history of herding and she has given birth to four very lovely sheep.