I’ve not seen a sheep act as a leader before, not in the way Zelda does. In the high winds today, she led the other four – these are not leaders, they are very much sheep – to a sheltered spot by the apple tree and she kept an eye on Red and I as we moved about the farm. It has been a few months since Zelda knocked me and Red down and busted out through the gate and led us on a merry chase a half-mile up the busy state highway in front of the farm. We were all lucky to get through that day, yet I don’t think Zelda would do that now. She is easy with Red, and easier with me and Maria. This is her farm now, and she is comfortable here. I don’t foresee any more breakouts. The fence is stronger.

When I shot Strut the rooster, a friend e-mailed me that she could no longer read my blog because I didn’t value life in the same way she did. She said she could only imagine that if Zelda acted up that I might get rid of her. I did not tell her that we got Zelda off of a farmer about to load her onto a truck headed for the market. Still, my friend (former friend, I guess) was right about one thing. If Zelda harmed Maria or me or anyone else, I would get her back on that truck. Human life comes first for me.

But we have worked hard and long with Zelda, and I have never trained a sheep before – and Red gets a huge chunk of the credit – and I am fascinated to see that it can be done. Zelda is quite strong-willed and we have all gotten our share of Zelda bruises chasing her around barns and pastures and roads. I sense that is over, though and while she will remain a strong and independent presence, she very much feels a part of the farm. We will keep working at, she is a remarkable animal.