The temporary solution was to tie up the dogs when the sheep were out, but there was a failure in the solution and my Sweetpea is dead and so is Spot, my Dorper ram. We're sad over the ewe lamb, but my daughter is sad because her dog has to go.
Even though I am frustrated and upset, I know deep down I am a bit sad about Balto and Cinnamon, too.
Very Sad evening.....
6 comments:
NancyDe,
I'm so sorry to hear about the sheep and the dogs. I trust that things with your flock will get better.
It seems that running a homestead continues to provide you with opportunities for you to meet. I hope that these challenges provide us with chances to grow and become better people....
All the same, I'm thinking good thoughts for you.
Oh Nancy,
Sending hugs your way and sent you an email.
Condolences for your dear losses,
Deb
Hard decisions either way, no one will be happy. Wishing you luck. If you do get rid of the dogs maybe a new Border Collie or Australian Cattle Dog (very sheep friendly and helpful) will cheer your daughter up?
What's really irritating is that one of the dogs that helped kill the ram WAS my Border Collie. Think the next one has to be either and Aussie or a Heeler. She says she will never like a new puppy as much, but I don't know - what a rough thing to have to happen to a 12 year old.
Right now we have them on long run lines and take them off for a walk at night. Not the best situation, but we've lost 5 sheep to them! Until we can find homes, this is the best we can do.
So sorry to hear about your loss. We use a llama as guardian to our sheep. She may spit at them every once in a while but no biting. Our pups did kill one of my guineas the other day. They have to stick close to mama now. Oh, and we are getting batteries for their training collars. Those did help with commands. Labs are a bit headstrong at times. Sorry your daughter has to get rid of her pet too. No good side with that.
I thought about a donkey for a livestock guardian - they had a campaign to find adoptive homes for the wild donkeys in Kona. I am not sure even a wild donkey could handle three dogs at once.
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