The Farmer just called me from his tractor and told me there were people walking down our road with dogs. "And one is loose," he said.
I dropped my vacuum, quickly put our dog in the house (she was enjoying the fresh spring air on a lead in the front of the house), and met them on the road.
"Please," I said. "I'm worried about your dog and our sheep. We have lambs that have escaped the fence temporarily, and I'm concerned. Can I loan you a leash?"
They kindly declined my offer of a leash and turned around. I hope they feel free to come back another time, with their dogs and enough leashes to go around.
Yes, we're working on the lambs' escape route. But it's also planting time, and the men are very busy.
I'm still shaking.
ETA: Read a fact sheet published by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture on Family Dogs and Sheep.
Wow, that is all I can say is wow.
ReplyDeleteLoose non-farm trained dogs + farm animals = Bad Situations
ReplyDeleteWhy can't people think ahead and be responsible. . . Dogs love to chase & catch and sheep run from EVERYTHING. . . even with my extrememly well trained (Rally, Obedience & Agility) farm savvy dogs, I have them on leash when introducing new livestock or walking the roads
Thankfully you were able to stop bad things from happening!
Bless your heart, I am so glad it ended this way.
ReplyDeleteYikes. I feel bad enough when the wildlife comes inside our fenced area where the dogs are.
ReplyDelete