What's the good stuff?

Fiber! That's the good stuff for me! I cover that on my blog a lot, if you look back. However, I've come to learn that Shetland sheep are the whole package. I've learned of shepherds that can only dream of the ease Shetlands provide...from feeding to lambing, to ease in daily management.

The other good stuff for me? Personality! These sheep have it! Friendly, personable, easy to train, easy to shape.

What else? Just having them around! Peace comes over the farm when the sheep spread out and quietly/happily graze. Mornings are quiet as sheep chew cud and rest while laying down. Driving in the driveway and being greeted by distinctive baas, welcoming us back home. Greetings when we step out the door to a responding baa or two when they hear the back door slam. Gentle baas when we pass by to pull weeds or prune trees, tend fences or some other farm work. It is all good stuff.

What else? The fact that these sheep made it to the US! That someone was bold enough and willing to give up time to create a breed organization! That someone wanted to spin Shetland so bad that red tape was overcome, and the dream came true. That early arguments settled down, and the breed grew. That breeders took care to keep the breed authentic. That all this was done so that people in their future could enjoy what they had the chance to experience. THAT is the good stuff! I am that future. I am the recipient of all that work, arguing, and toil. I am what all those shepherds discussed years ago...going all the way back to the Islands. I am so thankful for all you have done! Your efforts were worthwhile and so many of us appreciate what you accomplished! I don't think that gets said much these days.