As the sun came up over Dutchman’s Mountain, I knew it was going to be a very warm day. The fog was heavy along the branch along the sheep pens… and the day had that feel to it.
I was up till 2:30 Am working on the ESCR/NESR Quilt (I was tacking the legend on the back of the quilt) So Drover and Timber did not go into their crates till then.
All the dogs had barked and carried on and I had heard “something” a time or two but could not tell what “It” was.
My friend Diane came over to pick up some fence and we walked down to the sheep pens to pick it up. I sent Drover in to gather the sheep and bring them out of the gate. Diane was impressed! I noticed I had a dead sheep! and I was missing a sheep!
Well something had killed a lamb and took another lamb!
Les and I took care of the dead lamb and looked for the other one. I never found any sign of it.
We decided we HAD to put some fence up between Uncle Richard ‘s field and ours.. That is where “our adventure begins”! of course our sheep were down in Richards field eating his green, sweet, rich grass. Yes they had a slick path.
So I stood on the hill above the sheep a good 400 feet from them and sent Drover on an “Away” to the left counter clock wise around the sheep. He disappeared out of sight under the hill for a bit and then came back with the flock! BUT I saw one sheep jump into the old hedgerow along the fence line . What happens is over the years a fence will have cedars and old hedge bushes, briars and brambles, honeysuckle and such grow up all along it. It can be quite a place for hiding and an awful thick mess to deal with. The next thing I saw was a lamb laying down and immediately thought it was dead and likely the missing lamb. So I went to the lamb to see… expecting the worst. Thank God it was fine! Sometimes the sheep will get scared or tired or just lie down and refuse to move. This lamb was stressed but fine.It jumped up and started towards the flock but by now they were clean out of sight and one lamb does not herd.
Drover worked the lamb in the correct direction while I assisted him. Like all sheep alone…. it made decisions that are totally incorrect! It dove into the hedge row between my uncles field and ours! It came out on our side and the briars are so thick in the field it did not go far. Drover was trying to move it but again it laid down. Les came with the gator so I could get to the lamb I picked it up and we took it to the flock. Drover sat on the back of the gator and kept a good eye on the lamb in my lap.
We went back to look for the sheep that had went thru the old hedge row along the creek.
I walked along the edge of the hedge row and sent Drover to look for the sheep. Drover looked about 50 feet and got into the yellow jackets. He did some scooting a rolling! But was fine! We continued to look for over an hour. We checked out the hedgerow real good both sides. There is an old deep ditch at the end of the fence line and Drover looked all around it. I was not liking that much. That is where we lost Momma’s horse Copper so many years ago. He fell into it and busted up his insides and died.
So Drover explored the creek he went down into it. The sides are 10 feet deep and mostly straight down there are trees and roots and briars and yes a bit of fresh still flowing water in it! (This is Jackson Creek) He went way down the creek and was gone for a while. All I could do is hear him splashing as he looked for that sheep! He finally came back and I found a way down into the creek (cow watering spot) and I joined his search. I would say “Drover where is the sheep? Go find the sheep!:” He understands what I say most f the time. He and I looked and looked! Finally with wet shoes and water up to my shins we climbed out of the creek.
I had given up hope and figured the sheep would belong to a coyote or worse soon. Les and I started back to the house and Les said ” I want to look in the upper edge of this field” I said okay I will walk and meet you.
Back up the hedge row we went again.Drover alerted again at the end of the hedgerow. I did not like where he was going but allowed him and he disappeared out of sight and then as if by magic a lamb jumped up and out of the tall undergrowth and was running like a deer! Here we go again one sheep and no flock!
Drover worked and I assisted and finally I was able to catch the lamb as Drover held it in the bushes. I picked it up and carried it to the gator and then to the flock! Drover had done his job well.
He understood what I was looking for and asking him to do. He worked till he found the lamb, and all were safely reunited to the flock.
Drover is a sheep dog! He is a Working sheep dog! With plenty of good sense and a strong work ethic. He will gather the sheep and he will drive the sheep. He is as fine a helper as anyone could ever want or need!
I am very very pleased with my Drover!
Drover and I are heading down to campout in the truck tonight with the rifle and the sheep. Oh and a couple flashlights! Maybe we will figure out what is bothering the sheep!
