[Jacob-list] Voice commands

[kbarrett at oregontrail.net]

This weekend I delivered a bummer lamb to a friend to take home for a pet for 
his kids. This wether lamb was pretty special to me so finding a good home was 
imperative.  I drove him 5 hours to a horse event along with kids and horses.  
He spent the weekend there following me around and endearing himself to the 
crowd.  I did have to go into the porta pottie one morning and he circled the 
potti crying MAAA MAAA, so one of the folks in a group nearby called his name 
to calm him down.  ( Orphan Andy)  Well he went to the group to see who called 
his name, and became more and more upset to see it wasn't me. He was quite 
frantic by the time I got out( Not really all that long!). I knelt down and 
called "Andy I'm here" and he ran full tilt to me, rubbing his head on my 
shoulder and finally stopping that incessant MAaaing. So I would say this sheep 
knows my voice as well as his name. I am hoping he can bond to his new family 
by voice as well. Honestly this sheep not only knows his name he knows several 
simple commands such as down, and load up, I have never had a dog that was less 
trouble than this sheep. I didn't need to leash him as he heels perfectly, 
never wandered or got in dog fights or scared anyone.  I was in the process of 
teaching him to pull a wagon, and expect he will become a cart sheep in his new 
life. I am afraid I will miss him, but at times he was a pest, and a constant 
shadow. With all these other sheep he could never get enough attention, and I 
felt he needed little kids to play with. 
Kate Barrett
Ruby Peak Jacobs