Whereas I Almost Kill B. Willard...But Get A Funny Story Out Of It

Buddy (with his ears back): "There was nothing funny about it!"



You remember Buddy. The kindest sheep in the world. We also call him our vet tech. Any time something's wrong with a sheep, like when Miss Ewenice couldn't get up, he's right there. Any time you have to doctor on a sheep, he's right there. Right by your side.

He's so right there that we've learned to count on his help. If you need to catch a crazy Jacob? Head 'em towards Buddy. He's a nearly unmovable wall. Need somewhere to set your cell phone, extra vet supplies, towels...? His back is a perfect table. Right by your side.

Last night I noticed Willard was breathing funny again. Took his temp and it was high. Got ready to give him a couple shots and he jumped around during the second shot and the needle must have gashed a small artery. I thought he was going to bleed to death.

To make a long story (sort of) short, I was kneeling next to Willard, holding pressure on the injection site and here comes Buddy.

"Let's see. What do we have going on here?" (He has an excellent bedside manner.)

"Sniff. Sniff. Sniff." (Checking things out.)

He gets a good look at all the blood running down Willard's leg, his eyes get big and he leaves.

"I'm out!"

He stood off to the side for a couple minutes, but his need to vet tech got the best of him. He came back. Got a good look again, eyes got big, walked (quickly) away.

"That's it! You're on your own."

Apparently Buddy can't stand the sight of blood?



"Yeah, well it was pretty awful."



"I don't even want to talk about it!"



"In fact, I'm leaving!"



"I am so out of here!"



"Hey, how come no one else is coming with me?"

Don't take it personal, B. Willard. Hank's blocking the gate (stupid sheep who still don't like Hank much even though they sure don't mind letting him work his butt off all night keeping coyotes at bay).

I'd like to get a picture of Hank sitting up on the hill in front of the horse stalls at night. The moon was bright last night and each time I went up to check on Willard, I could see Hank in the moonlight. The coyotes were all around and every time they got close, he reminded them to stay away. I can't imagine life without Hank.

Or B. Willard.