This is a very difficult post for me to write. Yet I feel I need to, part for my own healing, and part in hopes that no one else ever causes this to happen. 

Briden, our Bottle Baby Lamb Ram, born February 21, 2024, about 14 months ago, and seen here giving kisses, has always been friendly, and easy to handle. 

We had plans to keep him forever, basically. He was part of the flock. A good protector, and had developed a beautiful set of horns.

Though he’d never used those horns on me, or anyone really. He’d act up a little, from time to time, but never with real aggression. Then that all changed! 

About a week ago, May 5th, we had our guy come to sheer our sheep. Briden got a little excited, but nothing serious. He was fixed, “withered” they call it. Although he still had his, um, peanuts. So, though he could not breed a ewe, he still produced testosterone. Although he’d never really been aggressive. Even when being sheered he was good. 

After being sheered we turned him, and the ewes, out into the Pasture. I was watching, and somewhat helping the guy who sheers our sheep, and I noticed someone, a guy, in the pasture! He was taunting Briden!! It was at that point Denis showed up at the door, and I looked at him and said, “Can You and that Guy get out of the Pasture!”. Stated rather firmly. I expected a little backlash from Denis later on. I try not to speak like that! However, sometimes it’s needed, like when this Guy is out there teasing the Withered Ram Lamb, Briden! 

Thankfully, Denis saw him, “Provoking Briden”. So, when I asked him to get him and that Guy out of the pasture he knew what I meant and why! Denis later told me the Guy was head butting Briden with his hand! Teasing and Provoking Briden! (Please, Never do That!) 

It resulted in Briden turning mean! Sometimes that’s all it takes! The next day when I went back to feed and water the sheep, Briden came for me! Not once, not twice, but three times!!! He was mean, and Wild, and I had to address the problem. First attack I tried to calm him with gentleness. Then with firmness. Then, the third time with him not backing down I had to do what I had to do to get out. Badly beat and bruised, but still alive! Yes, a 100 lb sheep in a mood like that can inflict serious injury! 

The next day, I was very sore, hurt, and bruised. Thankfully nothing broken! 

Although, as I told Denis, “As hurt as I was physically, my heart hurt more!” 

My heart hurt, because, I was unable to tame Briden after that! 
sometimes it# just like a switch flips in their head! They go Mean! Very Mean! 
It’s sad, heart breaking, especially when there was no need of anyone teasing Briden! 

So, please, stay out of the Pastures, never provoke a sheep! Especially a Ram! Or any animal for that matter! I’ve not seen that neighbour since! Probably a good thing! I’m not impressed! 

Thankfully my body is healing, my heart is broken, as we had to take Briden to the Butcher today. 

My heart will heal, as will my body, and eventually maybe even a friendship with that Neighbour! In time! Although I never want him around any of our animals again!