A shot at life

With that very organ pounding more than it ever had, his very future rested on whether his hooves could match its frantic pace. And they did.

Boone escaped. 

But for how long could he have survived with that arrow stuck through his back? The barb jutted from his left side while the arrowhead loomed large on his right. If there was any grace to be found in this senseless act, it was that the aim of the shooter was as poor as their ethics, and no vital organs were hit.

For days, Boone carried on while the marker of this ordeal was still carried painfully in his back. Ultimately, through the compassion of strangers, Boone’s plight was recognised, and he was again shot – but this time, by a tranquiliser dart shot with the kindness and precision of an expert wildlife rescuer. Transported to the pound, the arrow was removed. Yet, being deemed an abandoned animal, Boone’s brush with death was far from over.

With his fate hanging by a thread, an eleventh-hour plea saved his life, and it was sanctuary that found him and not death. And in this place of refuge, Boone has found his heaven on earth. A place where he shall live out his days with equally fortunate sheep. Already, no doubt, he is regaling his tales of his dare-devil adventure with his new companions, the rescued rams, Ram-ond and Ram-und.

Boone’s story carries many messages for us all. We are responsible for those we have tamed – at least, we should be.

Aim at targets, not at animals.

But above all, the greatest thing we can do for any being is to give them the best shot at life possible.