Friends Helping Friends, and Frehley

For those yet to meet the inimitable Frehley, he came into LCA’s care last year as a tiny lamb whose body had not read the usual instructions. His back legs trailed behind him while his front ones set off at odd angles, each seemingly with its own plan for the day.

But with care, kindness and a set of pink wheels, Frehley found his way forward.

Whether he was born with one of the most affable personalities you could ever meet, or simply absorbed all the goodness from the humans whose hearts he stole along the way, we cannot be sure. What we do know is that Frehley is one awesome sheep. A true barn-working, attention-loving, heart-winning little legend.

So when we heard he needed help, of course we said yes.

Thankfully, Frehley’s issues were quickly addressed. His feet were pared and treated, pain relief and antibiotics given, and soon he was feeling much more himself. Being an Awassi sheep, Frehley also carries one of the breed’s most remarkable features: a generous fat pad at the base of the tail, a rear-end arrangement so impressive it could almost require its own forwarding address.

But Frehley has not simply been receiving help while here. In the true spirit of friends helping friends, he has been offering it too. He has become gentle company for dear Glory, whose story is coming soon, and a steadying presence for Pinto, the frightened young ram still learning that kindness can be trusted.

That is testament to the love and care of the good folk at Lamb Care Australia. Frehley is so at ease with humans, so ready to meet life with trust and good humour, that he has slipped into sanctuary life as though he had always belonged.

And yet there is an ache in that too. For without the birth challenges that changed his path, Frehley may have greeted with that same open heart the very humans set to harm him. Such is the innocence of sheep.

Now, with Frehley back on his hooves, his time with us will reluctantly come to an end. It has been an honour and a treat to care for this fluffy little rockstar.

Because sometimes friends help friends by offering treatment.

Sometimes they help by offering trust.

And sometimes, without even knowing it, they help by reminding us that every life, however wonky its beginning, is worthy of being held steady.

Safe travels when the time comes, dear Frehley. You are welcome back any time.