A gentle lamb

Updated September 30, 2024

As soft and calm as the gentle breeze she takes her name from is our Zephyr. It quickly became clear that all was not well with the late-night arrival of this raspy-chested newborn lamb. Still swathed in a crusty amniotic armour that her dear mumma never had the chance to clean more than hinted that things had not gone to plan.

Thanks to the farmer’s tireless diligence and care, his twice-daily checks of his flock ensured that Zephyr avoided the fate of so many other lambs. Heart-wrenching statistics reveal that 15–30% of these precious babies never make it to weaning age.

While little Zephyr will never know her mother’s tender love, she will most certainly know ours. Though it’s not quite the same, ours will ensure that, with her chest infection long gone, a bright future shall be hers. She mirrors our love when she gazes deeply into our eyes, then gently closes hers, as if in understanding.

Sitting with Zephyr and her lamb buddies just now, as they take a break from their busy day, so do we. The sun to our west begins to set, heralding its whisper of change. A poignant metaphor that reminds us that all things and beings do. Now a lively little lamb, over the years to come, Zephyr will grow into a wise, ageing sheep. Throughout it all, love—in its many forms—will continue to heal and transform her, carried always on a gentle breeze.

With a sign reading, “Free to good home” this soon became a prophecy, as Alex Layhey and Gretta Lay were sanctuary bound.

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Roulette’s battered and bruised form told the story of her recent past, one etched in pain and desperation. But at first blush, we readily recognised her pricelessness.

Faced with certain death at the slaughterhouse, Tom Sawyer ran as fast as his agile legs could carry him and into the path of kindness.

A misstep on their walk whilst exploring a bush trail led Hyundai’s heroes to the wrong place at the right time.

As the arrow sliced through the delicate skin on Boone’s back, it was more than its menace that sent him racing – it was survival.

The frost of the morning was so relentless it nearly claimed the lives of newborn twins, Holden and Monaro. But even its bitter chill couldn’t numb the heart of a kindly neighbour who saw the tiny twosome struggling.

Once a shadow racing through suburban streets, Howie Hoffsteader wasn’t always the cheerful, trusting pig we know today.

Found alone, with no mumma in sight, her story echoes the tragic commonality of so many little lambs.

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