"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Shepherds & Sheep ( Wee Little Ones Too )

 I have been very busy making and shipping Wee Little Sheep *. Often , while making the little sheep I place them around my little shepherd boy. This little flock seemed to be gathered around him as if they love him and my little shepherd seems sad to see them go.
 Now I know neither the little sheep or the little shepherd are living beings, but for some reason this gathering seemed very real and the little flock was packaged and sent off to new homes throughout the U.S. shortly after I snapped the pictures. Sometimes I am surprised by the emotions inanimate objects evoke and this makes me glad I am making more sheep for my shepherd. Hmm... I think I need to get outside with my real flock and my real shepherd.
 Yes, I do have a real shepherd, and her name is Whimsy. She is my German Shepherd puppy, now 5 months old. Yes indeed, I am allowing her to help me with my sheep and after the holidays intend to take her to sheep herding training. I think she is a natural, but since I have never before had a herding dog , what would I know ?
Whimsy follows me into the sheep pens as I feed and tend my sheep. Here she is facing down a more aggressive ewe lamb in my lamb pen. Thus far, Whimsy has behaved herself quite well, and when she gets too excited I call her away from the sheep or command her to "SIT!" and she obeys. She is sleeping by my feet as I write this post. She & I are becoming very good friends and I hope she will be a companion to my husband & I for many years, and a good sheep dog too. ( The reddish blob in the picture is our Vizsla who is more interested in the alfalfa pellets that dropped from the feed bucket )
"Shepherd :to tend as a shepherd; to gather, guard, herd, lead, or drive sheep, as a shepherd. " Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
 
"Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arms He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. " Isaiah 40:11
 
"I am the good shepherd ; and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:14,15

21 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Looking at the shepherd with all those wonderful sheep really grips my heart. The 'Shepherd' loves all of his sheep and his sheep hear his voice.

I am one of his little sheep with tears streaming for some reason. My husband is one of his sheep too and is already with our Shepherd in eternity. It was a year ago yesterday that Jesus took him home.

Love and hugs to you ~ FlowerLady

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Your whimsical sheep are sweet.

Bee Lady said...

Oh my gosh this post is perfect for me! I have that problem with inanimate objects too. And I asked my friend Patty how she lets her Santas and such go. She said she says good bye to every one of them before they leave and hope they have a good home. I love your sheep.

Cindy Bee

Bee Lady said...

Oh my gosh this post is perfect for me! I have that problem with inanimate objects too. And I asked my friend Patty how she lets her Santas and such go. She said she says good bye to every one of them before they leave and hope they have a good home. I love your sheep.

Cindy Bee

Connie said...

I love the picture of the little shepherd boy and the wee sheep, Kathy. They do look almost real! I bet Whimsy will be a natural working with the sheep with you.

Bernideen said...

Those are darling. I love them all gathered there around the shepherd. In Israel there is a sign with an arrow which "to the Shepard Fields".
I have my picture standing next to it.

Sandra said...

Adorable!
All the little sheep are smiling!

Debbie said...

We rarely see beautiful German Shepherds anymore, and they used to be very popular. I had one years ago but have just never gotten another. My Aussie would love to put his natural herding talents to work , but we have nothing but squirrels around here. They don't cooperate, as they tend to scatter. Isn't the symbol of the shepherd and the sheep so in keeping with this season when God chose the shepherds to receive the news of the birth of the King, and the Great Shepherd came to tend His flocks. You know by my blog name that I am quite fond of the idea.
A very Blessed Christmas to you and you very large family!

Antiques And Teacups said...

Your sheep are so cute! And your shepherd is a sweetie!
Ruth

Paula said...

Your wee sheep are precious, Kathy!! And I'm glad Whimsy seems to be a good "sheep" dog so far. ;)

Susan said...

Your sheep are adorable, Kathy. I LOVE them.

Thanks so much for following my blog. I am now your newest follower, too!
What fun!

Take care and have a great day. Susan

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I love the sheep around and they're for Baby Jesús, like Santa is for regular folk. I love your shepherd boy, he's adorable. Thank you for visiting me sweet lady.
FABBY

Susan said...

P.S. Hi Kathy. Meant to ask you where Cedar Pond is located. Do you tell what state? Susan

joanne said...

love your wee flock! I was so fortunate that you gifted me with a couple when you were my secret santa. I keep them out all year round but they go to the manger at Christmastime. So sweet, thanks.

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Your little sheep are adorable! and so is sweet Whimsy with those big ears and sweet eyes!! Whimsy is the cutest dog name I've heard in quite awhile!!
Hugs,
Bella

Deanna said...

Hello Dear Lady!
Merry Christmas to you.

Love your lil sheep. They are darling.
d

Karen said...

It's always a treat to visit your blog. Whimsy will be a great help to you!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Love those sheep and so sweet with the shepherd boy. Love Whimsy..........so cute!

Maggie Ann said...

I am enjoying your blog! It must be great fun to keep sheep. I love to experience unwashed fleece and prepare it for spinning. The little sheep you make are amazing and beautiful. Thank you for visiting knitting kat!

Linda said...

Great post. Your header is beautiful. Greetings from Montreal, Canada.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Kathy, Whimsy is going to be a wonderful sheep dog; German Shepherds have the most intense chase instinct of any dog breed. Your sheep are so cute; glad they have good homes.