Dolly has made herself right at home at Lucky Dog Farm, and she's started contributing to the flock. She’s also quickly become a favorite of mine for her low-key attitude and overall sweet nature.
I brought Dolly home from Bar-B Farm in Tennessee this June, as a birthday present to myself. She's a long-bodied Dorper, a proven mother, and I was curious to see how she'd do here. Moving to Vermont meant a change in management, too: grass-based, with daily moves to fresh pasture in summer, and real winter to contend with. I was looking forward to seeing how she'd handle it all.
First up: lambing.
Dolly delivered two healthy ram lambs out in the field on a gorgeous, warm, sunny late fall day. Meg and I found them, tucked them into a cloth grocery bag (don't worry, it's already been washed) for easier carrying, and brought the little family home.
Except there was a THIRD lamb.
The next morning, David was out walking the dogs when he heard a lamb bleating in the Lower Lupine Field. Trusty Meg and I went to investigate, and sure enough, there he was! He'd slipped through the fence and apparently hadn't been with the other two when I found them the day before. No doubt he was napping in a sunny spot.
I brought him home and reunited him with Dolly and his brothers. He was cold and a bit confused, but fortunately, this little guy is made of sturdy stuff. He wasn't chilled, and Dolly accepted him without a fuss. She gave him a look that seemed to say, "Oh, there you are! I wondered where you'd got to."
And that was that. No drama, no rejection, just one more lamb added to the family.
All three boys are doing well. Triplets are a handful for any ewe, so I'll be keeping an eye on them to make sure everyone gets enough milk and grows as they should.
I've named them Atlas, Ajax, and Argo. Three ram lambs with names that suggest they're ready for adventure. Argo seems especially appropriate for the little fellow who managed to evade discovery for a day. I'm glad he's safely back with his family, and I suspect that he'll be the one I keep as a breeding ram. Fun fact: Argo was the name of Jason’s ship in Greek legend in his quest for the Golden Fleece. Seems a fitting name for a wandering lamb.
Dolly's first lambing at Lucky Dog Farm was a success, even if she did keep one little surprise up her sleeve. I'm looking forward to watching these three grow and seeing how Dolly settles into life in Vermont.
Welcome to the farm, Atlas, Ajax, and Argo. We're happy to have you here!
Farmer Judith, Lucky Dog Farm
Dolly, Argo, Atlas and Ajax.