I love sheep. Something about their cuddly-woolly look, their curious and inquisitive stare,and the gentle (or outright) baaa-ing makes them so endearing. Some people mistakenly liken the term “sheep-like” and “sheepish” (aka mindlessly following others) to the actual animal. But don’t let this assumption fool you. Sheep are very intelligent and are capable of much more than grazing and herding.

Did you know….

• Sheep have great memories and can recognize up to 50 other sheep faces and remember them for years. The same holds true for recalling human features.
• Studies have shown that they are capable of learning and problem solving as evidenced by navigating very complex mazes.
• They can (and do) self-medicate. It has been found that, when needed, they source plants and other natural substances, (which hold no nutritional value), to prevent or treat disease. They teach their young to do the same.
• Sheep are emotionally complex and experience a wide range of emotions: sad, happy, bored, angry, etc. Experts state that their feelings can be very complex and include interactions between emotions and cognition. There are even sheep that can be considered optimists while others face their world as pessimists.

And did you know…

• the last Saturday in the month of October is officially “Hug a Sheep Day”!!

If you are familiar with our shop window, you will know that our constant mascot is our own sheep… resin that is. She stands as an icon for all the dairy animals to whom we owe the thanks for our cheese, and also as a reminder that these gentle creatures are more than meets the eye.

Speaking of sheep… we have recently added the best shortbread cookies I have ever tasted to the shop. Perfectly coated in a delicious white chocolate, and finished with (woolly-looking) sprinkles.Simply amazing!! They are handmade with love by Anna Marie of Aurora.