Livestock Sheep

Sheep are a strange sort of domestic creature, one that usually operates in large crowds. It has a herd mentality that follows-the-leader straight off a cliff. It is this unique feature that makes sheep much safer when they've got a shepherd. A shepherd's main job is keeping his eye on the sheep. For sheep in the wild, this means many a long day is spent chasing after the flock. Sheep also like to run in search of green pastures, instinctively drawn to the sound of water. Sometimes sheep will run off. A good shepherd spends much time with the sheep. As a result, sheep kept in the wild are calmer and therefore mimic the shepherd. This is because the shepherd has become a familiar face the sheep can trust.

They instinctively associate him with good food, a nice walk, and even the occasional symptomatic relief. When they go astray, the ones left behind know to stay with the group until the shepherd can return with the lost one. The lost one is usually found running off somewhere or perhaps even in danger. Sheep, like their relative the goats, are excellent hunters of food leading them up to mountain ranges. However, they are not so good at keeping their footing, unlike the goats. Thus, their fleece can get snagged keeping them caught up. They can even lose their footing and once they have lost it, can't get back up. Because the weight of their wool keeps them in a dependent position, they will soon die without the shepherd's help to right them again.

Now that the sheep have been written, let's rejoin the flock. In more modern times, the use of a shepherd has been replaced by fences and a guard dog. The dog makes loud barks when running after the sheep and can also corral them again. Due to this method, the sheep grow unusually fast and quick-witted. I don't know if you have ever watched a sheep stampede caused by a dog, but it's an incredible sight. Without the fences though, the sheep might get lost, or the dog would have to work extra hard at keeping them all together. The use of fencing allows both the shepherd and the dog to retire, leaving the sheep in a nice safe place to rest, until the time has come to go out in the evening and gather them in.

The sheep's wool must be shorn every so often so as not to impede their movement. This means that a nice bath and a trim with some long shears would be in order. When the wool has been trimmed, this can then be gathered and used by the weavers to make thread and yarn. These products can be turned into rugs, blankets, quilts, and even clothes. The only problem when using the wool is that the fibers are unusually itchy. Therefore, this quality only makes them suitable for colder weather. To combat that and the shrinkage, there's several things to be done. The first would be curing it with thread or yarn fabric softener. The second would be altering the weight of the cloth. When yarn is spun extra fine, it makes thread of a very soft design. Incorporating these threads into the weaving of fabric would extend the life of the wool and protect against shrinkage. The other issue is that wool attracts bugs, like moths, who live on the fibers. In place of mothballs, putting some cedar in with the clothes would probably help.

26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:26-27