Animals form an important expression of our Shepherd’s Corner community. Recently we lost two long-time members of our family whom we especially wish to acknowledge.
Tango
If Greenhouse manager, Carol Krell has a favorite among her canine friends, Tango, her large German Shepherd
was king. He was a frequent companion when she arrived for work, patiently waiting while plants were tended
and eagerly joining in any adventure. If ever a dog was a “gentleman,” that was Tango—a cat lover, people lover and ever obedient to his friend and partner, Carol.
His long and loyal life—despite an encounter with a truck that left him with a sway—was eagerly shared with everyone and everything he met. We will miss this gentle creature, but will continue to feel his presence all around us.
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain,
when you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush,
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
Ella May Wooly
Ellie was the last of the original flock of seven – five mature sheep and two lambs donated by Charles Bair in the spring of 1997. She maintained her
status as “only ewe” for several years, going on to produce five sets of
twins and one single lamb in her long tenure with us. She out-lived several
of her offspring and maintained her wonderful spirit and dignity to the end.
This remarkable sheep, descended from the short-legged, old Southdown
breed noted for their ability to “stay put” because of their short legs
and long bodies, nurtured her many lambs with care and patience. She was
particularly fond of broccoli and clover. Even though she no longer was
able to get around and presided from her pen, she was well-loved by many
visitors—including this summer’s “Y” Campers who got to know her as they
cleaned the sheep pen.
She will be missed by her flock and by her many human friends and benefactors. She joins the heavenly flock with the Good Shepherd who continues to care for us all.
Others walk where she once walked
And graze where she once grazed
The tinka, tinka of her bell is silent
Her eyes no longer gaze
Upon the clover fields she loved
And broccoli she craved
She lazed in woodland bowers
And dozed among the trees
One spring, her coat green-sprouted
A chia-pet was she!
She bore more than a dozen
And out lived all but five
If had her legs upheld her
She still would be alive
But arthritis claimed them
Till on her side she laid
Now her beloved body
Lies still in deep dug grave
She gambols now with offspring
Who went before her time
At last they’re reunited
In pastures green divine
And there will never be another ewe...
Judy Hardy