Beautiful Lady Jessica (who is also named after a Dune character, like Chani, Stilgar and Duncan Idaho) came to us from an animal control case in Michigan. We had been looking for a new friend for Clemmie for a while, and we’re very grateful we could help Lady Jessica find safety. She had a long road to get here, including a stop at Michigan State University to be spayed. While not normal protocol for sheep, this was a requirement for her to travel.
Lady Jessica is a Katahdin sheep, which is a meat-producing breed. She is a farmed animal agriculture survivor who is very fortunate to live in peace at a sanctuary. Sheep are generally shy by nature, which is very typical of prey animals–it’s part of their survival instinct. Lady Jessica, while she is shy, will eat treats out of the hands of her regular animal caregivers. She has also helped Clemmie overcome some of her shyness, as she will now come for treats, too! The girls spend their days roaming the pasture together. Sheep do thrive with other sheep, and these two have become the best of friends!
Lady Jessica is being fostered at our Executive Director Wendy’s house. Lady Jessica and Clemmie need to be kept in a separate pasture because of exposure to Johne’s disease, which has the potential to be a progressive and contagious condition that decreases an animal’s ability to absorb nutrients. The best way for this condition to be cared for is a low stress living environment, close observation, and consistent caregiving. We’re happy to provide both lady sheep with the individualized care they require.
