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Annabelle, say goodbye to your tail.

Tail, say goodbye to Annabelle.

Sheep have their tails docked because they aren’t necessary and, in fact, attract dirt and flies, so they’re a health hazard. We had Annabelle’s tail banded yesterday. The rubber band is attached with a special tool, which then slides away, leaving the band in place.

The tail will fall off in a few weeks. I’m going to sell it on eBay. I’M JUST KIDDING.
I would tell you how much it looked like it hurt her, but I can’t stand to think about it. It’s hard to be a farmer. In fact, I couldn’t even handle having anything to do with it so we had our sheep farmer friends do the deed. It was quickly over, and it was time. Time for our little lamb who thinks she is a dog to be a sheep.
The good news is that after about fifteen minutes, she was back to her usual self, back to her bottle and her Giant Puppy and her blankie. I still think she’s mad at me, though. I think making up for this is gonna take a whole lotta cookies.

Annabelle: “But dogs have tails!!!!”
Posted by Suzanne McMinn on March 16, 2009Read my latest column in today’s Charleston Daily Mail!
"It was a cold wintry day when I brought my children to live in rural West Virginia. The farmhouse was one hundred years old, there was already snow on the ground, and the heat was sparse-—as was the insulation. The floors weren’t even, either. My then-twelve-year-old son walked in the door and said, “You’ve brought us to this slanted little house to die." Keep reading our story....
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November 2009
"First it's glowing, then it's snowing! A pause, then screaming squalls and williwaws. Bright but bitter, then a thaw. Yet again it's cold and storming: What ever happened to global warming?"
Saturday, Nov 21
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Thanks for sharing the pictures, Annabelle is such an adorable baby. I am sure cookies will help and her bottle. Coco sure seems interested in a warm bottle. Too sweet.
Have a great day,
Cece
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:-)!
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Hope darling Anabelle feels better today!
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Don’t feel bad about this. You are doing her a favor in the long run. From the little I’ve read, things like this are done for the health and well being of the animal.
I suspect she’ll be happier once she’s a big sheep.
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Give her a hug from Emma and me.
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Tail does serve a purpose. “…the sheep’s tail is not like a person’s appendix; it has a purpose. It protects the sheep’s anus, vulva, and udder from weather extremes. Sheep lift their tail when they defecate and use their tail, to some extent, to scatter their feces.”
On the other hand, if fly strike can be prevented then I would think I would have to lean that way too. I don’t envy you your decision…poor Annabelle.
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I love the idea of a lamb and her blankie.
- Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
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Thanks for the great explanation of the reason for removal by VW Hills. Very informative and I now know more about this subject. Just in case it ever comes up at the hardware store! (you never know, I live in a rural-ish area)
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I am glad Annabelle’s first “Mom” gave more information behind the reasons for docking. I have wondered why it was done, but since I have no experience with sheep, I didn’t know.
Hugs for sweet little Annabelle.
Rhonda
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From you post it appears it has the same effect on lambs.
If I ever had to do any of this I would much prefer the band than a knife.
Love your site and all your “pets! So glad Clover is home
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Bet you’re glad Spring is on the way.
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Not good ones.
Poor Annabell.
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