In early February, 2013, the livestock saleyards were teaming with terrified animals, loud men and the stench of death. Amongst the sheep who were well enough to be purchased and sent on to be slaughtered, were the sheep who were not quite as strong, a little sickly or injured. Limpy was one of those sheep. Sheep like this have no hope at saleyards, they are killed without a second thought. They have their throats slit or are shot in front of onlookers who barely bat an eyelid. Limpy was only seconds away from being killed as he stood over his dead companion who had just suffered the same fate. That was when two wonderful rescuers stepped in. They were allowed to take him home.
Limpy found his way to our place to live out his life with Righty, Junior, Cosmo and Pancho. The vet is sure he broke the bone just above his hoof quite some time ago and it has roughly healed, but he will always limp. He also had a hip that was dislocated. The locals think we are crazy keeping a terrified, limping sheep, but if any living being wants to live, they should be given the chance to.
Two years on from his rescue, Limpy is now one of the friendliest sheep in our flock. It took us about a year to get him to trust us and now we can’t stop him putting his head in our pockets for food. He still has his docked tail that looks like it was cut with scissors and his roughly chopped off horns which are both evidence of a past marred by extremely rough handling and cruelty. His confidence is high these days and even though he still has a limp, he loves life and gets the most out of every day.
The following slideshow is where I’ll be putting Limpy’s photographs, so keep coming back if you would like to keep track of his progress!
Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally
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A one year $50 sponsorship helps keep Limpy in pain killers that are essential to his well being because of his arthritis from his leg and hip injuries.
It helps Limpy receive regular veterinary check ups to monitor his many health problems.
It ensures Limpy has things he loves every single day! Things like sheep nuts and mineral licks!
YOUR ONE YEAR SPONSORSHIP ENTITLES YOU TO:
*One sponsorship certificate.
*Three 5×7 inch prints of Limpy being handsome and proud.
*An email from Limpy during the year letting you know what he’s been up to.
CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW TO SPONSOR LIMPY!
Your work is truly inspiring. With every photo, I’m able to peer through the lens with you at a delicate being. My favorites of all your photos are the one’s that show the eyes or the smiles of animals who’ve been saved. It touches my heart to see the direct results of compassion from one seemingly unrelated individual to another. The models are such lucky, unlucky souls. Thank you for capturing and sharing their unique sparks.
Thank you for rescuing Limpy! xxx
Bless you for your compassion and willingness to help one sheep.
Sheep live independently from human beings, why some human beings slit their throats!
Well done for stepping in to rescue Limpy, I am sure with love and compassion he will eventually be less scared and start to enjoy life again. <3
So sweet !
All the best Limpy – you now have a wonderful home.
I pray that his heart and soul heals. Such a beautiful being in the hands of love finally. He has my colour eyes, so he is super special 🙂
Bless you all for showing such compassion for these dear sheep – not many care these days. We must keep on trying to get people to care more. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photography. Tamara, My love and prayers to you all. Margaret <3
I can’t beleive that people think it’s okay to do this and have no regard for these animals lives. They are treated like a commodity not a living being who has feelings. No one deserves to be in a pen with a slaughtered animal at there feet just awaiting there fatal turn. I just burst into tears when I saw these images. Thank you Tamara for taking on these animals and giving them the happy life that they deserve! May good karma be returned to you and keep up the good work!
He’s so beautiful, thanks for rescuing him