The following poem was prepared by Paula’s good friend Darrell Salsbury, DVM, for an earlier edition, but its wisdom hasn’t changed at all.

The Shepherd’s Lament

Now I lay me down to sleep

Exhausted by those doggone sheep;

My only wish is that I might

’Cause them not to lamb at night.

I wouldn’t mind the occasional ewe,

But lately it’s more than just a few:

Back into bed, then up again,

At two o’clock and four A.M.…

They grunt and groan with noses high,

And in between a mournful sigh,

We stand there watching nature work,

Hoping there won’t be a quirk:

A leg turned back, or even worse,

A lamb that’s coming in reverse.

But once they’ve lambed we’re glad to see

That their efforts didn’t end in tragedy.

There’s no emotion so sublime

As a ewe and lamb that’s doing fine.

I’m often asked why I raise sheep,

With all the work and loss of sleep;

The gratification gained at three A.M.,

From the birth of another baby lamb —

How can you explain, or even show?

’Cause only a shepherd will ever know!

D. L. Salsbury, DVM