May 28, 2020: Remembering Toby

It is with an utterly broken heart that we bring you some sad news. On Monday night Toby, our very old sheep, died unexpectedly in his sleep. We put him in his bed at 8:00, his usual bedtime, after he had eaten his dinner. We always gave him a small treat right before he went to bed, a small hand full of baby carrots. He ate with gusto.

In the morning, we would open the barn door and he would always greet us excitedly, anticipating his breakfast treats and hay. When we opened the barn door Tuesday morning, he was still lying in his bed. He had died in the night. He looked so peaceful.

We cannot begin to tell you how much he will be missed. He was such a delightful presence at the sanctuary. He followed us around all day long, just like a puppy dog. And it was so beautiful to see him grazing in the pasture with his friends - the 8 goats and 2 pigs who became his new family after he arrived at the sanctuary over a year ago.
Toby was so lucky to have such a long full life - something highly unusual for a sheep. He was buried in his pasture in the shade of a big oak tree. Rest in peace sweet boy.

Why does CAPE rescue sheep? 

•Over 500 million sheep are raised for human consumption globally. Many are slaughtered while they are still lambs under a year old.
• Lambs are taken away from mother sheep at a very young age and slaughtered.
• Ewes, female sheep, are impregnated and forced to repeatedly give birth only to have their babies taken away before they are even a year old.
• Rampant abuse has been documented in shearing sheds where sheep are physically abused.

What you can do to help end their suffering? 

• You can help by adopting a plant based diet and not consuming sheep or lamb.
• Avoid sheep milk or cheese.
• Avoid purchasing products that contain any type of wool. 
• Shearing can be stressful and traumatic for sheep who often suffer injuries that are not treated. There is often little regard for the welfare of the sheep. 

Interesting facts about sheep: 

• Sheep are intelligent animals with excellent memories.
• Ewes are very caring mothers and form deep bonds with their lambs.
• Sheep have excellent peripheral vision that allows them to see almost 360°.
• Sheep can learn their name and basic commands.
• Sheep are social and like being in a group. ​