[Ansteorra-textiles] horrible news

Nancy Wederstrandt nweders at mail.utexas.edu
Thu Aug 1 07:16:26 PDT 2002



>I just thought I'd add my voice to those suggesting burros.  Guard dogs are=
>  by far the best method of predator control for sheep, but burros have been=
>  given great reviews in recent years (it should be noted that a majority lo=
>se interest in the job after a couple of years).



         Actually, though they can't for the Museum, llamas are being used
down here because they bond easily with other animals and show herd
loyalty.  The two or three ranches I went out to this year all have both
dogs and llamas but really have come to use the llamas more.  I tend to
prefer alpacas since they don't spit so much. (grin)  They are also pretty
adorable looking and if I had land and money I'd raise alpacas and sheep
with a couple of goats.

For the Museum, donkeys would probably be the best for the ambiance of the
farm.  Having gone out with Edwin and fed the animals every time I'm up for
a holiday they animals were greatly loved by the group that works at Gano
farmstead.

What saddens me is that the dogs when they pack are disposed for being
bully dogs.  I was talking to Master Iolo last night and he says that
normally pleasant and peaceful dogs only need to get an aggressive leader
to push them and then they turn into destructive forces.  We tend to forget
that beneath the skin of domesticated animals (and I have to include
people) lurks the feral animal.  I am sad about the dogs since it seems
that they have been led astray.  If you can figure out the leader and get
rid of that one then they might disburse.

Please let us know what's up.

Clare






More information about the Ansteorra-textiles mailing list