The Cow and The Sheep

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Our next door neighbours have a field of probably two acres that is very overgrown. As an example of how overgrown it is, the field is also home to a cow and two sheep. There are times when it is not possible to see them. In fact unless they are walking by the hedge bordering our house, we don’t see them.

Initially there were two white sheep and a cow. The sheep stuck together and the cow became a bit of a loner. Then one of the white sheep died. The cow and remaining sheep became best of friends, following each other around the field.

After a while a black sheep was added to the community. They all became good friends, sticking together.

Fast forward to this morning…

From early this morning the cow was calling out with long Mmoooos. This is unusual. She calls out occasionally, but not often and certainly not for prolonged periods of time. I decided to go and investigate as she sounded as though she was somewhere near the far edge of the fence. I crawled behind our hedge and walked along the fence line. I could see the cow. She had her back to me but turned when she heard me crunching over the undergrowth. As I got within sight of where the cow was standing I could see a black object on the ground. Getting closer I could see that it was the black sheep. Flies flew around it. The cow had been standing vigil over the sheep calling out, mourning for the death of her companion - an anthropocentric projection, maybe, but what else could be going on?

I called our neighbour to let him know. From his house he would not have been able to see any of this.

The cow has been pacing round the field, calling out, ever since our neighbour stepped out to help.

I have not seen the white sheep for a little while now. I hope that she is OK. My fear is that the cow is now alone.