HAMILTON HAD A LITTLE LAMB
A tiny little lamb was found abandoned in a ditch in Villiersdorp and brought to us by the compassionate person who found him . It was love at first sight for our groom Hamilton Kapanda who immediately named the fragile 2-day old orphan Kim and took him into his care .
Kim and Hamilton were inseparable and Hamilton even slept on-site with Kim in his room so that he could ensure that his charge was warm and received his 3 hourly feeds right through the night . The bond between these two was so touching to experience , in fact , we never saw one without the other . Little Kim was firmly attached to Hamilton ’ s side and followed him around the premises , no matter where he went or what daily duties he had to fulfil . There was much bleating in complaint if Hamilton happened to move out of sight and it was obvious that Kim was quite happy to call Hamilton “ Mom ”. Hamilton ’ s dedication and love for this little lamb more than qualified him for the role and he completely embraced it , regularly cleaning a smelly bottom without flinching and preparing bottles with gusto .
Kim on admission with umbilical cord still attached
Kisses for Kim from “ Mom ” Hamilton
Kim thrived and Hamilton was there for each milestone , he even taught Kim to play and amid much leaping , kicking of spindly little limbs and head butting , “ races ” to the farmyard gate and back became a daily occurrence .
When Kim was adopted by a wonderful family , there ’ s absolutely no doubt that Hamilton experienced a degree of empty nest syndrome but in his own words he said “ I ’ ll never forget Kim and saying goodbye was made easier when I met his new “ Mom ”. I know he will be loved and happy and I couldn ’ t ask for more than that . Also now that Kim has left home , I will be able to be there for the next orphan who needs me .” Spoken like a true Mom , we think !
Kim won ’ t forget Hamilton either because sheep can recognise at least 50 individual ’ s faces and remember them for years ! Did you know that sheep can also tell if other sheep and humans are happy , sad , stressed or calm by reading facial expressions ? Wonderful indeed !
A . C .
B .
A . Kim meeting her new siblings with her forever “ Mom ” B . Kim and Hamilton enjoying a cuddle C . Hamilton bottle in hand with Kim at his side
FOOTPRINTS 2020 17