There were sheep on the farm and several lambs were corralled separately because they had special needs. The farmer told us we could feed the lambs biscuits. So I did.

One of the lambs, Billy, was an orphan and was being watched carefully.

This little orphan was the most tame and friendly of them all. Gradually, he would wait for me to come by his pen and then come charging up to the fence for biscuits (cookies). In the mornings he would be outside the window until I went out and fed him—more often than not, in my pjs!

At the end of my holiday I was so upset to leave him. We had formed a very special bond. I had spoken to the farmer about Billy’s future. I could not believe that such a beautiful animal was going to be sold in less than a year. I knew I had to do everything I could to save him.

For my wedding anniversary in January, 2009, my husband and I decided to go back to see Billy. He had been moved to a different field with the big boys now. I went toward the field and shouted, “Billy.” He was with the rest of the sheep, but all of a sudden, he came bounding up to me like an excited dog!

He recognized me! That feeling was incredible. I went to the field twice a day all the time we were there. I loved him more and more. I spoke to the farmer again about Billy’s future. He was adamant that Billy was just like any other sheep and he would be going to slaughter. I offered the farmer some money to keep Billy, but he said it was not possible.

I left broken-hearted but was not prepared to give up that easily.

During the following weeks, I did some research on how much it cost to keep a sheep. I contacted various people in the industry for advice. In April, 2009, we went back to see Billy again. We went to the field where he was, shouted, “Billy,” and sure enough he came running over to us. No amount of money could ever buy that wonderful feeling. On our last day of our break, I sat with Billy and whispered to him, “Don’t worry—Janie I will do everything possible for you because she loves you”.

On our arrival home my husband, Paul, contacted a friend who is a farming contractor; we knew he would have contacts who could probably help. We also contacted the farmer to see if he would sell Billy if we could find a home. The farmer agreed. Paul’s friend found a place for Billy to stay, just minutes away from the Billy’s farm.

I bought Billy! I support him financially—food, shearing and vet bills—anything he needs.

Billy now happily living with a great lady and two other sheep, Willow and Curly, and a horse named Ivan. Willow and curly have gotten Billy addicted to mint life-savers—they get some each morning.

Very soon we will visit Billy for the first time in his new home. We are going armed with a food hamper for him containing all his favorite treats!

Billy is just over a year old now and is very happy, I am so glad I was able to save him!