My flock of merino sheep came from Sky High Farm, owned and operated by Dr.'s Helga and Bill Olkowski. These incredible people were a pivotal force in the world of entomology; they encouraged and mentored an entire generation of us to incorporate biological control in our studies and on our farms.

The Olkowskis imported superfine merino sheep from Australia for a bio-control of star thistle project during the early 1980's. They were more interested in the small size and hardiness of the sheep that would do well as a trial for organic sheep management than in their incredible wool.

Other people took over the farm when the Olkowskis retired. It did not work out and the animals on the farm had to go as the next buyer had no interest in them. In 2000, word went out that the sheep would go to slaughter, and new homes were needed fast. Despite having no experience with sheep, I took perhaps 25 of them; Full Belly Farm took a large number, and they helped me learn to care for them.

I have muddled along with sheep husbandry. Many generous wool sheep farmers and breeders have tried to help me. What those who have worked with sheep a long time have done casually ended up being unthinkable to me. I still cannot and do not remove any tails. This requires that I have a shearer come and shear their rumps and tails in the winter so that they are not attacked and killed by flies. Though there is a good reason to take the tails off, I just can't operate that way.

I also am not in the meat business. I cannot send older ewes and rams to be made into dog food. I keep every sheep alive as comfortably as I can until they die of old age. I take my sheep to UC Davis for treatment if they are injured or sick. I give all of the medications the vet prescribes.

Because I came to the sheep later in life, they are more pets than livestock. I love watching them and treasure that part that they now play in my life. I love their wool; I hope that you do, too.