Russell had a rough start. He was born in an abattoir and his mother died at his birth after having been shipped in rough conditions over a long distance.

An agricultural student who had been boarding with us, happened to be working at the abattoir the day Russell was born. She brought him home to our ranch and asked if we would foster him, as she had to go away for a period of time. It was impossible to turn her down!

Russell became our “baby” and we cared for him, bottle-fed him, and I took him everywhere with me. He was in the barn, the house, the garden – wherever I went. My husband joked that the ranch went to “h—“ as Russell dominated all my time.

In all my years of communicating with animals, I can honestly say I have never communicated with an animal so pure and innocent. I would have defended him against any foe! I can see why lambs are so often pictured in religious paintings due to their purity.

We watched Russell grow into a healthy, confident lamb. When she returned, the student took him home to her place, and was able to find a petting zoo where Russell could live a long, happy life.