August 31st, 2025 - The Long Overdue Update

addi0691
Aug 31
2 min read

The update that’s long overdue—my apologies for being so quiet this past month!

Training sheep at the new pasture! They are helping knock down some grass, so I can set electric fencing. August 30th, 2025

It has been a whirlwind summer here at Green Paws, and the past six weeks have brought both challenges and exciting new developments. Early in the summer, I realized my sheep needed more grazing space. My original two acres were routinely mowed, which threw off my rotation plans, caused overgrazing, and even introduced parasites that have been tough to manage. The last straw came when the final bit of “clean” grass was mowed—I stood in the field and cried, then decided it was time to find better pasture.

Bella keeping an eye on the sheep grazing without fencing. August 28th, 2025

I was fortunate to lease 25 acres of unused horse pasture this August. Moving twelve sheep there without a trailer was an adventure, but with help we made it work. The fencing proved tricky—my sheep used the horse fence as a scratching post or a jump. After tramping down chest-high weeds, I set up electric fencing and prayed it would hold against both coyotes and curious deer. It didn’t take long for a deer to drag the back line a quarter mile, but thankfully the fence survived and my twelve sheep were safe.

Since then, we’ve battled hoof issues from the tall grass and mystery bald spots on lambs, but daily checks and treatments seem to be helping. Shorty, one of my original ewes, developed maggot-stricken hooves—yet another challenge. Despite everything, she’s still with us, though likely retired from breeding.

Emma very intently working the mother ewes in the hayfield next to the 2 acre farm. August 13th, 2025

Meanwhile, my four mother ewes and two rams remain at the other farm to prep for October breeding. The plan is to move everyone together when we relocate to our new farm this November—a place where I can finally live with my sheep and dogs in one spot, and build out my herding training alongside Green Paws boarding and training.

On the dog front, Bella has been keeping me on my toes at trials, Emma is growing beautifully into her work, and Rylee, at eleven, has happily taken up pest control duties. I’m also adding a new puppy soon—name undecided, but I couldn’t pass on the opportunity.

Bella moving the trial sheep up the field to set out. August 17th, 2025

This third year of Green Paws has been the hardest yet—between farm moves, client work, and personal losses—but also the most rewarding. Reading client reviews makes me tear up, and I’m so grateful for everyone who trusts me with their dogs. Moving to the new farm may mean extra hours and extra work, but I’m choosing to believe it will also mean growth and stability.