Sheep

Sheep have been domesticated for over 10,000 years and are found in various climates and landscapes around the world. These gentle creatures have earned a place in history and culture, and their diverse breeds showcase a wide range of characteristics. Did you know that there are over 900 different breeds of sheep recognized globally? These breeds vary in size, shape, wool type, and even temperament, making them a truly diverse and fascinating species. Whether it's the long, lustrous locks of the Lincoln or the resilient nature of the Dorper, there's a sheep breed suited for every environment. At Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary, we cherish and celebrate the diversity of sheep and the important roles they play in agriculture and beyond.

  • Bobby is a Southdown sheep. These sheep originated in England and are used for wool and meat. Bobby came from an educational farm that was downsizing during Covid. He has a very sweet and friendly personality.

    Sponsored by Lisa Forgrave, Amy Robinson and Caroline Beares

  • Daphne is most likely a Dorset sheep however we can't be sure because she was a stray. A good samaritan found her tied to a fence on the side of the road with a ratchet strap. No farms were near so it is unclear how she ended up there. Daphne is sweet and friendly.

    Sponsored by Beth Lang

  • Wanda is a Katahdin sheep. This is a hair sheep bred for meat. Hair sheep do not need to be sheared. Wanda came with her sister Wilma. They were given up because their owner could no longer care for them.

    Sponsored by Meagh Eicker

  • Findley is a Katahdin sheep. He was raised here at the farm when his mother abandoned him. He came from the The Davis College of Agriculture in West Virginia where they have a sheep herd and study different aspects of sheep such as parasitology and reproduction.

    Sponsored by Caroline & Ella Schellhas

  • Jett, Ruth, Henry and Tobias are all hair sheep. This hair shed out or pulls out. They do not need to be sheared. They are used for meat and other byproducts such as dog food. These 4 came from a place that raises them for dog food. A vegan, college student doing a document about animals and the ways they are used for humans purchased them and gave them to our sanctuary to provide them with life. He was not able to save them all, but saving these 4 gave him some peace.

    Sponsored by the Blackburn family, Caroline & Ella Schellhas, Jenny Peoples, and Diane Canney

  • Josie and Teddy came together from the Davis College of Agriculture in West Virginia. Teddy's mother rejected him and Josie's mother died. They were bottle raised together here at our farm and are very close. They are most always together. When they were lambs they would run for Renee's porch and eat all of her flowers! Josie is stand offish, but will welcome some love on her terms.

    Sponsored by Erin Dove

  • Jared was our first sheep. He is a Katahdin (hair sheep). He was purchased as a pet for a family, but they didn't understand why he cried out constantly. It is because he was alone. Sheep are herd animals and should not be kept alone. He came to live with us in 2018. The goats were his only friends until we adopted other sheep. He still loves his goat friends.

    Sponsored by Stephanie Johnson

  • Wilma is a Katahdin sheep. This is a hair sheep bred for meat. Hair sheep do not need to be sheared. Wanda came with her sister Wanda. They were given up because their owner could no longer care for them.

    Sponsored by John and Nancy Bentrup

  • Ramsey is a Jacob Sheep. The Jacob sheep is a rare breed. The Jacob was kept for centuries as a "park sheep", to ornament the large estates of landowners. In modern times it is reared mainly for wool, meat and skins. Our Ramsey is a shy, but friendly boy. He came from an educational farm that had to downsize due to Covid. He was given up due the deformity of his horns as he was unable to be shown or bred.

    Sponsored by Lisa Forgrave

  • Luca came to our farm when a girl raising him through a 4-H program could not follow through with the sale of him for meat. He is very sure of himself and handsome too.

    Sponsored by Niky Marie and McKenzie

  • Josie and Teddy came together from the Davis College of Agriculture in West Virginia. Teddy's mother rejected him and Josie's mother died. They were bottle raised together here at our farm and are very close. They are most always together. When they were lambs they would run for Renee's porch and eat all of her flowers! Teddy is the most gentle, kind sheep.

    Sponsored by Olivia Dellinger

  • Jett, Ruth, Henry and Tobias are all hair sheep. This hair shed out or pulls out. They do not need to be sheared. They are used for meat and other byproducts such as dog food. These 4 came from a place that raises them for dog food. A vegan, college student doing a document about animals and the ways they are used for humans purchased them and gave them to our sanctuary to provide them with life. He was not able to save them all, but saving these 4 gave him some peace.

    Sponsored by Jen Domer and Carol Bolen

  • Shiloh is a Hair Sheep called a Katahdin which is a type of sheep that does not need to be shorn.

    He was born with White Muscle Disease, a nutritional deficiency of selenium and Vitamin E lacking in Virginia soil. Lambs and other animals affected (cattle and goats) are born weak and stiff.

    Shiloh's limbs fused in the position in which he was laying under his mother nursing before it was detected. His nutritional deficiency has since been corrected, but the limbs are permanently affected. To help him walk properly, a prosthetic was custom made for him.

    Sponsored by Sophie S, Jenny P, and Iveta B.

  • Liam is a Katahdin sheep. He is the sweetest, most mischievous sheep. He was very spoiled by all of us when we bottle raised him here. He also came from the Davis College of Agriculture.

    Sponsored by Riley O’Casey

  • Marshmallow came from a farm that was shut down due to neglect. She was the only one they couldn't catch. A horse rescue organization who was there to get the horses eventually caught her. The other sheep had been moved too far away to get her reunited with her flock so she came to us. She is mostly feral (meaning unsocialized) because she was raised in a flock and not around people. She needs the most attention to convince her that we are her friends.

    Sponsored by Ilene Landon

  • Jett, Ruth, Henry and Tobias are all hair sheep. This hair shed out or pulls out. They do not need to be sheared. They are used for meat and other byproducts such as dog food. These 4 came from a place that raises them for dog food. A vegan, college student doing a document about animals and the ways they are used for humans purchased them and gave them to our sanctuary to provide them with life. He was not able to save them all, but saving these 4 gave him some peace.