Set far back down a dirt trail, behind the tall thicket of pine trees, a slaughterhouse was hidden from view. The conditions were deplorable. But then, it was a slaughterhouse not the Ritz Carlton.

The dilapidated wood fence, held in its confines, livestock and other unwanted living animals. The owners did not care for these creatures. They were inventory in an unadvertised cash business. Known to only a few and then only by word of mouth to others. 

Early one morning, before the merciless, cold-blooded workforce showed, those animals confined in the paddock gathered near an opening in the battered fencing. 

Sensing freedom, the ram stepped through. Ears perked, listening for any noise within earshot, it’s animal instincts kicked in.

“Baaaa …. Baaa …. Baaaa,” meant follow me, the ram said explicitly.

One by one the sheep followed, ewes, rams and lambs alike left the slaughterhouse, detecting freedom like it once had before being left to die.

Following the direction of the sun, they walked through the trees and brush. Ahead, they saw a clearing. The flock were all speaking simultaneously, happy to be free.

“Baa … Baaaaa … Baaa … Baaaaaa.”

Excited they followed the ram, their leader, single file, until Highway 47 stood in the way.

“Baaa … Baa … Baa,” said one of the ewes.

“Baaaaaaa,” the leader agreed.

They realized the danger in crossing, so they walked slowly along the highway. Cars and trucks were whizzing by. Some slowed down to look and take photographs with their phones. Some slowed and honked their horns in amusement in an attempt to frighten them. 

Undaunted, they continued on.
 

“Baaa … Baaaaa … Baaaa,” yelling back at the humans. 

Resolute and unshaken, they walked and walked in unison, quickly becoming a family unit. 

A little while later, a police cruiser and a white van slowly pulled ahead of this flock and came to a stop. Each officer, quietly and slowly exited their respective vehicles. No one wanted to scare them into a running frenzy, especially by the side of a highway.

With the assistance from Gus, a sheep dog, he barked and guided them to the Animal Control van. It was here a team of veterinarians assisted in boarding them into the van, enticing their famished bellies with grasses like alfalfa, clover and hay.

From here they were transported to a local rescue and petting zoo. Comforted by a group of volunteers, they were given water as the veterinarians drew blood to test their vitals and provided the necessary medications as required. 

In a week's time, the flock were introduced slowly to there new outdoor environment to nurture through nature.

Goats, roosters, rabbits and chickens roam free amongst the sheep.

Everyone is now safe and in the proper custody of caring humans.

“Baaa … Baaa.” The end.