clyde

Clyde, Mac, and Jude were the very first sheep to call Rewild Refuge home. Their journey here began in an unexpected way—through a Craigslist ad. Listed for wool or meat, these three young Shetland sheep were in need of a safe place to land. Hoping to give them a different fate, we reached out to the farmer, who, to our relief, was kind and supportive of our mission. He happily agreed to let them come live with us, and just like that, our sheep family began.

True to our tradition, we gave them Scottish names—a theme you might notice among our residents! When they arrived at about six months old, they were what’s known as "wethers," meaning they had been castrated. From the start, we were completely smitten. While many assume sheep to be quiet and timid, they are incredibly intelligent, full of personality, and often downright hilarious.

Clyde, in particular, is the standout of the trio. He’s the voice of his herd, always eager to make himself heard, and one of the most affectionate of the boys. There’s nothing Clyde loves more than a good cuddle—and a great meal. If you stop petting him too soon, he’ll tap you insistently with his hoof, demanding more attention! For months, these young boys explored every inch of the sanctuary, often bursting into joyful leaps—what we lovingly call "popcorning"—as they bounced across the pasture, filling our days with endless laughter and delight.

Every spring, our sheep herd is sheared to keep them comfortable, and their horns are trimmed as needed. Unlike wild sheep, domesticated breeds like Shetlands never stop growing their fleece, making regular shearing essential to their health.

Sheep are such fascinating, social creatures, and we are so grateful that Clyde, Mac, and Jude get to live out their days here at Rewild Refuge, safe, loved, and free to be exactly who they are!