Deaf Betty
Meet Deaf Betty - a spirited ewe who has never let hardship hold her back. Rescued from Dubbo in NSW, she arrived at Lambies Farm in Victoria, a few years ago weary and wounded from neglect. Her ears were severely infected due to flystrike, leaving her deaf. Initially she was frail, uncertain and reluctant to trust.
Betty's journey wasn't easy. She'd been placed in a rescue service for cats and dogs before finding her forever home at Lambies Farm. For months she kept her distance, wary of human interaction. Recovery was 'delicate', her ears were raw, and she often curled up in the paddock, needing rest. But rest turned to panic when she awoke alone, the flock having moved on without her. Betty, however, was never one to be left behind. She'd bolt after them at full speed - determined, athletic, and a sheep sprinter!
Soon she adapted. Deafness didn't define her; it strengthened her instincts. She learned to feel vibrations in the ground, keeping pace with the flock. No longer a straggler, she became a fond lambie-team-member, living a life filled with confidence and character.
Betty's Special Traits:
- Lucerne hay is a solo dining experience - she prefers her own space away from the regular folk.
- Feed bucket raids are a specialty- if oats are involved, no other sheep stands a chance of sharing the same bucket.
- Silent communication is her art - she'll stare at you, waiting for you to understand exactly what she wants. And if you take too long, expect a look that says, hurry up!
Now that winter has set in, Betty likes to spend more time around the house, where it's sheltered and she can wear ear-warmers.
Just like humans, animals can face disabilities. But Betty has shown me that obstacles are merely challenges waiting to be conquered. With resilience, adaptation, and a whole lot of personality, she reminds us that life - no matter the hurdles - is meant to be lived to our best efforts.