Hendra Vean Ffyniant

I'd just like to let you know that a very special animal died today.

This handsome creature is Hendra Vean Ffyniant, or Ffyn for short - a registered, pedigree Cotswold ram. He was 8 years old, and lived in Devon with Fiona and her Cotswolds (who are all related to my sheep - the other half of the flock, really). Ffyn was the first ram we ever had - he is Alfie's dad, as well as being the dad of lots of our other Cotswolds. He sired lambs for us for 4 years. Ffyn was incredibly good natured and friendly - rams can be aggressive, but Ffyn was always affectionate and kind.


He had been unwell on and off recently with crystals in his urine, but had recovered enough to attend the Devon County Show, where he did take a rosette or two, but mainly impressed everyone with his good looks and friendly nature. He even enjoyed several kisses on the nose by besotted children looking round the sheep tent!


Fiona found him in the field shelter this morning, looking as though he was asleep. He had died very peacefully, with no signs of distress or pain - it seems that he just went to sleep and didn't wake up. We are all very grateful for this.


Ffyn's death really feels like the end of an era for us. We had him for so long, he was always good natured and lovely, and we are all very sad to lose him. We do have many of his offspring to remind us of him, though. We'll never forget him.