Laura Greaves embarked on a unique quest when she reached out on social media for a friendly, calm ewe in Saskatchewan. Her intention was not to acquire a breeding ewe but to find a companion for her llama, Maple, who had recently lost her sight.
As an equine veterinarian accustomed to caring for animals with special needs, Greaves sought assistance for Maple’s distinctive predicament. This aid came in the form of Peeps, a sociable and vocal sheep from Eyebrow, Sask., recommended by a local producer due to her talkative nature.
Maple, a llama rescued by Greaves to guard her animals from coyotes, was initially spotted by Jacquie Poole, a friend of Greaves, in an online advertisement. Despite Maple’s poor condition and challenges, Greaves and Poole made a lengthy journey to Alberta to bring her home.
Upon Maple’s arrival at Greaves’s acreage near Regina, she shared a pasture with other llamas and alpacas. However, Maple’s eye condition worsened, leading to the decision to remove both eyes due to severe medical concerns.
After a complex surgery involving multiple veterinary professionals, Maple faced the challenge of adapting to complete blindness. Greaves used sound cues and keywords to assist Maple in navigating her environment, but the llama struggled to find essentials like food and water.
To alleviate Maple’s loneliness and stress from other animals, Greaves sought a suitable companion. Peeps, the sheep, emerged as the perfect match due to her vocal nature and ability to guide Maple through sound cues.
As Maple and Peeps establish their bond and navigate their new environment, Greaves remains optimistic about their future together. Their friendship offers comfort and support, with Peeps serving as Maple’s “seeing-eye sheep” to help her cope with her blindness.
The ultimate goal is for Maple and Peeps to integrate with the other camelids in the field, but for now, they form a close-knit duo on Greaves’s property.