![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJslEMn0GNSNE_gsJFZfh0ScNK3kf062gK1Er0dTv5x1TiU7Qxebpcf_HCqIq6dnarwkU8Xbmk1s4dlSyfqZTcXHvF1OBvsO2ZrZBfCgUNqyj_Rr1MM-LaBkKhZIrMEOMbuYS1UBY1hD8/s320/Web+shearing.jpg)
Shearing is back breaking work that takes a lot of skill. Like many toddlers getting a hair cut is not a favorite sheep activity and getting them to hold still for a full-body shave is an art in itself.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkRwSj_Dpl6GTHWURgpZJJ8dAUEqNdz4D1rmcQFD73j8SpqKmZKcTpNAcnNFFme1ykZag-KTGrDA3mozL93_UBHx1Ejcy2tQYbaqL1JSygRKqgH7wuExNsJXNC7shckJDtVUtsRhcuu34/s320/Web+shearing+action2.jpg)
We are lucky to have a neighbor who's been shearing sheep for years. He knows how to keep them calm and produce a well-shorn ewe with nary a nick. The biggest trauma comes after the shearing when the sheep have to get reacquainted with their new looks.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8B4JBG06i__hHbZERjHGxmjouIxdBJwdvfS8X3Sv6cvoxvowwn7VMDFPHfm9OREkhSoNT3nCDvGS4RdUYTRzn1ciTnHc4sSas1u9TKkDVPnJNTgnfVuYyeXl11N3EwPQGyXewKcdaT17/s320/Web+Shearing+action1.jpg)
There will be many sad shepherds in this part of the state when the time comes for him to put away his shears.