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Sheep and Wool Gathering

Jefferson, WI

A wolf in sheep’s clothing? Not a one. Spinning a yarn? More than likely that was going on. Lost sheep? There was one heading down the road late Saturday before being rounded up. At the 9th Annual Sheep and Wool Gathering in Jefferson, Wisconsin there were dogs born with a keen sense to herd, prize-winning sheep with a history of ribbons, demonstrations of lightning-fast shearing to get those bags of wool, but what was most in view was the hard work and care of families to get the sheep ready for judging. Debbie and Clifton McClintock, a mom and son from near LaCrosse had made the trip down. Clifton played a football game on Friday night so it was making for a couple of tiring days. As you can see, sheep are not always interested in the finer points of good grooming. With shears in hand, Debbie talked and coaxed Henry a Southdown sheep as she and Clifton worked to get him ready for a bath Saturday afternoon all leading up to his day before the judges on Sunday.

Steve Riddle keeps a tight rein on "Charlie" as part of Herding 101. Charlie's owner brought him by Steve's class to see if he had the instinct for herding sheep.

Sheep's wool at the 9th Annual Sheep and Wool Gathering in Jefferson, WI

Emily Cartier works on her technique spinning cotton fiber on a spindle at the Sheep and Wool Gathering in Jefferson, Wisconsin.

Steve Riddle's 12 year old dog Rerun keeps a close eye on sheep during the Sheep and Wool Gathering in Jefferson, Wisconsin

Clifton McClintock works on getting Henry a Southdown sheep ready for his bath on Saturday at the Sheep and Wool Gathering in Jefferson, Wisconsin.

Debbie McClintock works at getting Henry to be still while he is groomed.

Debbie McClintock trims Henry's legs before his bath on Saturday at the Sheep and Wool Gathering.

Debbie McClintock talks with Clifton McClintock as he gets Henry bathed on Saturday at the Sheep and Wool Gathering. Henry's day at the show would come on Sunday.