Happy Year of the Sheep!

2015 is the Year of the Sheep according to Chinese zodiac. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve year cycle, each year in that cycle related to an animal sign. The Year of the Sheep starts from February 19, 2015 and lasts to February 7, 2016.

Occupying the 8th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the sheep (goat, or ram) is among the animals that people like most, symbolizing such character traits as creativity, intelligence, dependability, and calmness. They are gentle, sensitive animals who are emotionally complex and highly intelligent.

That’s why, we’re celebrating the Year of the Sheep!!
Marley (Ram) at Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary

Playful, and Puppy-like

Sheep are intensely inquisitive and have an intelligent nature; they will explore anything new or unfamiliar in their surroundings. They are known to wag their tails when stroked, affectionately nuzzle, and gently head-butt to get attention. Group play is very common. Lambs love to climb.

Social and Emotional

Sheep are a very social animal. They can distinguish between different expressions in humans and can detect changes in the faces of anxious sheep. Sheep can recognize the faces of at least 50 other sheep. 

Like people, sheep visibly express emotions. When they experience stress or isolation, they show signs of depression similar to those that humans show by hanging their heads and avoiding positive actions. While grazing, they like to always have visual contact with other sheep.

Iggy, Hilary, and Mitzy at Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary

Famous People Born in the Year of the Sheep

“It is just like man’s vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions.” – Mark Twain

"Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages." – Thomas Edison

"I'd rather go naked than wear fur." – Pamela Anderson

"Many things made me become a vegetarian, among them, the higher food yield as a solution to world hunger." – John Denver

Behind the Wool Industry

The wool industry is anything but warm and fuzzy. Although sheep are intelligent, social, emotional beings, the wool industry is cruel, bloody, and infested with violence in ways that could warrant animal-cruelty charges if the victims were dogs or cats. There are plenty of durable, stylish, and warm fabrics available that aren’t made from wool or animal skins.

Wool Alternatives

1. Hemp 
   Hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers in the world. It is a robust crop which grows rapidly in various climates, with little or no pesticides and fertilizers. Hemp clothing feels warm, is breathable and is long lasting.
2. Linen
   Made from the flax plant, linen is one of the strongest fibers. Making linen yarn requires little to no pesticides and produces less greenhouse emissions compared to conventional cotton. Linen is highly absorbent and a good conductor, keeping the body cool. It has a fresh, crisp and richly-textured feel.
3. Organic Cotton
   Organic cotton production demands a radical change in production practices, processing and manufacturing systems. Organic cotton is 100% pesticide free. Pesticides pollute soil and water, killing wildlife and harming communities. Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton has a lower carbon footprint and enormously reduces water pollution. Organic cotton has the same soft, rich feel as conventional cotton, often of an even higher quality.
4. Recycled Cotton
   Used cotton is shredded and re-spun into a new yarn. Recycling greatly reduces the water, energy and chemicals needed to produce new fibers. Its irregular colors and textures reflect its unique origins. 
5. Recycled Polyester
   Plastic bottles are collected, shredded and re-spun. Recycling PET stops plastic from polluting land and oceans. It reduces the need for virgin polyester. Depending on the recycling method, recycled PET can reduce energy use by 84% and greenhouse gas emissions by 71%. It gives a soft and smooth look and feel to the fabric.

6. Soy Silk/Cashmere
   Like hemp, soy is extremely versatile in its uses. It’s an eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternative to silk and cashmere, which both involve the use of animals in their production.

Save a Sheep – Don’t Buy Wool.

Hangin' with Howie at Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary