There’s something about spending time with animals that eases the tension in our souls.
Videos by InspireMore
Three years ago, Carla McLeod Bunter of Somerset, England made a decision that probably seemed out of character at first glance. The mom-of-four used money she inherited from her late grandmother to purchase a small flock of Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep, then she got to work learning everything she could about being a shepherdess.
Carla had never farmed before, but she and her family soon got the hang of caring for their flock. She still has a full-time job while caring for 14 sheep, a pony, and a handful of rescued chickens. Her sheep even won awards at the Royal Bath and West show in 2022.
Over the past few years, Carla learned firsthand that spending time with animals is therapeutic. She decided to hold an open barn event over the holidays so that the locals could get to know her flock and experience the benefits of animal therapy. When she saw how happy her sheep made the visitors, she knew she had to continue to make them available to others.
“If people can benefit from them, then it’s a great thing to do,” Carla said.
She later added: “Seeing people and their reactions to this little event that we did in our garden, I thought I would love to be able to bring that to more people.”
The following spring, Carla began bringing the sheep to care homes, schools, and anywhere else where people could use a little wooly love.
Carla also plans to open up Lambrook Cottage farm to visitors in the spring, once all of the new lambs are born. Something tells us visitors are going to get an even bigger mental health boost watching the adorable new editions to the farm!
Dipping a toe into animal therapy has brought more joy to Carla’s life, too. She just loves seeing people’s reactions to meeting her adorable flock.
“It gives you a fuzzy feeling when you see people light up,” she said, adding later: “It’s a nice stress relief. They just make you smile and make you happy.”
We didn’t even realize we shared this “office-worker-turned-shepherdess” fantasy, but we definitely do! Well done, Carla, for living your dream while bringing joy to others.
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