A Highlander For Christmas

Delinquent Sheep

I was jostled awake by the truck crunching over gravel. The side of my chin was wet and I felt the flush of embarrassment staining my cheeks. It was just jet lag catching up with me. That was why I was drooling in my sleep.

"Aye, we are here lass." Sinclair was trying to hide the grin on his face and fake coughed.

"Was I snoring?" I prayed to whatever Highland Gods were listening that I was not snoring. Drooling was one thing, but drooling and snoring? I might as well just hide under a rock. I glanced at him from behind my hair and saw he was snickering.

"Just a wee bit lass, tis okay though, ye should hear the missus." I gawked at him as he started laughing. We pulled up in front of a beautiful stone house covered in ivy and berries. A herd of sheep hung out around the front vestibule of the house.

A small woman with a fluff of white hair on her head was shooing the sheep away from the front door with a dish rag. My heart melted when I saw the small herd of sheep. They were even my favorite breed of sheep. I leaned forward and squealed in delight.

"Aye, ye like the weee wooly ones?" I wanted to bolt out of the truck and bury my face and the fluff of the black-nosed sheep.

"Very much so! They are the most adorable creatures on the face of the planet. Didn't you say there was a dog? I don't see him." A deep bark shook through the night as the largest dog I have ever seen came bounding around the corner of the house. A plaid bandanna around his neck and fir branches stuck to his legs.

I looked into that giant monster's big brown eyes and he stared back at me. I felt an instant connection to this big dog, he sat down amongst the bleating sheep and watched me. He let out another rumbling bark and I saw his tail twitch.

"He is huge! Is that Magnus? Will he bite me?" I was a little intimidated. I have had dogs, but never encountered an Anatolian Shepherd, let alone a working Anatolian. I wanted to squish his wrinkly face and scratch his belly.

"He isn't charging the truck, just step out and let him come to ye. He is still a wee puppy so he may jump on you." I blinked and stared at Sinclair, a puppy. Was this dog a puppy?

"How old is he?" I pushed open the door to the truck and Magnus tilted his head at me and let out a low woof. He was a majestic animal. The sheep stopped bleating and turned to watch me. A small lamb started walking toward me and I knelt in the gravel and held out my hand for the little one to sniff.

Magnus was watching me, he was such an amazing animal. I read about Livestock Guardian Dogs and how they work. I wanted to know everything I could about what I was getting into. I also knew that he could probably take a chunk out of me if I threatened his flock. The lamb came over and sniffed my hand. Next thing I know the fluffball is pushing me over and making itself comfortable in my lap.

"That is an interesting development. Wee Adelaide is usually a shy bugger. Looks like she likes ye." I buried my nose in her soft wool and it smelt of rain, earth, and pine. I was in heaven, in pure bliss. Suddenly a cold nose pushes into my face and I am looking up at Magnus who is standing over me and wagging his tail. He leans against me and lets out a sigh.

"Seems like ye has Magnus' approval. Congratulations, this is the Missus, Eugenia, these are your delinquent sheep, and we welcome you to your new home of Sheep's Lodge." I reached out my hand and let Magnus sniff it and he pushed his nose into my hand.

Tears prickled at my eyes and for the first time in a long time, I finally felt like I was home. I scratched the dog's ears and held the lamb as I stood up. Looking around at the two elderly caretakers and the wild highlands surrounding the manor I let out a deep sigh and sniffed.

Grinning at the two people standing on the doorstep I smiled and patted my leg for Magnus to follow.

"Where is the barn for the delinquent sheep? I will put them up for the night and if it is ok, do you have any food? Maybe something warm to drink." Eugenia dabbed at tears and nodded.

"I can whip something up quick and bring that monster with you it is time for him to eat his meal as well. Sinclair show her where the sheep go. Welcome home dear." I was a little shocked at the Southern drawl from Sinclair's wife. She chuckled and waved us off.

"Aye she is a right Southern Belle she is, come this way." He whistled and the sheep started following him to the back of the house. I looked up at the old house again and smiled. A heavy weight leaned against my leg and there was a grunt as Magnus looked up at me to get me to move.

"Alright boy, we will go put your babies to bed, and then let's get some food." He let out a soft woof and we followed Sinclair to the barn.