Laura Greaves embarked on a unique quest by reaching out on social media for a friendly sheep in Saskatchewan to accompany her blind llama, Maple. Despite not seeking a breeding ewe, Greaves desired a companion for her llama, who she affectionately refers to as her “beloved newly-blind llama.” An experienced equine veterinarian, Greaves is accustomed to caring for animals with disabilities, but Maple presented a distinctive challenge that necessitated special assistance.
The solution came in the form of Peeps, a sociable sheep from Eyebrow, Sask., whose producer believed would be an ideal match for Maple due to her vocal tendencies even amongst her sheep herd. Greaves discovered Maple while searching for a guardian llama to ward off coyotes from her property. With the help of Jacquie Poole, who spotted an online ad for a blind llama named Maple, Greaves and Poole bonded over their shared commitment to aiding animals in need.
After a lengthy journey to Alberta to retrieve Maple, Greaves and Poole were surprised to find a frail llama with dental issues that were not fully evident in the photos. Despite Maple’s condition, Greaves felt compelled to care for her, recognizing a mutual need for each other. Maple eventually settled into Greaves’s acreage, sharing a pasture with other camelids.
Maple’s health took a concerning turn when her remaining eye developed a severe condition, prompting Greaves to make the difficult decision to remove both of Maple’s eyes. The surgery, involving multiple veterinarians and medical staff, was successful, but Maple faced challenges adjusting to her newfound blindness. Greaves used sound cues and keywords to assist Maple in navigating her surroundings, as the llama struggled to locate essentials like water, food, and shelter.
Facing anxiety and mistreatment from other animals in the herd, Maple was moved to a smaller paddock, prompting Greaves to seek a suitable companion. The online search for a companion led to an overwhelming response from the community, with Peeps emerging as the perfect fit. The vocal and escape-prone sheep proved to be an excellent guide for Maple, who relied heavily on sound for orientation.
The budding friendship between Maple and Peeps shows promise, offering emotional support to each other as they navigate their new environment. Greaves envisions a future where Maple and Peeps can join the other camelids in the field, but for now, they are content being a duo in their own space.
