Sheep as a guide for a blind person?

06 April 2018

We have been hiding it for months and months, and it is also months and months that we have been working hard on this extraordinary project: sheep guide education!

"Why the sheep? "

This is probably the first question that comes to mind. After much research, we came to the conclusion that this sheep was the best alternative to the guide dog.

Here are the different reasons that led us to embark on this crazy adventure:

First, the sheep have excellent hearing and an impressive peripheral view (270 ° to 320 °). Two essential senses that guide you safely.

Surprisingly, this animal from the ruminant family also has a higher IQ than we might think and puts it right behind pigs and cows. Studies have shown (among others in Yorkshire, England) that sheep have the ability to solve problems. In this case, the sheep found the way to cross grids placed on the ground by moving to his back.

The clicker technique works perfectly. The only difference is that they are not rewarded with croquettes or sweets, but with grass, clovers or carrots.

In addition, sheep know how to recognize human faces and is even able to differentiate emotional states from the characteristics of the figure.

Moreover, its life expectancy is equal to that of the dog, so from 10 to 12 years, but can also go up to 20 years.

On the other hand, the sheep is non-allergenic and does not lose hair. The softness of its wool is very comforting to the visually impaired, the “I See” Foundation also provides workshops for trimming and weaving wool so that the visually impaired and blind users are completely autonomous in the maintenance of their sheep and can make even unique clothes from the wool.

Finally, it is a docile animal, robust, of good size and naturally patient.

And, the icing on the cake: farewell to dung bags, and gutters, this new companion will be equipped with a duffel bag identical to those used by horses.

You will understand that once all these parameters together, we have not hesitated long!

These are the sheep we are currently training.

We decided to focus mainly on Hampshire, and their crusaders. This is a sheep breed native to England. These sheep have white wool and blackheads.

Quinoa

Quinoa is 1.5 years old and her foster family, Thérèse, and Philippe, live in the countryside of Jodoigne They immediately believed in our project and trusted us.

Today we are proud to say that Quinoa is almost ready. She quickly learned the guidance, she avoids obstacles and dangers and has adapted very well to the rigid harness. In a few weeks, we will present it to Antoine, his future user, and we will begin his 2-week internship before a 3-month test phase. We cannot wait to certify our first sheep guide, probably by the end of 2018.

 Pink

Pink is only 4 months old and has joined her host family a few weeks ago. This is a young couple, Grégoire and Natacha, who welcomed her in their small house in Jeneffe, in the province of Liège. The home adaptation is going very well. Pink is quite almost every night and recognizes her name and waits before eating her bowl of hay. She understands very quickly what is expected of her and it's a real pleasure to see her evolve each week. We also witnessed her first out on a leash! It was not easy at first but thanks to the advice of our educators, Pink now follows her “parents” on walks.

Rhino

Although Rhino was born just a few days ago, he already shows signs of success. He proudly wears the “I See” scarf and he is already learning to be guided. Rhino has been handled from an early age so that he is used to human contact. He is getting used to caresses and hugs of people he will meet throughout his life: back, belly, legs, ears, muzzle, everything goes!

We are currently looking for a host family ready to share emotional moments with Rhino. He will be ready to join a home from mid-May. Do not hesitate to contact us if the adventure tempts you!

We are enthusiastic about the project and we will give you news of Quinoa, Rose, and Rhino very quickly!
Source: (https://www.fondationisee.be/La-Fondation-I-See-se-lance-dans-l-education-de-mouton-guide.html)