Fiddle the guard donkey stood watch over the sheep at Cress Farm for many years. Fiddle performed her work at Cress Farm without much fuss or attention. She was always with the sheep, and always mindful of the coyote or wild dog that didn't belong around her flock. Fiddle was the shepherd of our flock, and the sheep stayed by the side of their protector. She demanded no attention for herself, and yet was always cheerful when people had time for her.
Fiddle was not the obvious choice for a guard animal. Years before this assignment, her feet had succumbed to founder. Distorted by the infirmity, her every step was painful. Nevertheless, she gave rides to children and adults alike (even during the last season of her life). In this Christmas season, Fiddle reminds us of shepherds in more ways than one. Prior to her life on Cress Farm, Fiddle had been the donkey in the live nativity scene in McDowell, Virginia for many years. She had also raised her own young and been a good mother.
No one seemed to mourn Fiddle's passing more than her newfound friend Kveld. Kveld is an Icelandic Stallion who fell in love with Fiddle near the end. The Icelandic horses, Kveld and Sadie, are new additions to the family at Cress Farm. They look forward to meeting you at next year's Camp Night, but they will never take the place of our old and trusted friend.
Sleep in peace good Shepherd, for yours was a job well done.
December 19, 2005