;*Kidg> j/ ,'.u s -4*r At first glance for Josh Nolt, Ephrata, it was a sheep tres passing in his father’s pasture or was it a goat? He couldn't quite tell. A closer look at the wild animal determined It had the head of a sheep and the body and legs of a goat. It played by no rules as It jumped puddles and ran wildly through fences when three horses and riders tried to corral the undi ciplined Intruder. IS Or On The Run CAROL STARK Ephrata Review EPHRATA (Lancaster Co.) At first glance for Josh Nolt, Ephrata, it was a sheep trespassing in his father’s pasture on Slate Street Or was it a goat? He couldn’t quite tell. A closer look at the wild animal determined it had the head of a sheep and the body and legs of a goat Yet it ran like a deer. It played by no rules as it jumped puddles and ran wildly through fences. It was on the prop erty for a week but no one could cptrh the spunky animal and no one seemed to claim the wild intruder. A call to Leroy Horst, animal catcher, Bownmansville, last Saturday brought'the quick action of three horses and riders. Jay and Tom Weaver, and Horst to corral the undiciplined intruder. The animal ran through fences again making a break up Route 322 to the Route 222 bypass. The chase was on as the funny looking animal ran like a deer down the highway, at estimated speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour. West Earl Township Police were summoned to the incident and as Sgt Pierce responded the animal passed him on Route 222 ■f' Goat It A Sheep going the opposite direction. “It passed me going at a high rate of speed. I couldn’t believe the funny looking animal could travel so fast,” stated Sgt Pierce. On the trail was Hoist and the Weavers in hot pursuit After a chase of about 12 miles, the animal finally left Route 222 on the Oregon Pike exit and went into a pasture. A lariat was thrown by Horst but the animal quickly dodged it Another quick drop from the horse, and the animal was finally caught and taken to the New Holland Sales Auction, where it was sold for a mere $39 on Monday. The Ephrata Review learned on Tuesday that the animal probably belonged to Ephrata’s Lloyd Ger hart, a well-known exotic animal owner and expert Three months ago many of his exotic animals were released by an unknown per son. Lost from the Gerhart animal farm were a mother Barberdo sheep and two young ones. These exotic animals are a wild breed of sheep from Northern Africa. They are raised in the wild and are hard to train in captivity. Still at loose is the mother Barberdos sheep. If you see a sheep that looks like a goat runs like a deer, and doesn't like people, call Lloyd Gerhart at (717) 733-2425. Protect Pets From Winter Harm NEWARK, Del. - When win ter winds bring freezing temper atures, people beat a fast retreat indoors to the warmth of their homes. Pets aren't always so lucky. Every year in the United States, many animals are left out in severe weather conditions by unthinking owners. "Long periods of cold without shelter can result in hypother mia, which can be fatal,” says Dr, Paul Meckley, animal sci ence professor at the University of Delaware. "Thought their fur coats provide some warmth, pets, like humans, need protec tion from the harsh winds, freez ing temperatures, sleet and snow that Old Man Winter brings." Keep cats and dogs inside as much as possible when the tem perature drops, advises Meckley. Old, very young or short-haired pets are especially susceptible. Never leave them out in cold weather. According to Meckley, healthy pets may be left out doors year-round only if gradu ally acclimated. Over time, they will develop heavier coats to help keep them warm through the winter. But pet owners must provide adequate shelter, food and water. r % "Pets that spend most of their time outdoors need more calo ries in the winter," Meckley says. "Give them about a third more food to help them generate the warmth they need. Remember to provide them reg ularly with fresh water in freez ing weather." For both indoor and outdoor pets, shelter from wind and rain is essential. Wind chill is even more harmful to your pet than cold temperatures. Keep the dog house dry and draft-free, posi tioning its entrance away from the wind and covering the open ing with burlap or an old rug. The floor will stay warmer if it is raised a few inches off the ground, and a layer of straw or pine shavings will provide extra comfort. Cedar shavings are not recommended, says Meckley, because they contain volatile oils which, when inhaled, can cause liver damage over time. "Dogs that are used to being / 0 i •' indoors don't grow thick coats and may shiver when taken out in the cold," Meckley says. "Pet owners should consider buying them a coat to wear on their daily walks. "Also, salt and chemicals spread on icy sidewalks can burn the pads on your pet's feet," he warns. "When the unsuspecting animal tries to lick its feet clean, the salts irritate its mouth. After your pet has walked on the sidewalk or drive way, wipe its feet with a damp paper towel or cloth." Warm engines in parked cars, trucks and farm equipment makes enticing and dangerous sleeping places for cats. Before starting the engine, Meckley suggests banging on your vehi cle's hood to scare away furry hitchhikers. Taking these precautions will help keep your pet safe and com*, fortable throughout the winter months.
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