Sheep show a family affair
For sisters Dakota, Josie and Lyndi Parent, the Putnam County 4-H Sheep Show is a family affair.
"We participate in sheep because it's something we can all do as a family," eldest sister Dakota, 16, said. "It has gives us all something to work toward."
Dakota has been a 4-H'er for eight years, Josie for 5, and Lyndi is a first year member. Dakota and Josie, 13, each received firsts in their respective black face market lamb classes.
All three sisters participate in sheep and swine, though they each have differing opinions on which is the best.
"I like pigs because they are easier to handle while showing them, but they are challenging at the same time," Josie said.
Dakota enjoys showing sheep the most because she has shown them for all eight of her 4-H years and loves the work she puts into them.
Both older sisters agreed that their younger sister Lyndi got involved with the same animals because she looks up to them.
The Parent girls have named their animals in years past, but said they didn't have time for naming this year.
"We used to pick a theme and name all of our animals along with it," Josie said. "This year, we call them by their tag numbers or by where we got them."
Also, the sisters have learned not to become as attached to their animals over the years.
"We always remember how hard it was our first couple years to sell our animals." Dakota said. "It will be hard for Lyndi this year because this is her first year."
The Parents' lambs were all born in January or February and they have been working with them ever since.
"We take them out for exercise and practice with them a lot," Josie said.