In the classifieds on Wednesday, the section for Livestock and Pets had an unusual offer. Under a large headline for “sheep” was an ad for “beautiful black lab and kelpy mix and pitty and black lab mix.” Have you heard of this breed of sheep? I doubt any of these lambs will be adopted. – Raised on a Ranch in Kansas
Being a creature of habit, Action Line will doggedly investigate this specious species.
After all, no one wants to have the wool pulled over their eyes.
So Action Line left a message for Jennifer, the contact person listed in the ad.
Jennifer called right back and burst out laughing when asked if the puppies were “sheep dogs.”
“That’s really funny,” she said. “I hadn’t seen the ad because we’ve been busy. I’m so excited! All of the pups are now at their forever homes.”
Ewe have to admit, that’s great news to know the litter is not on the lam.
But it doesn’t answer the question of canines being classified as domesticated farm animals.
“My husband did the print ad online,” Jennifer sheepishly admitted.
No doubt he is in the doghouse.
In any case, all’s well that ends well.
But it certainly brings new meaning to the term “animal husbandry.”
Last week’s column about the Bridge to Nowhere’s confusing Roundabout to Everywhere really had some folks going ’round and ’round.
“The small H [for hospital] is not the only problem with the Wilson Gulch Road roundabout,” writes loyal reader Julie Wilson.
(As an aside, it should be noted that Wilson Gulch Road and Julie Wilson are not related.)
“The arrows and lanes are very confusing. Sometimes you have to go ‘about’ the roundabout more than once to find the lane to where you want to go so that you don’t end up in the ‘lane to nowhere.’ The whole roundabout is poorly designed and no sign changes will fix that.”
New resident Robert Senk agrees.
“During my 66 years of driving throughout the United States, including 32 years with law enforcement, I have never been subjected to a more confusing and dangerous traffic-control installation than the roundabout depicted,” Robert writes.
“My wife and I relocated from Florida in June and reside in Three Springs, which has four roundabouts, the worst being the subject one,” he adds.
“Contributing to the poor signage are the intimidating drivers who approach vehicles entering the roundabouts closely from the rear and attempt to pass while in the curve.”
The absence of blue makes the former lawman see red.
“I have never seen a Durango police unit patrol the streets of Three Springs or doing traffic enforcement since we’ve resided here,” he adds. “Thank you for your timely column.”
Meanwhile, another reader – who asked to be called “Hopelessly Lost But Making Good Time” – offers handy tips for roundabout roustabouts.
“Instructions for brave souls venturing into this mousetrap are similar to hiking in the backcountry: Bring plenty of water, food, a compass, GPS, beacons, flares, flashlight and breadcrumbs to trace your journey,” Hopelessly Lost writes. “And bring Mrs. Action Line for guidance.
“These preparations should also be made before pulling into a City Market parking lot, but that’s another subject.”
Email questions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. You can request anonymity if March comes in like a lamb and out like a puppy.
