Poor Merlin was really feeling the cold this morning! Thankfully, his friend Siobhan sent him a warm coat last year, so we pulled it out again today.

The animals are always thrown off when one of them is given a coat. Usually, the resident with the coat tries to outrun the coat (that’s on them), the others try to outrun them, which makes the one in the coat think there really is something to panic about… and you can see where this is going; full-on shenanigans.

We only break out the coats when it’s truly necessary, because stressed residents running around can unsettle the whole barn and become unsafe fast.

Merlin was a good boy while we got his coat on and adjusted it. Afterward, he sulked in the corner (he’s a sensitive guy), but with some coaxing (and sunflower seeds), Merlin, Mel, and Kate settled together in the stall with the heater overhead.

That heater was installed this summer when S&K Electric ran more power to the barn: down the left side, into The Little’s House, plus hookups for additional stall heaters and outlets in the hen house.

I’m so thankful we had at least one heater ready for Merlin to warm up under (with Mel and Kate for moral support). The downside: it’s currently Annie’s stall-rest space, so getting everyone rearranged took a bit of morning logistics.

As you know, we’re working on installing heaters on the goat side of the barn and in The Little’s House to avoid “the sanctuary shuffle.” Thanks to our supporters and Sanctuary Santas, the heater for The Little’s House and Merlin’s future stall heater are already covered and on order. We’re hoping Santa brings the heater for Bea’s stall next. 😉

Meanwhile, the sheep still aren’t sure what to make of Merlin’s coat. Even the Littles were being nosy neighbours about it. In the photos, you can see Sid watching Merlin from outside while Merlin tries to relax in a sunbeam, mainly over the weirdness of wearing a coat for the first time this winter. I’m sure it’ll be old news to the whole crew soon.