WATCH | Blind lamb Simon finds his perfect companion

A Winterskloof family who appealed to the community to help find a companion for their blind lamb, Simon, say they were overwhelmed by the response and have now found him the perfect friend from Nottingham Road.

Jo-Ellen Hannaway said Simon came into their lives after he was brought to local veterinarian and family friend Dr Dave Gibbs to be euthanised.

At the time, Hannaway’s daughter, Ella, a Grade 11 pupil at Howick High School, was completing her work experience at the veterinary practice.

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My daughter was completing her work experience when this little lamb was brought in to be euthanised. Knowing Ella’s love for animals, Dr Gibbs asked if she would like to give the lamb a chance. She immediately said yes, and Simon joined our family.

Ella named the lamb Simon, a biblical name meaning “to hear”, a fitting choice for a lamb who experiences the world through sound rather than sight.

Since then, Simon has become something of a local celebrity.

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“He has gone everywhere with our family, from beach holidays to restaurants and shops. He happily travels in his doggy pram, drinks a bottle every three hours, even throughout the night, and wears Pampers Pull-Ups to keep him comfortable while indoors,” said Hannaway.

After Simon celebrated his one-month birthday, the family realised it was time to plan for his future.

We contacted Lamb Care Australia for advice on how to help a blind lamb live as independently as possible.

Hannaway said Tegan from Lamb Care Australia recommended finding Simon a companion of a similar age and placing a small bell around the companion’s neck so Simon could follow the sound and move around safely.

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“Our search began immediately. We posted appeals on local community Facebook and WhatsApp groups, hoping someone might know of a suitable lamb.”

Their appeal soon reached Kate Varty from Horseshoe Forest Farm, who offered them a tiny ewe lamb that had been rejected by its mother after being born as one of twins.

The family collected the lamb and named her Sarah, a name meaning “princess” or “noble leader”, also a biblical name.

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From the moment they met, Sarah began running and playing while Simon followed faithfully behind, guided by the gentle sound of the bell around her neck. Watching him confidently follow her has been incredibly moving and gives us great hope for his future.

She said the family was grateful to everyone who helped make the reunion possible.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr Dave Gibbs for giving Simon a second chance at life, to Tegan and the team at Lamb Care Australia for their invaluable advice, to Kate Varty for entrusting Sarah to us, and to everyone in our community who shared our search and helped us find Simon his lifelong companion.

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“Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can change a life. In Simon’s case, they gave a little blind lamb not only a second chance, but also a best friend to help him navigate the world.”