National Hug A Sheep Day

National Hug A Sheep Day is on the last Saturday of October each year and is one of the cutest holidays in the fall! Sheep are smart, beautiful, cozy animals that give us wool, lanolin, cheese, and more. What better way to show our appreciation than by giving them a hug?

History

National Hug A Sheep Day was founded in 1992 in honor of Punkin the sheep, who was likely abused on a farm before being rescued and taken to a safe place. Despite the traumatic start to her life, Punkin lived for 12 more years before passing due to natural causes. The holiday was created in order to combat animal cruelty and to appreciate the benefits that animals have on humanity.

Sheep have been around for centuries and are believed to have descended from wild mouflons in Europe and Asia. Today they are bred as livestock, due to their compact size and relatively easy care.

Interesting facts

• Sheep come in a variety of colors, from snowy white to dark brown.
• There are currently over 1,000 different breeds of sheep.
• Sheep eat grass, hay, and fodder.
• They sleep deeply at night and stay awake during the day.
• Sheep become stressed if separated from the herd, such as when transported to another farm.
• Sheep are intelligent enough to remember faces and emotions for many years.
• They prefer sweet and sour plants, avoiding bitter ones.
• Sheep possess impressive hearing.

How to take part

Find out what events are being held in your area. Maybe local farms will be hosting tours, animal meet-and-greets, and even offering sheep-related products. Pet the animals, feel their fur, and give them a hug. Donate to an animal welfare organization. Learn how to knit warm clothes from sheep’s wool and make something special for yourself or your loved ones.

When is National Hug A Sheep Day in 2024?

National Hug A Sheep Day is observed on the last Saturday of October each year.

Observations