With only 24 days until the 2008 Cache County Fair, it was crunch time for two lambs named Lovey and Gabbi. While fellow 4-Hers were walking their pigs, steer and lambs around the block, owners Sage Mascaro, 13, and Jaymie Durrant, 13, ran their sheep through a course of hurdles made out of paint cans and wooden planks.

“We have to do it to train them to get bigger muscles and to get them in shape so they are ready for the fair,” said Sage. “We thought that making them jump hurdles would be better than just walking them around the neighborhood.”

“My lamb has ADHD,” joked Jaymie, as Lovey refused to jump over the hurdles and walked around in circles.

As Paradise neighbors and friends, Jaymie and Sage ventured into the lamb-raising business together. They joined “Paradise’s Heavenly Herd” 4-H Club and on May 5 traveled to Mike Summers’ sheep ranch in Thatcher. It was there they made the difficult decision of which lambs they were going to take home.

“Well, I looked for a cute one,” explained Jaymie, “and I kind of wanted a big loin because that’s the most expensive cut.”

The young women agree it’s hard work raising a lamb. There are strict feeding schedules, grooming, stall cleaning and having to constantly work with them to get them ready for showing — all things that can cut into a relaxing summer vacation. But raising the lambs together helped with the work load.

“We would always cover for each other if we had to do something with our family,” said Sage.

As the Cache County Fair rolled around, Gabbi and Lovey were in top form. They were given one final scrub and polish before they headed into the ring for showing.

“I’m hoping that she will behave,” said Jaymie, as she lined up with Lovey.

“I don’t know if she (Gabbi) will get a blue but she’ll do pretty good,” said Sage, as she waited to enter the ring.

As the fair wound down and the ribbons were all awarded (none for Lovey or Gabbi) it was time for the 4-H Livestock Auction. Nervous 4-H members lined up to enter the arena full of buyers with the animals they had loved and nurtured through the summer. For most livestock it was “the end of the line,” but a few found themselves heading back out to pasture.

“I’m not very sad because I’m going to buy her back and she’s going to come home with me!” said Sage.

Lovey was auctioned off for $200. Her fate is unknown.