Every October 30th is observed as National Hug a Sheep Day. Yes, you’ve read that correctly. This is a holiday dedicated to hugging sheep. It’s a day on which people are encouraged to show some appreciation for what sheep contribute to modern society.

Sheep provide people with lamb and mutton, wool, lanolin, and milk, and they have also been helpful in medical and scientific research. Besides, they’re extremely fluffy. Don’t worry, though.

No one is actually expected to hug a sheep unless, of course, they own one. People are more than welcome to “symbolically” hug sheep and show them some appreciation.

The History of National Hug a Sheep Day

This holiday was created in 2004 by the Crazy Sheep Lady of Equinox Farms. She created the holiday because, in 1992, she rescued a sheep she would later name Punkin from the Bluegrass Stockyards.

She kept the sheep as a pet and felt like it personally enriched her life. After 12 long years of additional life, Punkin ended up dying in 2004 but is forever remembered by National Hug a Sheep Day.

Incredible Facts About Sheep

Okay, now that we’ve all agreed to show sheep some respect, let’s take a few moments and learn a little bit more about these animals. Most people don’t know a whole lot about sheep, so we hope the following facts will set the record straight and give everyone information about sheep that they can use.

• Sheep have rectangular pupils that can give them up to 320 degrees of vision.
• Sheep have scent glands that allow them to communicate with one another.
• Sheep have an amazing sense of smell.
• Sheep can also communicate through bleating.
• Female sheep can recognize their lambs from birth by their calls.
• There are over 1,000 different breeds of sheep.
• Sheep are intelligent and can remember over 50 sheep and human faces.
• Sheep are capable of experiencing the same range of emotions as humans.
• Sheep are highly social and will look out for one another.

Observing National Hug a Sheep Day

This is the day for people to hug their sheep — whether those sheep are with them in real life or are just there in a symbolic way. Sheep have done so much for humankind, it’s kind of hard to dismiss all of their contributions. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to use the hashtag #HugASheepDay on social media to spread the love for these domestic animals.