An orphaned lamb that has been raised with four dogs has learnt to mimic their behaviour, and now thinks it is a dog.
The sheep, called Sheepdog, rides along in the ute like a dog, on the farm at Gawler in north-west Tasmania.
"It's a case of monkey-see monkey-do I guess," said Fran Johnston, who adopted the lamb.
Sheepdog jumps in the cab of the farm ute, eats dog biscuits, walks on a leash and expects to be patted by the fireside.
"He sleeps with the dogs. He follows them around," Ms Johnston said.
"He paws them, he sits with them and runs and plays with them. They have some fantastic games."
But Ms Johnston said the four dogs had not reciprocated Sheepdog's enthusiasm.
"The dogs ignore him," she said.
"He's just like a shadow and they don't really pay any attention. But he runs around thinking he's very involved."
Ms Johnston has shared photographs and videos of Sheepdog, which have helped her connect with other owners of confused animals.
She has not taught Sheepdog any tricks yet, but said she would look into doing so.
Sheepdog and Ms Johnston have a tight bond, as many owners of rescue animals do.
"I think we found each other," Ms Johnston said.
