If ever there was an “only in Durango” moment, here it is: a taxidermy sheep that was stolen from outside a local art gallery May 27 reappeared the next morning in the lobby of the Durango Police station – naked.
For eight years, Donna Frank, owner of A Shared Blanket, placed the wood-based sheep outside her store at 104 E. Fifth St., usually dressed in colorful garb.
The once living and breathing sheep, given to Frank by a group of Navajo ranchers, became a fixture at the art gallery.
“The kids loved him,” she said. “It was really a wonderful symbol to all of us to have the sheep guarding the store, instead of us having to guard the sheep.”
On May 27, a rainstorm around 4:30 p.m. prompted Frank to take the sheep inside. After the sky cleared, she replaced the animal at its regular perch. But when she went to close the store later that night, the sheep was gone.
It was the last time Frank saw the sheep – or so she thought.
According to Frank, the sheep was found the next morning in the police station lobby, stripped of its hat, train necklace and Navajo sash belt.
“He was naked,” she said.
However, Frank said she’s glad to have her guard sheep back at its proper place.
“We were sort of hoping he’d be found at that rock monstrosity near the Highway 160 intersection, but we’re just happy to have him back,” she said. “It’s just a real Durango story.”
Durango police did not respond to calls about this story.
