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4: Local celebrity, Woolite the Sheep
2010-01-10 02:37
Our interview this week is with one of the less reclusive stars to have made their homes on the Côte d'Azur: Woolite the Sheep...
Woolite, CityOut is delighted you've agreed to this interview. May we start by asking where you were born and where you live now?
Hi Jilly. First of all let me thank you for agreeing to conduct the interview in Sheepish. In fact my birthplace is a mystery because I was found abandoned on a road in Roquebrune Cap Martin (that’s right – I started life as a lost lamb). Now I live on a little country lane in Castellar where I enjoy every comfort a sheep could dream of. My neighbours are two goats and several chickens whom I occasionally chat with.
My adopted father’s name is Philippe. When he saw me for the first time I was young and all frizzy. I think it was my curls that won him over. He thinks he chose me, but in fact I did the choosing. I immediately sensed that he wasn’t interested in the tenderness of my meat! I’m sorry to have to say so, but that’s often the fate of my fellows – dogs and cats just don’t have the same problems when they get a new master.
Philippe also has a dog, Luna, but we don’t really get on because I’m a bit jealous and think nothing of giving her a kick now and then.
And if it's not too rude to ask a lady, how old are you?
Three springs old now !
I know you’ve been involved with a lot of events here on the Riviera. What was the highlight of your year?
The best moment of my year was without doubt meeting Charlene Wittstock after her Christmas dip in Monaco. Papa introduced me as his Springbok. That made her laugh! During the year I also attended the Cannes Festival where I had a photo wall devoted just to me, and appeared in the magazine People de Canal+ . Another great moment was the departure of the Tour de France, where I was granted the honour of an appearance on France 2 News. I was also the subject of a report on the programme ‘30 millions d’amis’ on France 3
That’s an impressive media record. I notice you’ve been sporting the Nike logo and a smart ‘go-faster’ haircut. Do you think there’s a future for you in the world of sports sponsorship?
Before going to town, I’m always properly groomed – I have to be brushed for half an hour to make sure I’m presentable, with no grass in my fleece. Twice a year, papa shears me – and that takes longer – three hours – because he does it by hand so as not to stress me out or hurt me. I wear the Nike logo, which is perfect for me because my slogan is Just Wool It!
As yet, I have no career plans, I’m just happy to be the mascot of my running club, Les Foulées Roquebrunoises, and I enjoy participating in their local runs. I can run 10 kilometres – but not much more than that because I can never take off my sweater ! I don’t just run, I swim too. But Papa never knows whether I’m going to follow him into the water or not.
Word has it that you have been photographed with one of two rather famous people. Can you tell us about your experiences?
Well, I’ve already mentioned Charlene, but I’ve also met Prince Albert and Princess Stéphanie de Monaco several times, and various world champions including Pierre Frolla, the world freediving champion, and Irina Kazakova and Benoit Z, European marathon champions. What really impressed me about these important personages was that they just melted into the background, allowing me to be the star of the show!
Woolite, you’ve become a bit of a local attraction. What do you put this down to?
I think it’s because city-dwellers have lost touch with the world of nature, it’s a big loss for them. And also they’re very excited to pet me – often I’m their first contact with a real sheep.
The French, of course, are great gourmets. What is your favourite food?
Corn! I adore corn!
Finally, when you are not working, what is your favourite form of relaxation. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Ideally, lounging around in the sunshine, but what I really like is taking a stroll in the mountains because you can find so many tasty kinds of grass there.
Woolite, we’ve enjoyed interviewing you for CityOut; but of course, readers can also look at your own blog, can’t they?
Yes, I have a blog, though I have a hard time updating it because it’s difficult to type with my long hooves! I started my blog seven months ago because lots of fans wanted pictures of me and I think it's the best way to stay in touch with people all over the world. The address is http://woolite.over-blog.com . And on Facebook, I have a lot of sheep friends.
Do you have a final message for CityOut readers, Woolite?
Sure, as you French say, ‘Mééééééééééilleurs vœux pour 2010 à tous !!!’
Jilly Bennett