A 14-year-old roper and her 18-year-old horse have ended a monthslong search for an escaped sheep in Wadsworth, Ohio. Reagan Crumpler had tried for 45 days to catch the American Blackbelly sheep, which had been running loose through the town, but she had no luck until Wednesday.

Reagan said she asked her horse, Catalena, whether they should go catch a sheep that day, and the pair set out on an hours-long effort. Each time they got close, the sheep turned around and escaped the rope. As Reagan began to lose hope, she urged her horse on, and the mare responded by shifting into high gear and getting in front of the animal. Reagan and Catalena then roped and captured the sheep, ending an adventure that had drawn the attention of the whole town.S2

During the 45 days, Whispering Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary owner Janine Smalley and farm volunteer Rebecca Roxberry launched a Facebook campaign to rescue the animal. Roxberry said she wanted to make sure the sheep was not hurt. The sheep was spotted several times over the period, and volunteers, the sheriff's department and even aerial drones worked together to bring it to safety. After the capture, Roxberry said everyone shed tears, and she shared the news on Facebook, crediting the sanctuary, its volunteers and the community.S2

The sheep, now named Gerri Reagan after the teen roper, is staying at the sanctuary on a 72-hour hold. No potential owners have come forward. If none do, the sheep will become a permanent resident of the farm.S2