Mad Dog and The Pilgrim booksellers

A sign pointing off the highway is Mad Dog and the Pilgrim’s only advertising. Fresh eggs are indeed available, and lambs often wander the bookstore.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Moving all the books from Denver to Wyoming took a dozen round trips in a 20-foot truck.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Rucio the donkey is just part of the menagerie on German and Hinds’ ranch. They also have a llama, 62 chickens, 41 sheep, three peacocks and six guinea fowl.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Rucio’s ears frame some of the ranch’s sheep. “We both love who we’ve become,” says Hinds. “I’m a bookselling shepherdess, and I’m just amazed.¿   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)