[A_perfect_lady]

The simple fact that The Lord Himself, on multiple occasions relates as The Good Shepherd.. indeed the selfless and self sacrificinf shepherd.

Sure, but remember that in reality, a shepherd doesn't keep the sheep as pets. They're food (and/or wool.)

[momincombatboots]

They know and follow their master by name... they are sacrificial animals more than food, raised to find the unblemished for sacrifice. Yes for food and covering.. as i stated before, which is acceptable.
They were led by rod and staff, as are we.
The Lord himself asks Peter to feed his sheep... these animals were used as food, only as required. There aren’t a lot of notes about the shepherds, but they didn’t have a meat first diet, as demomstrated by The Lord’s supper.