Not an Easy Day

Not every day on the farm is easy. There are ups and downs. Today unfortunately was a down day. But we keep positive and move on. A good part of today was the time I spent going through a years worth of photos for the 2015 Arrow Acres Farm Calendar.  I love seeing those fuzzy faces going from fuzzy, to cleanly shaven, and then again to all fuzzy.  I ordered the calendars and I can't wait to have them in my hands to look through. There is something about having my pictures in print that I enjoy so much.

The guy above is Bocote. I have been halter training him over the past month or so. He is so great at walking on a lead. We have started doing the obstacle course too. Pretty soon we'll have mastered the weave poles, teeter totter, ramp and I wonder what else I can have him do. I look forward to putting on a show with him for the farm visitors later this Fall.  I don't have enough words to explain how much I love working with and spending time with alpacas. They are such wonderful animals.

But sadly we morn the loss of a cria today. We did everything we could but somethings just happen that are out of our control.  I know us humans grieve more and longer than the alpacas do. It is just a hard thing to go through.  I have to give the alpacas a lot of credit because as soon as you feel like busting into tears one runs over to you and gives you a big kiss.  Or at least Peanut Butter Dickens gave me a fair share of kisses and cuddles.  Thank you Peanut I needed that and in return I will continue to spoil your rotten :) 

And just in-case my parents and sisters are reading this and are teary eyed I hope this puts a smile on your face.

And just a shout out to my sister Liz for her amazing alpaca doula skills.  Unfortunately the cria passed while it was still inside it's mother, but she and my mother were able to deliver it and save the mother.  I think you deserve to get spoiled rotten too!!!