A Dream Come True

My first experience with an Alpaca was in 2005 at a children's petting zoo. Being a true animal lover, I always go to the petting zoos to see, and touch the animals. This one was unique, as it wasn't just pigs, goats, sheep and bunnies. They also had these darling furry creatures that kind of looked like a Llama, but smaller, with cuter faces and the softest coats I'd ever felt. I had to ask what they were, and was told they were Alpacas. It was love at first sight. Their sweet disposition, soothing hummmmm, and "Betty Davis Eyes" captured my heart, and my interest. I walked away wanting to know more about them. I spent many nights on the internet researching Alpacas, their history and care. In the process, I learned about the investment potential and tax advantages.

I am 58, single, and own a travel agency. For a few years, I have been considering what I will do with the second half of my life. I've enjoyed the travel business tremendously, but after 27 years, I'm getting tired. Being able to "retire" with a decent income is very important to me. Unfortunately, a retirement income is not one of the benefits of the travel industry. I've seen the world and now I want to stay home. Let's see"animal lover, reaching retirement, good health, wants to be home. Alpaca Rancher? Oh yes! BUT, now, when I have the resources to buy them, I'm not able to care for them. I certainly can't keep them in my tract home back yard. Maybe by the time I'm ready to obtain property and develop a herd, my situation may be different. Oh well, it's a dream that I must wait to see come true. I was so wrong!

Last June, I attended a Pet Expo at our local fairgrounds. What a great day doing nothing but petting dogs, puppies and horses. Then, I happened to see a booth with a sign about Alpacas. I spoke to the lady in the booth and told her how much I adored these precious animals. I told her my only regret was I was not in a position to buy and raise them, at least for a few years. She told me she lived in a tract home in Palm Springs and was not ready to retire for about 5 years. She had started buying Alpacas and boarding them at a ranch nearby. What? I can have the best of both worlds? I'm ready!

Back on the internet".more "in depth" research , especially about ranches offering boarding (agisting). I happened on to ILoveAlpacas.com, which listed all the member ranches in California. There's a ranch about 30 minutes from my house! On June 3, 2006, I visited All American Alpacas in Murrieta. Rick Horn was wonderful at answering all my questions (and I'm sure there were some dumb ones!), showing me around the ranch and explaining the business to me. Everything I've read suggests you visit several ranches, but I'm a no nonsense kind of girl and I saw no need. I felt everything I needed was available at All American Alpacas. So, on June 17, 2006, I returned and bought my first two pregnant dams, "Princess" and "Fudge", (which I financed over 24 months through All American Alpacas). I began going out to the ranch every other Saturday to spend time with the Alpacas, learn the business, help with breeding and anything else that needed to be done. June 17th will always be a very special day for me. The day my dream came true. I'm not totally there yet, but I am definitely on my way.

On Saturday, November 4, 2006, "Princess" delivered my first cria. It was also one of my ranch visit days. As soon as I got out of my car at the ranch, Pati and Rick told me Princess was in labor. I witnessed the entire event! My first cria, and the first time I had seen a birth. A gorgeous, healthy, perfect future herdsire. I named him ALPHA (the "first", the "beginning").

January 1, 2007, I purchased a beautiful little girl(6 months old) "Vanilla Sundae", and on March 17, 2007, bought a stunning maiden (18 months old) "Star". In between, I had fallen in love with a little boy "Felix", who is considered pet quality. He is a real love bug and has a special place in my heart since he was born. I wanted to purchase him as a companion for ALPHA. Instead, Pati & Rick gave him to me (THANK YOU so much, Pati & Rick!). I am now working with him to train him as a therapy animal. I'd love to take him to nursing homes and/or children's hospitals to brighten the days of those in need of a ray of sunshine in their life. Can you imagine?

I've financed all the Alpacas I've purchased. Yet, I have been able to pay off a few by cashing in bonds that were paying very low interest, and using my income tax refund. Oh yes, I've already been able to reap some of the tax advantages of Alpaca ownership, even though I don't yet have a ranch.

Yes, the tax advantages and the income can be very attractive. But, nothing compares to being greeted by them when I walk into a field, their curiosity, their playfulness, their beauty, their soothing hummmmm, and their individual, unique personalities (not to mention colors and patterns). I could spend all day, everyday, sitting in the field watching and interacting with them. They say the eyes are the window to the soul. You can't truly comprehend the magnitude of that statement until you look into the eyes of an Alpaca.

Alpaca ownership is Heaven on earth.