I went to the ranch early on Saturday. Rick left very early to pick up 6 Alpacas and a Llama in Crestline, Pati had to go to work, and they are on baby watch for Lucy and Dewdrop. So, I sort of filled in the gap by being there so the ladies wouldn't be alone. Before Pati left for work, I went down to Boy's Town to see all "the guys". Flash & Storm have been moved in with Merlin & Ambush. That is to make room for a herdsire and companion Rick is bringing back today. I spent a little time with ALPHA and Felix. Oh my goodness, Felix is not only back to his sweet self, but even better. He lets me rub his neck for the longest time, plus I can rub his back, run my hands down his legs, his chest, his belly and his ears. He clucked once or twice when I kissed him. I am so happy. I was a little worried, thinking perhaps the "procedure" he had a few months ago had changed his personality. ALPHA isn't as friendly, but once you can get close enough to lightly touch the front of his neck, he's yours. He'll stand very still and let you inspect his fiber, check his teeth, rub his neck, and put on a halter. They both are a little slow starting their walks, but by the time we get them past Boy's Town and up the hill, they are super. Today, they had a BIG adventure. More about that later...
Rick arrived about 10AM with his big, super duper, bitchin' trailer, full of Alpacas (and yes, a Llama, too). There were 2 pregnant dams (each with a cria), 1 herdsire, 1 companion, and a cool Llama "KoKo". I helped unload them and take the dams/crias/Llama to the show pen for a brief "inspection & health check" before they were allowed to join the herd. They have excellent health records and all passed the Rick Test with flying colors. In no time, they were walking down the hill to meet their new friends. The herdsire and companion went in with Ares and Nicholas. That didn't work out real well, so Nicholas is now in with Felix, ALPHA, Aerosmith, Luther and Harrison. The herdsires in Boy's Town got pretty rambunctious (spelling?) when the new herdsire arrived "on their turf". They acted up for awhile, with very puffed chests and tall, strong stature. Boys will be boys :)
O.K., back to Felix & ALPHA Big Adventure. Rick kept the super, duper, awesome, bitchin' trailer hooked up to the truck so the trailer was low enough for Alpacas to step in to. We took Felix & ALPHA and encouraged them (yeah, encouraged, Rick picked up their front feet and put them in the trailer) to get in the trailer. There was water and fresh hay in there, and they were pretty O.K. with it. No humming. Just curiosity. Rick closed the chain link back gate and left the trailer door open. We left them and went back to the patio for awhile. About 30 minutes later, we went and got them. They were perfectly fine. Eating hay, nosing around, looking out the windows...no big deal. That is so cool, as both of them will be riding in trailers in the future. ALPHA going to shows, and Felix visiting nursing homes/schools/charities and maybe even walking in a few parades. The photo at the top of the page has a caption "if you're happy and you know it, shake your head" (I know you know the tune). Yep, that's my Felix.
Oh, wow, I almost forgot my "baby watch" 45 minutes (between Pati leaving and Rick arriving). I put my cell phone in my back pocket (programmed for Rick & Pati), and went and sat outside the fence by the North field. I spent 45 minutes watching Lucy and Dewdrop's rear ends. Dewdrop really concerned me because she was cushed with her head down and wasn't chewing her cud. Then, she got up and moved to the fence corner by the water bucket, with her butt to the fence. She looked real uncomfortable. Lucy wasn't doing anything that appeared abnormal.
No babies today.
I hung out with "the kids" (oh, you should see little Patron Gold - what a cutie pie!) and watched Sweety play big sister to Patron, and Lancelot and Majik neck wrestle. I got a photo of Paris Hilton after a roll in the hay. But, I decided not to post that photo. I may save it to sell on Ebay.
We still aren't sure if Star or Meg Ryan are pregnant. Soon, Rick will ultrasound them. I sure hope they are. I haven't purchased Meg Ryan yet, but will very soon. The more I see her, the more I want her. When the new Alpacas arrived Saturday and were released to the main field, Meg Ryan came to greet them. She, then, took off in a full pronk (which I'd never seen before), across the main field, into the center field, and back around. It was really beautiful to see. I've posted a photo of her (2nd from top).
I got to help with treats today. Yep, Manda Smith with her head in the bucket, and Princess eating out of my hand. BUT, after treats, Manda Smith let me rub her neck and massage her back. I guess she liked it because she dropped to the ground to get reallllll comfortable. KoKo, the new Llama, ate from my hand. She's really cool. And, what a surprise! Star ate treats from my hand too. Vanilla would rather eat off the ground than come near my hand, and Meg just kind of looks at me and walks away. I did kinda sneak up on Percy and touched her hip :) That's the only way you can touch Miss Cheerleader, is to try to sneak up on her. Percy will be 1 year old August 21st. Considering she is the shortest gestation Alpaca cria to have ever survived (291 days), that is quite a feat. She thinks she is "Miss Thing" (and she is).
Yes, another great day at the ranch..
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Photo Worth A Million Bucks
I know we all must have heard Paris Hilton would not eat while she was in custody. Why? Because she was afraid someone would snap a photo of her on the potty. Well, you saw it here first! An actual, untouched, original photo of Paris Hilton going potty on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at All American Alpacas in Murrieta, CA. Sorry, this photo is not for sale at any price.... ;)
Another great day at the ranch. Blade and Fred got to hang out with some pretty girls and I believe a good time was had by all. The weather was beautiful...a little overcast with a nice breeze. Perfect for breeding.
I've talked about buying Meg Ryan, and I will be very soon. She needs to be registered first. In order to register an Alpaca, one must submit a blood sample for DNA testing. This determines that the sire and dam are truly the sire and dam. When they are first born, the vet takes a sample of blood from their neck which is used for IGg testing and the DNA sample. In adult Alpacas, the blood is drawn from a vein under the tail. Ouch! Bless Rick's heart...he decided to draw the blood from Meg while I was there Saturday. She needed to be put in the "chute" (a large contraption that totally immobilizes the Alpaca, yet it doesn't appear to be too uncomfortable). Yet, I'm sure it's pretty scarey for the Alpaca, even if it doesn't hurt. I kept trying to soothe Meg telling her what a good girl she was, and it would be over soon. Duh! Rick reminded me. She's deaf. Oh well, hopefully she picked up my "vibes". It didn't take long for Rick to get the drop of blood he needed for the DNA card. He untied Meg and she went right back to the nursery and continued eating. I'm glad she didn't seem to be phased much by the experience.
I went out to the fields to see all the crias. It is so cool to see so many little ones running around again. There weren't too many in January and February. But boy, there is a gaggle of them now! All shapes, sizes, colors and personalities. Sweety is still the trouble maker, and she seems to have a special fondness for the newest boy "Patron Gold". Yes, he's the little guy that was born last Sunday and Rick needed to give him Caro syrup, then Colostrum, then plasma, then bottle feeding...He's stronger now, nursing, and getting lessons from Sweety on how to be a trouble maker. Merlin's Majik is looking more and more spectacular every day. Vanilla Sundae seems to enjoy being in the center field with youngsters. Probably because she is one of the oldest in that field (a whopping year old now), which must give her some clout :)
Earlier in the day, I had gone down to Boy's Town to visit with the boys, and see my ALPHA and Felix. What a difference in Felix! Last weekend he was a love bug and I was so happy to think my ol' Felix was back. He did the same thing today. He was loving and easy to halter and walk all over the ranch. ALPHA is amazing too. With just a touch to the front of his neck, he stands and let's you put on his halter. Or, you can touch his neck and he'll stand perfectly still and let Rick check his fiber. I am so proud of both of them. They seem to have bonded very nicely and get along very well. Rick decided to give them a real experience and we walked them outside the fence line and down the open road. They were super. We still don't know what is going to happen with the spots that have appeared on ALPHA's blanket. They definately go to the skin (silver?) and look like they are widening ever so slightly. The next several months should be interesting.
Next Saturday, Rick is picking up some Alpacas and bringing them to his ranch. He said he'd leave the trailer hooked up, so we can let Felix and ALPHA experience a trailer. They both need to get used to it, as ALPHA will be going to shows and Felix will be visiting nursing homes and walking in parades. I wonder if it is going to be as hard to get them used to a trailer as it will be for me to get used to pulling a trailer.
I got to help with treats today. Yep, Princess didn't let me down. She ate from my hand. No, the youngsters wouldn't. I did sneak a feel of Percy's neck and back when she was looking the other way. Soft!!!!
Another great day at the ranch. Blade and Fred got to hang out with some pretty girls and I believe a good time was had by all. The weather was beautiful...a little overcast with a nice breeze. Perfect for breeding.
I've talked about buying Meg Ryan, and I will be very soon. She needs to be registered first. In order to register an Alpaca, one must submit a blood sample for DNA testing. This determines that the sire and dam are truly the sire and dam. When they are first born, the vet takes a sample of blood from their neck which is used for IGg testing and the DNA sample. In adult Alpacas, the blood is drawn from a vein under the tail. Ouch! Bless Rick's heart...he decided to draw the blood from Meg while I was there Saturday. She needed to be put in the "chute" (a large contraption that totally immobilizes the Alpaca, yet it doesn't appear to be too uncomfortable). Yet, I'm sure it's pretty scarey for the Alpaca, even if it doesn't hurt. I kept trying to soothe Meg telling her what a good girl she was, and it would be over soon. Duh! Rick reminded me. She's deaf. Oh well, hopefully she picked up my "vibes". It didn't take long for Rick to get the drop of blood he needed for the DNA card. He untied Meg and she went right back to the nursery and continued eating. I'm glad she didn't seem to be phased much by the experience.
I went out to the fields to see all the crias. It is so cool to see so many little ones running around again. There weren't too many in January and February. But boy, there is a gaggle of them now! All shapes, sizes, colors and personalities. Sweety is still the trouble maker, and she seems to have a special fondness for the newest boy "Patron Gold". Yes, he's the little guy that was born last Sunday and Rick needed to give him Caro syrup, then Colostrum, then plasma, then bottle feeding...He's stronger now, nursing, and getting lessons from Sweety on how to be a trouble maker. Merlin's Majik is looking more and more spectacular every day. Vanilla Sundae seems to enjoy being in the center field with youngsters. Probably because she is one of the oldest in that field (a whopping year old now), which must give her some clout :)
Earlier in the day, I had gone down to Boy's Town to visit with the boys, and see my ALPHA and Felix. What a difference in Felix! Last weekend he was a love bug and I was so happy to think my ol' Felix was back. He did the same thing today. He was loving and easy to halter and walk all over the ranch. ALPHA is amazing too. With just a touch to the front of his neck, he stands and let's you put on his halter. Or, you can touch his neck and he'll stand perfectly still and let Rick check his fiber. I am so proud of both of them. They seem to have bonded very nicely and get along very well. Rick decided to give them a real experience and we walked them outside the fence line and down the open road. They were super. We still don't know what is going to happen with the spots that have appeared on ALPHA's blanket. They definately go to the skin (silver?) and look like they are widening ever so slightly. The next several months should be interesting.
Next Saturday, Rick is picking up some Alpacas and bringing them to his ranch. He said he'd leave the trailer hooked up, so we can let Felix and ALPHA experience a trailer. They both need to get used to it, as ALPHA will be going to shows and Felix will be visiting nursing homes and walking in parades. I wonder if it is going to be as hard to get them used to a trailer as it will be for me to get used to pulling a trailer.
I got to help with treats today. Yep, Princess didn't let me down. She ate from my hand. No, the youngsters wouldn't. I did sneak a feel of Percy's neck and back when she was looking the other way. Soft!!!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
My Birthday Weekend
I celebrated the 30th anniversary of my 29th birthday on Friday the 13th and throughout the weekend. Rick & Pati took me to dinner at a fabulous Spanish restaurant in Riverside on Friday night. That was after opening my gifts from them (and my herd). I received a beautiful shawl (100% Alpaca, of course) and a photo collage of my Alpacas and memorable moments at the ranch. Thank you so much Pati and Rick!
Saturday I celebrated with my family. Sunday, my mom and dad visited the ranch for the first time. I was very anxious for them to see my passion and my future. They were amazed at the many different colors and the peacefullness of the ranch.
After my parents left, I stayed for awhile to hang out with my best friends. I went out into the main field to take some photos. While I was there, Rick walked over from the north field and told me he saw "nose & toes" from the back of Sambuca. I, quietly, walked over to the north field to witness the birth. By the time I got there (like all of 2 minutes), the cria was already on the ground! And, within 15 minutes, Sambuca passed the placenta. Wow, talk about a fast birth! Pretty incredible for an experienced mom, let alone a maiden. After leaving them alone for awhile, Rick carried the new boy up to the nursery with mom following close behind. This little guy weighs 12.7 pounds. When he didn't attempt to stand for awhile, Rick started a process of doses of Caro syrup, then bottle fed Colostrum. The cria was attempting to stand, but wasn't quite strong enough to stay up. As far as I know, mom and cria are still in the nursery and Rick is continuing to assist in providing nourishment. I did get an e-mail from Rick that the little boy is doing better.
For many posts, I have been saying Felix has not been his ol' self. WELL. When I took my mom and dad down to Boy's Town to meet Felix and ALPHA, they were both love bugs! Felix let me rub his neck and give him kisses, and ALPHA stood right next to Felix and let me rub his neck, as well. That was a first! I don't know if this made a difference, but Rick had moved Flash, Storm and Ares (older boys) into another field. That left Felix, ALPHA and Harrison in the field they've called home. Then, we moved Aerosmith and Luther to the field today, as it was time for them to be weaned. I think Felix likes being the oldest in the field. When we brought Aerosmith and Luther in the field, ALPHA took a stance with his tail up as if to say "I'm the ALPHA male in this field". It was cute. We didn't go for a walk today because it was hot. Plus, I wanted them to get used to their new roommates.
Another great day at the ranch....
Saturday I celebrated with my family. Sunday, my mom and dad visited the ranch for the first time. I was very anxious for them to see my passion and my future. They were amazed at the many different colors and the peacefullness of the ranch.
After my parents left, I stayed for awhile to hang out with my best friends. I went out into the main field to take some photos. While I was there, Rick walked over from the north field and told me he saw "nose & toes" from the back of Sambuca. I, quietly, walked over to the north field to witness the birth. By the time I got there (like all of 2 minutes), the cria was already on the ground! And, within 15 minutes, Sambuca passed the placenta. Wow, talk about a fast birth! Pretty incredible for an experienced mom, let alone a maiden. After leaving them alone for awhile, Rick carried the new boy up to the nursery with mom following close behind. This little guy weighs 12.7 pounds. When he didn't attempt to stand for awhile, Rick started a process of doses of Caro syrup, then bottle fed Colostrum. The cria was attempting to stand, but wasn't quite strong enough to stay up. As far as I know, mom and cria are still in the nursery and Rick is continuing to assist in providing nourishment. I did get an e-mail from Rick that the little boy is doing better.
For many posts, I have been saying Felix has not been his ol' self. WELL. When I took my mom and dad down to Boy's Town to meet Felix and ALPHA, they were both love bugs! Felix let me rub his neck and give him kisses, and ALPHA stood right next to Felix and let me rub his neck, as well. That was a first! I don't know if this made a difference, but Rick had moved Flash, Storm and Ares (older boys) into another field. That left Felix, ALPHA and Harrison in the field they've called home. Then, we moved Aerosmith and Luther to the field today, as it was time for them to be weaned. I think Felix likes being the oldest in the field. When we brought Aerosmith and Luther in the field, ALPHA took a stance with his tail up as if to say "I'm the ALPHA male in this field". It was cute. We didn't go for a walk today because it was hot. Plus, I wanted them to get used to their new roommates.
Another great day at the ranch....
Monday, July 9, 2007
Paris Hilton released from "custody"
Yes, little Miss Hilton needed to be confined for a period of time, as mom Lady Penny, had a very bad tummy ache. With the drain of the new cria, and the heat, Penny had become severely dehydrated and needed very close supervision and medical attention. Rick & Pati knew just what to do (as Dr. Thacher was out of town for the holiday). After a sleepless day and a half, and lots of treatment and love, Penny was feeling better and was able to leave solitary confinement with her baby girl, Paris. They were permitted to hang out in the nursery with a few other girls for awhile. When Rick & Pati felt she was 100%, she took off running to the main field to find a great place to roll. Paris. well, I'm sure she strolled down the hill as to not mess her hair or present an unflattering Kodak moment. The photo I posted kinda gives you a clue as to her "presence".
We didn't do any breeding when I was at the ranch on Saturday. Dr. Thacher came to examine mom and the newest cria, "Apollo" (we think), who was born to Malea and 4Peruvian Condor. Both got a clean bill of health and joined the herd in the main field. It is so much fun to watch a new cria walk down the hill to the rest of the herd. All the Alpacas come running to meet the new baby. It's really cute to watch.
Rick & I took Felix and ALPHA for a walk. Felix still has a way to go before he's back to his ol' self, but he certainly is improving. He still isn't as lovey as he used to be. I'm hoping it's just temporary. ALPHA is doing very well. I think he'll make me proud at the Monterey Pronk! I already know if he wins a ribbon I will cry.
I just sort of hung out today. I did take quite a few pictures but nothing spectacular. Sometimes they'll pose, sometimes they won't. To get the photo I've posted of Paris, I was, literally, laying on my belly in the dirt and inching up to her like a worm! Well worth it.
A few favorites have gone to a new home since I was last at the ranch. Gatley. Bunny, Sciorocco and McKenzie have moved to Valley Center. Rick said they went to a very nice home (and their new owner sings to them). Since the Alpacas don't know the words, they can't sing with her. They just hummmmm along :)
I made a mistake about Mo...he didn't leave last Thursday, he's leaving this Thursday. He had fun with the ladies while he was here. And, he'll be back in the fall.
Tomorrow is, my girl, Princess' 9th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS
Maybe Rick will give you extra treats. Oh, news flash! Princess FINALLY ate treats out of Rick's hand! That's my girl....
We didn't do any breeding when I was at the ranch on Saturday. Dr. Thacher came to examine mom and the newest cria, "Apollo" (we think), who was born to Malea and 4Peruvian Condor. Both got a clean bill of health and joined the herd in the main field. It is so much fun to watch a new cria walk down the hill to the rest of the herd. All the Alpacas come running to meet the new baby. It's really cute to watch.
Rick & I took Felix and ALPHA for a walk. Felix still has a way to go before he's back to his ol' self, but he certainly is improving. He still isn't as lovey as he used to be. I'm hoping it's just temporary. ALPHA is doing very well. I think he'll make me proud at the Monterey Pronk! I already know if he wins a ribbon I will cry.
I just sort of hung out today. I did take quite a few pictures but nothing spectacular. Sometimes they'll pose, sometimes they won't. To get the photo I've posted of Paris, I was, literally, laying on my belly in the dirt and inching up to her like a worm! Well worth it.
A few favorites have gone to a new home since I was last at the ranch. Gatley. Bunny, Sciorocco and McKenzie have moved to Valley Center. Rick said they went to a very nice home (and their new owner sings to them). Since the Alpacas don't know the words, they can't sing with her. They just hummmmm along :)
I made a mistake about Mo...he didn't leave last Thursday, he's leaving this Thursday. He had fun with the ladies while he was here. And, he'll be back in the fall.
Tomorrow is, my girl, Princess' 9th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS
Maybe Rick will give you extra treats. Oh, news flash! Princess FINALLY ate treats out of Rick's hand! That's my girl....
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Paris Hilton lives in Murrieta
I apologize for posting this 3 days after I was at the ranch. I've been very busy at work and having a new fence put in my back yard. Today is July 4th and I'm trying to catch up on things before I go to a barbeque and pool party at a friend's house.
Yes, the title is correct! Lady Penny delivered a gorgeous little girl on Wednesday, June 27th. No doubt, if you look at her newborn photo and read Rick's update, the choice of name is perfect. Paris Hilton lives at All American Alpacas in Murrieta, CA. Check out her photo and Rick's update from last week at www.allamericanalpacas.com. No doubt she will be the "star" of the main field and the focus of paparazzi far and wide. "That's hot"....
Because of my fence, I went to the ranch on Sunday instead of my normal Saturday. I got there around 9 because it was supposed to be (and was) around 100 degrees by noon. Rick brought Mo up for a date with Mooney while it was still cool. Mo is going to Colorado for the summer/fall on Thursday. When he returns, I'm hoping Vanilla Sundae will be ready to have a date with him. Their ancestry, on both sides, is quite impressive. A cria with them as parents should be pretty incredible.
Rick told me Star spit and ran from Fred last week. I hope that means she's pregnant. She's so hard to read. She'll spit one week and sit the next. Go figure. Rick showed me Alpaca sales on the internet to compare medium fawn to light rose gray females under 2 years of age. There are about 20 times the number of medium fawn to light rose grays for sale. The price difference is about $10,000 in favor of the light rose gray. How cool is that? If you read my last posting, Rick color checked Star and although she was, originally, registered as a medium fawn, she is now, clearly, light rose gray. Her registration has been officially changed. Go Star!
I've also mentioned in a previous posting that Meg Ryan is Star's best buddy. They are inseparable. Meg's a little goofy, which gives her personality. She was a soprano during her entire date with Fred. The next time she saw him through the fence, she started dancing and acting silly. She's curious and loves to smell my tennis shoes and nibble the laces. She's also a blue eyed white. You may think "how stunning", but....most blue eyed whites are deaf and are not the most desireable of the herd. Rick & Pati have a blue-eyed white; they bred her to Fred and she had a stunning cria with big brown eyes. So, it's possible to produce something wonderful from, what some may consider, an inferior Alpaca. From what I've been able to research on the internet about them, most information is quite positive. I've said all this because I am interested in buying Meg Ryan. One reason is because of Star and her attachment to Meg (and vice versa). But, most of all, I believe she can be a positive addition to my herd. I would then have white, medium fawn, beige/medium fawn and light rose gray females. That's a pretty good start on my "rainbow", don't you think? I'll keep you posted.
Rick had a ranch visit, so while he was busy, I haltered up ALPHA for a walk, by himself. He's been walking with Felix, so this could be interesting. Nope. I haltered him with no problem and with very little encouragement, he walked around the ranch. He didn't drop to his knees once. I realized that if you touch him gently on his neck, slightly below his chin (I guess near his Adam's apple, if he has one), he freezes. He stands perfectly still until you move your hand. Rick said this will be great in the show ring. I forgot to try to open his mouth and show his teeth. Rats! I'll have to do that next time. It's all about getting him ready for his first show in September (Monterey Pronk in Monterey, CA). I, also, took Felix for a walk today. He took a little longer to get haltered, and a little encouragement to get started, but he did better today than in previous weeks. I'm sure he'll be back to his ol' self soon....it will just take time, patience and love. Before I left Boy's Town, I belly hosed all the boys (except Fred, who wouldn't leave the feeder - that's O.K. Fred, you need your strength!). While I was running the hot water out of the hose, Vivace made it very clear to me that he would be the first to be hosed. No problem.
I also belly hosed the weanlings in center field, which brought all the Alpacas on each side to the fence. Yes, everyone got a good soaking. I tried to focus on the "fatties" (as Rick calls them) - the ones on baby watch, who have to be the most uncomfortable of all. They are so much fun to belly hose, and they surround you and jockey for position closest to the hose. Nala loves drinking from the nozzle and will follow it wherever you move. A few of the little ones didn't quite understand what was going on and didn't really want to be a part of it.
Another good, but hot, day. Hope you have a great July 4th and that Rick & Pati have a baby today (cria, that is :) Do you think they'd name it Sam?
Yes, the title is correct! Lady Penny delivered a gorgeous little girl on Wednesday, June 27th. No doubt, if you look at her newborn photo and read Rick's update, the choice of name is perfect. Paris Hilton lives at All American Alpacas in Murrieta, CA. Check out her photo and Rick's update from last week at www.allamericanalpacas.com. No doubt she will be the "star" of the main field and the focus of paparazzi far and wide. "That's hot"....
Because of my fence, I went to the ranch on Sunday instead of my normal Saturday. I got there around 9 because it was supposed to be (and was) around 100 degrees by noon. Rick brought Mo up for a date with Mooney while it was still cool. Mo is going to Colorado for the summer/fall on Thursday. When he returns, I'm hoping Vanilla Sundae will be ready to have a date with him. Their ancestry, on both sides, is quite impressive. A cria with them as parents should be pretty incredible.
Rick told me Star spit and ran from Fred last week. I hope that means she's pregnant. She's so hard to read. She'll spit one week and sit the next. Go figure. Rick showed me Alpaca sales on the internet to compare medium fawn to light rose gray females under 2 years of age. There are about 20 times the number of medium fawn to light rose grays for sale. The price difference is about $10,000 in favor of the light rose gray. How cool is that? If you read my last posting, Rick color checked Star and although she was, originally, registered as a medium fawn, she is now, clearly, light rose gray. Her registration has been officially changed. Go Star!
I've also mentioned in a previous posting that Meg Ryan is Star's best buddy. They are inseparable. Meg's a little goofy, which gives her personality. She was a soprano during her entire date with Fred. The next time she saw him through the fence, she started dancing and acting silly. She's curious and loves to smell my tennis shoes and nibble the laces. She's also a blue eyed white. You may think "how stunning", but....most blue eyed whites are deaf and are not the most desireable of the herd. Rick & Pati have a blue-eyed white; they bred her to Fred and she had a stunning cria with big brown eyes. So, it's possible to produce something wonderful from, what some may consider, an inferior Alpaca. From what I've been able to research on the internet about them, most information is quite positive. I've said all this because I am interested in buying Meg Ryan. One reason is because of Star and her attachment to Meg (and vice versa). But, most of all, I believe she can be a positive addition to my herd. I would then have white, medium fawn, beige/medium fawn and light rose gray females. That's a pretty good start on my "rainbow", don't you think? I'll keep you posted.
Rick had a ranch visit, so while he was busy, I haltered up ALPHA for a walk, by himself. He's been walking with Felix, so this could be interesting. Nope. I haltered him with no problem and with very little encouragement, he walked around the ranch. He didn't drop to his knees once. I realized that if you touch him gently on his neck, slightly below his chin (I guess near his Adam's apple, if he has one), he freezes. He stands perfectly still until you move your hand. Rick said this will be great in the show ring. I forgot to try to open his mouth and show his teeth. Rats! I'll have to do that next time. It's all about getting him ready for his first show in September (Monterey Pronk in Monterey, CA). I, also, took Felix for a walk today. He took a little longer to get haltered, and a little encouragement to get started, but he did better today than in previous weeks. I'm sure he'll be back to his ol' self soon....it will just take time, patience and love. Before I left Boy's Town, I belly hosed all the boys (except Fred, who wouldn't leave the feeder - that's O.K. Fred, you need your strength!). While I was running the hot water out of the hose, Vivace made it very clear to me that he would be the first to be hosed. No problem.
I also belly hosed the weanlings in center field, which brought all the Alpacas on each side to the fence. Yes, everyone got a good soaking. I tried to focus on the "fatties" (as Rick calls them) - the ones on baby watch, who have to be the most uncomfortable of all. They are so much fun to belly hose, and they surround you and jockey for position closest to the hose. Nala loves drinking from the nozzle and will follow it wherever you move. A few of the little ones didn't quite understand what was going on and didn't really want to be a part of it.
Another good, but hot, day. Hope you have a great July 4th and that Rick & Pati have a baby today (cria, that is :) Do you think they'd name it Sam?
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