People often ask us how we can bear to sell our alpacas. Usually when a cria is born, we have an idea whether or not that cria might be offered for sale. Starting out from that point of view helps a bit. But you do get attached to some animals more than others. One of the first alpacas we purchased was a lovely black female named Natalie. She was less than a year old when she came to our farm in 1999. Since then she has been a dependable breeder and blessed us with many healthy cria. Natalie is still with us at age 14, but we no longer breed her.
Two of my favorite alpacas are Natalie’s daughters, Andrea and Praline. Both are tall (like their sire), calm and personable females; the type that come right over to me and seem content to stand and be petted. They’re two of the alpacas that I seek out when I come in to the barn. But they were on our sales list and last month we sold both of them, plus Praline’s cria, to the same buyer. Yesterday we delivered the three girls to their new home in Mass.
We’ve been very lucky over the years to have many wonderful and responsible clients and Amy, the girls’ new owner, is one of them. As much as I will miss Praline and Andrea, I feel better knowing that they are in good hands with someone who has not only the infrastructure to house the animals, but truly loves her animals and will give these special girls the time and attention they deserve.
Tracey
Wonderful post, Terry.