My world became hectic and overcrowded.  I worked at a job that I hated, lived in a City that I hated with a commute in smog that I hated. I was surrounded by negative attitudes, and no creativity.    Then I found alpacas.

 

Although I have no real livestock background, alpacas gentle, trusting, all knowing kindness connected me back to nature and elements that I hadn't thought much about in years.  These animals are calming to my soul.  They have also found a way to de-stress my world of outside influences and remind me of the basic, important necessities of life.  These animals have lived for thousands of years maintaining their principles of shared community and caring for their young.  They watch out for each other and welcome a new baby with open arms and curiosity.  They are an analogy of what I would like my life to be. 

Pam Peterson

And these entries below touched my heart and had to be listed as honorable mentions.

Thank you all for sending these in.    All entries were appreciated and too numerous to list!

 

I love alpacas because even when you are sick their gentle nature beckons you to come and spend an hour or two with them.  While I went through breast surgery and  6 months of chemotherapy there were a few days when I was forced to stay in bed but just as soon as I could stand and get my pants on, I was outside in the pasture attending to the needs of my alpacas.  On one occasion my husband asked my oncologist if he would advise me to slow down a bit and not work so hard.  The oncologist said matter of factly, that getting outside and working with the alpacas was probably the best thing for me!  I'm well today partially because of the wonderful times I was able to spend with my alpacas.

 

Diane Hawkes

Summerlin Alpaca Farm

Caldwell, ID

 

 

I have been working with alpacas for a few years now, every time in the summer, at a fairly large farm in Germany. I fell in love with alpacas because of their looks, but when working with them, I realized there was much more than their huge eyes and fluffy looks.

One of the girls working at this farm asked me if I have a religion. I asked her why, because I do not believe in a god or so. She thought I was so peaceful. However, I am not really a peaceful girl. But what that girl meant was that I was really calm and full with love. And that was true, because, in my heart, I didn't feel calm at that time, but the alpacas, with their soft fiber and nice temperament.

Many people don't understand why I love alpacas. It's because they look great, have wonderful fiber, but, especially, because they make me feel good. They let me forget trouble if I have trouble, and make me see things with more joy.

Steffie Van den Akker

the Netherlands

 

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I love alpacas because Mom and I were there when you got you first alpaca, Petora. We have watched your herd grow and watched the happiness they have brought to you. I guess I like them just as you do, even though I can't remember all their names.

 I also have a pair of alpaca socks and a sweater vest , They are both the best I ever had.

    I have to- disqualify myself in this contest because I am too prejudiced.

     Keep up the good work.

                                         Love

                                                  Dad

 

I love alpacas because they are so curious, but gentle.

I love their big dark eyes, and their wonderful fleece.

I love the way they want to be together and stay with the herd. I especially love the crias, because they are not so cautious as the older females, and they let you hug on 'em. I love the way the crias entertain with their frolicking

in the evening.

And I really love watching them all on the barn cam, and because I know them personally, it's cool to able to say " there's Caprice or I just know that's Julianna" I especially love the ones with specific markings because they are so easy to identify. I guess I just love alpacas because my daughter loves them so much.

                             Your Mom