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 Dogs and Llamas: The truth about what can go wrong

3/19/2017

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Llamas are domestic and require our support to keep and maintain their safety. I have placed several llamas with new homes and always evaluate the home on several points, including a safe environment. This is a warning that you can lose your llamas to a hidden danger that is difficult to ascertain. Don’t let your dogs run with your llamas - and if you see roaming dogs in your neighborhood, call animal control – they could kill your llama herd. I recently got a call from one of my llama adopters about this tragic event. This is a tragic story that I will share to hopefully prevent more killings.

My adopter had been given a llama who she named Tina. She fell in love with Tina and recognized that Tina needed companionship and called me about 4 months later to adopt one or more llamas. There was a neighbor to Tina who had an in-tact male who once or twice had come to visit, having gotten out of his pen (which males will try to do, if possible). They did not breed since I believe Tina spit him off and he was returned to the owner in time before any breeding could happen. My adopter was not interested in breeding – just companionship for Tina.

After my inspections and satisfaction that this was a good home, last April, I brought three llamas over to live with Tina. It was a great match as Tina right away started to follow the other three around and bond with them. They got along great. I checked on the llama herd 2 or 3 times and all was well.

I got the call two weeks ago that stunned me. Among the tears and pain, I learned that the family of three llamas were killed by roaming dogs (in fact they were significantly fed upon). The pictures were gruesome and hard for me to believe so much damage was done without anyone hearing any of it. Tina was alive but so badly injured I ultimately had to have her euthanized at the veterinarians and drive her to the crematorium for disposal. It was very emotional and difficult still as I am typing this.
Four llamas had lived together for about a year on one acre with the house on site, a good family of 5 also raising chickens and two small dogs (who were not part of the crime). The dogs that did this were very savage and yet where likely someone’s family pets in the area. I became worried for the safety of small children in the area and the other llama in the neighborhood. A report was filed with Animal Control who were provided pictures and descriptions - a witness seeing a Rottweiler with a German Shephard. The German Shephard was caught on a security camera and was wearing a collar – no tags. Animal Control set traps and caught the Shephard who was euthanized. Other dogs are being trapped and I am not sure of their fate. What can behave like a well-tempered family pet can all maim and kill animals as large as llamas. The neighbor is sure his male llama is mean and will be fine – I hope so, but I worry that if all the dogs are not caught, his will be next.

this issue is now a high priority when placing llamas and I am sending his out as a warning to all those who have llamas. If there are roaming dogs (even one dog has been known to bring down a llama) that is an indicator of a safety issue. Dogs come in many varieties: size, temperament, training, etc. However, what I have just witnessed makes me very concerned about having dogs able to get inside of a llama enclosure. The friendly and obedient dog that is a family pet can turn into a vicious killer when triggered. The pictures of the aftermath are too gruesome to publish.

I am also a dog lover and have two of my own that are of the herding type. I don’t allow them to enter my llama areas and have chainlink fencing. This is why barbed wire is not sufficient. Given the loose dog culture around the rural areas of New Mexico, this is a tough problem. We need everyone to be vigilant and to spread the word that loose dogs are unacceptable. 
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The Rescues Continue...

5/3/2016

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Lupe (male) from Albuquerque rescued Sept 2013 to MT to work as a pack llama in Yellowstone National Park
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Johnny and Ralph (geldings) moved from Corrales, NM to the Western Slopes of Colorado in Sept 2013
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Susie moved from Corrales, NM to Western Slopes of CO Sept 2013
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Luke, December 2015, intact male, very gentle, undernourished.
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15 year old gelded male taken in to Llamas del Sol May 2016.
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Butch moved from abusive, neglected home to new caring home in summer of 2014.
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Adopted by Lilly and Kojo.
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Lucy (felmale) from Corrales, NM moved to Buffalo, MO in Aug 2013 with her close friend Emma
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Sonny (gelded) moved from Corrales, NM to the Western Slopes of Colorado Sept 2013
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Molly and Dolly (females) moved from South Valley, Albuquerque to Mountain Home, TX June 2014
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Survivor of a dog attack in Estancia, NM - intact male, young and spunky, rescued in summer of 2016. Rescued by Kirsten and Daniel and named Yendo
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15 year old gelded male, easy to halter and walk. Terrell has always lived with Lorraine. Adopted by Lily and Kojo.
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Adopted by Eric and Michelle.
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21 year old female re-homed March 2016.
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21 year old Pedro re-homed in March 2016. Gelded male.
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Gracie is the mom - black llama and is 13 years old (as of 2017). Her daughter Summer is 10 years old and about 6' 6" tall!
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Emma (female) moved from Corrales, NM to Buffalo, MO with Lucy in Aug 2013
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Sasha (female) moved from Corrales, NM to Western Slopes of CO Sept 2013
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2015 non-breeding female (Karmon Lorraine) about 15 years old with gelded male (Terrell). Gave some halter training.
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Thumper (male) from Ojo Caliente, NM moved with Sheryl somewhere Nov 2013
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Como and Navigator adopted by Eric and Michelle.
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21 year old female re-homed March 2016.
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21 year old gelded male re-homed March 2016.
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15 year old Male (as of 2018). he has a little cloud in his left eye. Very gentile and pretty. He was never named by his prior owners so in called Noname, for now.
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Carlos and Sambra came in June 2018nfrom Ft. Collins CO after their owner died. They were hand feed and very friendly
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Sambra was a challenge for his owner as a bi of a bully. Now he is with other males.
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October 2018 Gelded and ready for adoption. A sweet boy who can wear a halter and lead.
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July 2018: Three females from Denkai Rescue from cruelty seizure never sheared in their lives.
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Sept 29, 2018 28 animals including a donkey and a sheep rescued from Jefferson, CO off of hundreds of acres. These wild llamas were a huge challenge for the crew of 7 people. We need to get the remaining 7 llamas.
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August 2018: Laguna male llama tied to a trailer and not able to lay down, drink, or eat. About 4 years old
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Sheared and trimmed and ready for adoption these are estimated to be 7, 10, and 16 ish years old. Very sweet llamas
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Able to corral 28 of the 36 animals (26 llamas) about 1/2 male and 1/2 female going to our male and female sanctuaries.
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Six llamas from the Jefferson CO llama rescue came to Llamas del Sol November 2018 and were all sheared, trained, and re-homed. The last two rehomed September 2019. Everyone went to great homes! Adoptions were 1. Mister in the N. Valley, ABQ, 2. Nina (Winkin), Orphina (Blinkin), Godiva (Nod) in Kanab UT, 3. Ringo (Larry) and George (Tony) in East Mountains, ABQ
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Tina intake Sept 7 from Jal, NM. Maybe 5-10 years old. Adopted and learning how to lead and pack!
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Llama Rescue: the First Four

5/1/2016

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The tiny corral Daisy and Dalai were living in.
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A young Daisy in 2010.
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Dalai right after her professional shearing in 2013.
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Suki after her professional shearing in 2013.
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Letta trekking with Suki behind in the Sandia Mountains

Its been a long time since I had some time to write about all my llama adventures. I am now going to log all the llama rescues and re-homes here.

​My very first llama rescue was how I got started in being a llama caretaker. Daisy and Dalai were my first rescue from my home town Gardner, Colorado. I knew nothing about llamas then and learned much later that they were about 18 months old. It was February 14, 2009 when I picked them up and a great Valentines gift! I found out these llamas were born in Gardner on a farm owned by Lynnette and Jessie Klienschmidt in July 2007 and the dams and sires came from Florissant, CO - a heard of hundreds of llamas (!) Dalai came from a dam named September who died but she was the protector of the herd. (That matches Dalai's personality and the protector). There was no mention of Daisy's lineage but they were born at the same time.

​My intent was to foster care for these llamas and find them homes. In learning about llamas and working with Daisy and Dalai, I completely fell in love. They are in their forever home with us.

​My second llama rescue was the llama I call Suki. Her name was Aspen when I got her. She was born in Pueblo, CO May 2004 and her Sire is Graham and her Dam is Vaska both residing at 40th Lane. In Suki's case, she was living with a lot of other animals and economic times pushed the owners to try to find a home for her. I brought Suki home on July 4th 2010 - another Holiday! Suki recognized Dalai as a leader and although Suki is larger than Dalai, she looks to Dalai for protection. Suki seems to be jealous of the relationship Daisy has with Dalai and often pushes Daisy around by trying to intimidate her and spit at her.

My third rescue was my forth female llama; named Isleta. Now we call her Letta. Her story was that she was used for roping/lasso practice somewhere in the South Valley outside Albuquerque. she had also belonged to Lynn Kaufman who was rumored to have ILR papers for her. I never met Lynn or saw the papers but the guess was that Letta was 13 years old when I got her on Oct 30, 2010 (happy Halloween!). She  had been previously rescued by some nice folks in Corrales, NM (Tom, Dale, and Rachel Taylor) not far from where I live. they were alpaca people and were looking for a home for Letta. A common friend (Jasmine Tritten) told me she was very pretty and sweet and really needed a home and I had better take her in! So, I picked her up, brought her home, and she quickly re-built trust in people.

​Until 2016, these were the only llamas that I kept. The next post begins the rest of the rescues that I found homes for.
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Gifts from our Customers

6/6/2014

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From Tara and Mike while on their trip through Peru
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Art by Tara and Mike Dunham during their visit to our little farm.
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Art by Lisa and Rob McKenzie during the vist to our little farm.
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Alameda Studio Art Tour 2013

11/6/2013

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This year the Alameda Studio Art tour was a good time for us at Llamas del Sol. Hester Balsam (goat print t-shirts), Cecilia McRoberts (painting and tiles), and myself (llama fiber art) shared space and our weekend with each other and welcomed folks to see our work and visit us. Here is a short video that was taken from the tour of various art pieces and activities. Look for the llamas at Llamas del Sol! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=3557148064428

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More Room for the Llamas - and Right Outside our House!

2/13/2012

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This is the padock is only a short block away from our house and helps everyone get a little walking into their day. We planted this grass in this leased one-acre field last Spring and the picure is just before we harvested the hay for the winter.  I have to admit that I can't really tell one type of grass from another except for the orchard grass which stands out in color and shape.  The brome and the fescue - if they both germinated - should both be there as the primary crops.  I can tell there are other types that came through that look like Buffalo or Rice grass.  I thought it would be easier to tell the type of grass but even with lots of research, there are so many variations, I am not able to discriminate for certain.  I would welcome anyone interested to see what we have given I planted over 10 varieties.
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Here are the girls looking for some action during the fall of 2011.  This picture right before our Cameldynamics Clinic that we hosted in this field.  This beautiful gate was donated by the owner of the field and we had the top welded to extend it one more foot to a five foot height.

Anyway, to get to the title of this blog, I am very excited to share that we have just leased another 1.5 acres for our llamas to stretch out in.  I have been eyeing the field right next door for a long time.  With the fantastic view of the entire field from my house (I can watch the llama activity right from my kitchen window = ) while doing the dishes) I am in heaven!  We plan on adding some grass in a portion of the field and perhaps add more and more in sections for grazing. Right now it is mostly dirt with some interesting tree stumps. The field has irrigation and is next to our well so water is no problem - which is a great benefit for New Mexico property. 

Once established, that will be the llama picnic area - right outside our yard. The timing of this addition is perfect as the other 1 acre field that we lease needs a break from the action.  Our four llamas did a nice job of mowing down (and fertilizing) all the grass we planted last spring and we hope it will come back even thicker now.  

With some time and attention, we hope this new field will look like the first 1 acre field that we planted. With this new space, getting some more animals may be irrestistable - if they are of the camelid species. We may even consider agisting.  We now have 2.5 acres of pure field under lease andthe option to lease another acre, if needed. 

A huge thank you to all the fine neighbors we have in the North Valley in the Villiage of Alameda who support my llama infatuation.  Everyone is encouraging and seems to enjoy the addition to the neighborhood.  I always get friendly remarks and questions when seen walking down our neighborhood streets with a llama on the leash.
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New field right next door
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New gate provided by our landlord :)
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new posts to fence in the new field
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Small padock to start growing grass in
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Adobe and Roses Bed and Breakfast

11/18/2011

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If you are looking for the best place to stay in our neighborhood, Adobe and Roses B&B is less than a 1/4 mile walk away on the lovely North Valley Acequia from our ranch.  Dorothy is a fantastic host and has a beautiful property.  For more information go to http://www.adobeandroses.com/. The address is 1011 Ortega Road NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114 (505) 898-0654. (note: Adobe and Roses is booked for the Camelidynamics Clinic)
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Special Thanks to Albuquerque Alpacas

11/18/2011

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Llamas del Sol is very lucky to have Albuquerque Alpacas as a neighbor. Leslie Stoddard has been very generous with her time and her expertise in camelid handling and care from which we have learned a great deal.  We are also amazed at her wonderful alpaca fiber and stylish garments for sale in her shop.  Go see her shop and get a tour of her ranch and meeting spaces.  For more information go to http://www.albuquerquealpacas.com/.
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Camelidynamics Clinic - Two Day Basic Handling & Training Clinic

11/18/2011

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The Llamas del Sol Ranch hosted fabulous a clinic in October with Marty McGee Bennett, Camelidynamics founder. The clinic covered gentle and effective techniques of handling and caring for your animals without fear or force.  It also included several other topics concerning animal behavior and management including TTEAM and TTouch training developed by Linda Tellington-Jones.  Marty McGee Bennett has more than 25 years of camelid (camels, llamas, and alpacas) handling plus in-depth knowledge of fiber and fiber processing. We had a terrific showing from the community as well as folks traveling from all our neighboring states and even Germany! 
This would not have been nearly so successful had it not been for the generosity and good will of my neighbors.  I was so proud of my neighborhood here in the Villiage of Alameda as there was so much interest and support.  We had 20 attendees and about 25 anaimals - llamas and alpacas to work with.  Leslie Stoddard of Albuquerque Alapacas provided extra alpacas and panels, Ruth and Lance Baldwin provided tents to shade us from the sun, Nellie and Chris Chavez provided chairs and a wonderful green chili stew for lunch, Leonard and Julia Martinez provided over 20 panels, Larry and Carolyn Bizell provided panels, and then there were all the attendees who came and made it all possible. 

We learned a tremendous amount and got to know each other and a variety of animals including Carolyn Ownby's Montana rescue llamas from the horrible situation in Montana last winter that required over 300 llamas to be evacated to save their lives.  And what wonderful llamas they were to have at the clinic as they proved that llamas coming from a difficult situation can be revived and become very well adjusted and trust people again.  The camelidynamic techniques were such a great fit and we saw a new favorable response.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in or currently raising fiber animals.  You will develop a better relationship with your animals while still getting the job done. For more information about the Camelidynamics Clinics, go to www.camelidynamics.com
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A Rio Grande Bosque Llama Trek: A Perfect Autumn Day

9/19/2011

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I had the best time taking my clients on a llama trek along the Rio Grande Bosque last weekend!  The weather in Albuquerque is superb these days as the season is changing to autumn.  And although my lead llama seemed a little anxious, and walking often at a fast pace, my client handled her pressing ahead and straining to get the first peeks around every corner very well. And in reality, he became sort of her trainer for the day.  That is really is something to keep in mind when bringing customers into the world of llama trekking: they should expect to be integrated into llama handling process and may be doing some maintenance training and discovery.  This can be fun and exciting for new llama handlers on an adventure.  In fact, together we discovered that it was the blind corners that caused Dalai to want to quickly approach them -- so that she could see what was there.  That was one source for her wanting to get ahead- there were likely others (like when we got close to the parking lot, she knew we were headed home for the day). I believe if she walks that trail again in the near future, she will be more relaxed; as she had only done that walk once or twice in the last year and may have been anxious to know who was at every corner.  Dalai is definately the llama who needs the most control or awareness of every situation.  So, to test that theory,  I hope to get out to the Alameda/Rio Grande open space and walk the trail again - and also visit that awesome camel!  -Lynda LIptak
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    Author

    Lynda Liptak is the founder of Llamas del Sol and is dedicated to sharing the awesomeness of llamas.  She has only owned llamas since Februrary 2009 but it has been a very in-depth involvement. Lynda and her family have four wonderful trekking llamas with very different personalities.  Lynda has been studying camelid dynamics since the start of her llama advantures and is an active member of Marty McGee's Camelidynamics Forum. She has completed the Basics Clinic (three times!)  to include the shearing course, medication administering,  and has hosted the Camelidynamics Basic training at the Llamas del Sol ranch. She is a past ski-instructor certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America and an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic.  She is also holds a masters degree in operations research from the Colorado School of Mines and works part time at Applied Research Associates, inc. as a scientist.

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