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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Thanks to the cooperative effort of volunteers, law enforcement, Parks and Wildlife, and the State of Colorado, 22 llamas were successfully rescued from starvation and neglect and have been moved to pre-screened homes to receive veterinary attention and care. It began with an email requesting help from the County Sheriff’s Office to F.E. Baxter, Co-Founder/Treasurer of Southwest Llama Rescue (SWLR), on October 3. A follow-up call came to me from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Protection Lead Investigator/Coordinator on Thursday October 6. The investigator asked if SWLR could assist with a case where they were serving a warrant and seizing llamas. The estimate was 20 llamas that needed a place to go. Without hesitation, I said, “yes, definitely. I don’t yet know where we will put them, but we will figure it out.” But they weren’t just looking for a commitment, they were ready to go that Sunday, October 9th – the date for the warrant to be served. This was a short notice emergency! Having a small network in Colorado was lucky and imperative. Robin Benton is my go-to, so I was relieved that she was available. Also, Eric Gustafson, another SWLR volunteer, was quick to take a personal day from his demanding work schedule to help these llamas in need. Between the three of us (and our companions), we could load 20 llamas into our three trailers. I called Ingrid Thompson for a location to temporarily house the llamas. I had met her at another llama roundup earlier this summer. Ingrid and Duane Snader of Cloverleaf Farms West (CFW) agreed without hesitation to take the llamas temporarily. The had some space that we could separate males from females; so, I was so relieved that they volunteered to help us. None of us could have taken in these many llamas! Frank, my husband, was also recruited. He came mainly to keep me in check and to assist with some heavy panel lifting and setup for the llama roundup and his creative, calm, and thoughtful perspective is always a great benefit in the sometimes-chaotic atmosphere of a wild llama rescue. Frank and I headed up to Colorado on Friday to stay in Pueblo and prepare for the event. All this was happening while I was coordinating a llama adoption process long distance in Grand Junction. Alexis Knight who with Kathleen Knight has been fostering and training two male llamas covered for me and did a wonderful job finding a candidate, reviewing facilities, and assisting with the overall adoption and successful transfer. Danielle Yahn, the new owner, is also now another potential volunteer in Grand Junction. The field team met 0900 Sunday in the parking lot at 11 Mile office for a briefing. We heard about the owner’s property who was being served – he was not home, gratefully, so there was no confrontation. On the team were State, County, and Park officers. Some were armed for the situation. We all signed a sheet as participants with our contact information. Eric also brought his daughter Lena and her friend Michaela who were very helpful.  Over 20 llamas roaming on many acres is a very difficult rescue situation. The day before, the wonderful Park Officer rounded up five of the roaming llamas penned them at the 11 Mile Park office. There were other llamas at large, around the property as far as a mile away, to go look for. The Colorado State Animal Control had a plan to split up the team: the state and county officers were going to the property to serve the warrant and take evidence for the investigation, and SWLR was to go with the 11 Mile Park officer, find a place to put our panels up, and capture the llamas that were roaming off the property. One of the males had advanced aberrant behavior syndrome (ABS) (aka novice handler syndrome) and was labeled as Aggressive Llama in the photos we got from animal control. It was said that he was certainly bottle fed. The 11 Mile Park officer had a long history with him and named him Carl after the popular and violent llama in the cartoon., ‘Llamas with Hats’. The issues with this llama herd have gone on for 10 years. Carl was known to chase park goers, knock them down (I saw a video) and not let fishermen out of the water. He was known to put his head in the window of cars and bite people. He was a serious threat to the public and the plan was to dispatch him, sadly. We had no one who could take Carl – he was not borderline, he was advanced ABS, the result of hand feeding or coddling llamas and not enforcing personal space. He was the first llama that we saw when we followed the Park officer and the game warden into the hills. We were off-roading with our trailers about a mile from the property. With binoculars, we also saw a small herd of about 5 llamas about 100 yards away from Carl. The llamas were scattered over more than a mile of open land, with access to hundreds of acres of open space. Most private fencing in the area is relatively low barbed wire, easy for many llamas to jump. We were challenged by the enormous size of the landscape for this roundup effort. The other llamas in the vicinity came running to Carl (a surprise to to some but llamas are bonded and curious). The officer got out hay and tried to set up panels while the llamas were eating in hopes of containing them for us. The females were almost penned with the two officers using a rope for herding them when a male llama was approaching and stepped on a strand of barbed wire. He panicked and ran, wrapping the barbed wire even more around him. All these llamas then ran, giving rope burn to our park officer. The llamas were scattered over more than a mile of open land, with access to hundreds of acres of open space. Most private fencing in the area is relatively low barbed wire, easy for many llamas to jump. We were challenged by the enormous size of the landscape for this roundup effort. From a mile away, we saw the scared llamas through binoculars approaching the property cautiously where their herd mates were being loaded up. In the meantime, the animal control officers posting the warrant, could be seen with binoculars by us, loading up the llamas that were on the property into their large stock trailer. We could see loose llamas all around in open spaces outside the property and three of them were crias. We waited about an hour –after they had the first 10 llamas loaded when we heard over their radio communications, they were ready for help. There were also three goats living with the llamas that were loaded up in the cattle trailer with the llamas.  Carl had Aberrant Behavior Syndrome: caused by the people who raised him. The opening of the property is where the officers had staged their trucks and trailer so when the loose llamas approached, they did not want to enter. it's always a challenge when multiple agencies and people are trying to organize an effort to catch animals without time for more pre-planning, and an agreement on who will lead the effort. Everyone sincerely wants to help but there were multiple authorities, and the plan came together as it evolved. State Animal Control had 10 panels 5.5 ft. high and 12 foot long and had them set up except one side being 4-strand wire fencing that we needed to re-enforce with my panels to prevent escape. Two large males kept trying to come in but with human bodies everywhere, and us trying to set up the panels by the entry to completely enclose their corral, it was chaos. Two adult males and an adolescent male were finally corralled. One of these males was aggressive and would charge and rear up. He did not scream or spit but clicked a lot at the crew. I called him borderline ABS.  A mother and cria (two of five) rounded up and secured in a pen before we arrived. I made a comment that the llama people should load these guys which was not meant to insult anyone, but tensions seemed to mount even more, then. The adolescent male then jumped through the fencing back out on the road but we managed to get him back in the property to corral him more securely. We loaded the two males into Eric’s trailer, including Cowboy, the borderline ABS male. The rounding up of the three month-old crias, another adolescent male, and another adult male was stressful as we were on about 10 acres and parts of the fencing was compromised where they could get out, if pressured. Four or five of us tried to do it, but the crias or the other two would squeeze out. I brought out 500 feet of herding tape and finally all nine or so crew worked together to slowly herd the llamas into our large corral. It was a good feeling with everyone working together, for the most part. With everyone’s patience thinning, we did get the five remaining llamas into my trailer successfully. Only two large males, one with barbed wired around him, who I call Tangled, were outside and too spooked to collect. We got the three crias in who were separated from their mothers that were loaded into the officer’s cattle trailer. We traveled back to the 11 Mile office to get the five llamas waiting there into Robin’s trailer. It was about this time that I heard that there were 18 deceased llamas on that owner’s property where we just were. This was stunning and sad news that would go into the investigative report about the neglect and cruelty of this case. We were grateful that SWLR was to take the 22 live llamas in their trailers to CFW. An attempt to do some musical trailers from the cattle trailer to Eric’s trailer was not successful. Our State Animal Control Officer generously agreed to drive their cattle trailer to CFW with the 10 llamas (minus the three goats). Then we loaded the 5 waiting llamas at the office juggling them a bit to separate a male into Eric’s trailer from the two more mothers with older crias going with Robin.  Arriving at CFW, Ingrid and Duane had about an acre of fenced and cross fenced area that we unloaded four trailers of llamas into. Hay and water was enjoyed and the reunion of the crias and mothers was a joy to watch. They were all recuperating and enjoying loving care for two weeks while we received the release form from animal control so we could adopt them to good homes. Ingrid and Duane adopted a mother-cria pair and another three were adopted by a close neighbor. The remaining eleven females and crias were transported to our SWLR sanctuary in Kerrville, TX with F.E. Baxter. Of the remaining llamas, there are 6 males; and Cowboy, is already spoken for. Other than many of the llamas being very thin, some needing shearing, and intestinal parasites. We were very lucky to get them when we did. The remaining two are out there and need to be rescued before winter comes. Two failed attempts, but we are still going to keep trying. The cost, time, equipment and other resources like feed that went into this rescue was provided by volunteers. We rely on volunteers and donations to make a difference in the lives of these creatures often saving them from starvation as in this case. To contribute to Southwest Llama Rescue to continue our efforts, donations can be made by going to www.southwestllamarescue.org.
 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.
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)
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/.
 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
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
I just returned from Bend, OR for Marty's two day basic clininc plus a third day to practice shearing and nail clipping and what a great time we had! Her georgous farm, wonderful animals, and terrific people that she surrounds herself with leaves you with a sense that good things are happening between humans and lamas (llamas and alpacas). Surprising things can happen when you make an attempt to focus and tune yourself into the moment. This is what Marty teaches us to do with our animals and amazing things can happen. I witnessed a beautiful moment between Marty and Pablo, a llama who did not like having his toe nails trimmed, and of course that was the chore in which he was scheduled to participate. First, Marty spent a few minutes helping him become more comfortable with leg strokes and foot holding by taking and then quickly replacing his foot on the ground. That was working well as he got more comfortable with that but what was really awe inspiring to me and showed us her refined sensitivity to Pablo was that after a little conditioning, he agreed to let her hold his leg up in a relaxed manner for about 10 -15 seconds ... then she gently placed his foot back on the ground. It may not sound like much but it was beautiful to see the kind way that she worked with him and his receptivity to it. That foot got trimmed. Then, instead of doing the rest of the feet, Pablo effectively communicated to Marty that he was tired and wanted to be done with hadling. He had enough, AND SHE LISTENED! She knew there was no reason to push him to do the reast of the feet right then. Everyone should attend a clinic with Marty - she inspires moderation and understanding while listening to her inner voice about how to communicate with these wonderful animals that includes both movement and stillness. It was the stillness that Pablo had with Marty while he was in a very vulnerable position that was one of many beautiful moments at the clinic.  Pablo after his shearing. The shearer said she never saw a llama so easy while doing his back half. Mellow the whole time. We have taken the leap and planted a field of various grasses for the llamas. It was a pricier endevor than I thought it would be but now the grass is coming and and I am so excited! It was a long process of deciding what type of field to plant and I learned a lot about grasses. Thanks to the great help from Albuquerque Alpacas and Miller's Feed in Albuqueruque, I hope I have created the magic blend that will grow the healthiest and happiest llamas. We planted a whole acre that we lease from a friendly neighbor in hopes we will have many years to enjoy it. I bought a total of 160 pounds of seed to plant: 50 lbs of Rocky Mountain Native Mix, 40 lbs of Brome, 40 lbs of edophyte-free Fescue, and 30 lbs of Orchard grass seed. After the tractor covered the field two or threetimes, there was still 50 lbs left over. The left over came in handy when another neighbor decided to plant her quarter acre field this spring too. This is my first large-scale (can I call it that?) farming and I am like an anxious mother checking on the baby grass blades. Luckily the lisght freeze we had last night did not seem to harm any of it.
I have to say that I am feeling pretty smug now that I have participated in greening up the Alameda neighborhood. Having a field seems not to be as cost effective as developers like to buy them up and build homes to sell. We are losing open space yet farming is so important. If you are someone who supports keeping our open spaces, growing food or crops, let others know and lets keep it up! The llamas are featured at the end of this 60 second commercial for science (yay!)
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AuthorLynda Liptak is the founder of Llamas del Sol and is dedicated to sharing the awesomeness of llamas. She has owned llamas since February 2009 and it has been a very in-depth involvement. Lynda and her family have trekking llamas with very different personalities. Lynda has been studying camelid dynamics since the start of her llama adventures and is an active member of Marty McGee's Camelidynamics Forum. She has completed the Basics Clinic (multiple times, and always learns something new - or it sticks better) to include the shearing course, medication administering, and has hosted the Camelidynamics Basic training at the Llamas del Sol ranch. Archives
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