The idea of raising alpacas came to us early in 1998.  A longtime friend, Linda Bader, was struggling with the loss of her job of 12 years and I was looking for an opportunity to shelter some income and create the potential for an early retirement.  One evening, while contemplating the possibility of owning and operating a luxury dog boarding facility (maybe a "Bed & Biscuit"?),  a mutual friend of ours suggested that we look into the "Huggable Investment". Thus, the "seed" was planted.

We both loved animals and had gained much experience with their care over the years. Linda grew up on a rural Michigan farm where she tended livestock, owned several horses, and was very active in showmanship and other activities involving the local 4-H Clubs.   I too had a love for horses, as well as dogs, and I had spent many years as a member of the local Riding Club and the Michigan Trail Riders Association. It seemed natural for us to be drawn to this facinating and graceful animal.

Our exploration of the "alpaca world" was slow and deliberate, but accelerated in late October after attending the 1998 Michigan Alpaca Fest in Armada, Michigan. The farm displays were great, the people terrific, the animals captivating and the investment opportunities unbelievable. Driving home that evening, we knew we wanted that lifestyle for ourselves as well. The next day Linda and I sealed our business partnership and it was full-speed ahead!

It was mid November. The weather was unseasonably warm, but our sights were set on wintry December. Somehow we knew that Christmas '98 would quickly move to the top of our "Best Christmas Ever" list. So, with our plan in hand, holiday preparations took on a whole new meaning. Instead of putting up a tree to decorate, we started cutting trees down. We needed a place for the barn and future pasture.

We received much needed help from our long time friend Orv, who insisted on calling the barn "The Palace"...OK... so we wanted some special lighting and a few skylights...what's the big deal? One job after another fell into place... the barn was done, the water and electric in, the hay piled, the gates up, temporary fencing, etc. The weather man was very good to us and we were finally ready. A banner made by Linda's daughter, "Welcome, Karina, Erykah and Kota" hung on the barn wall hailing the alpacas anticipated arrival. Yes, we weren't disppointed, it was the best Christmas ever!

Well, 1999 was both busy and fulfilling as we added four more alpacas to our family. Making a pasture out of a couple acres of woodland was our biggest challenge. In July, we had our first cria, a beautiful fancy female named Kwinella. In October, we built our first farm display and "got our feet wet" in the alpaca show ring at the 1999 Michigan International Alpaca Fest. November tested our carpenter skills again as we added a little more "lounging area" for the girls and a heated birthing room for our Feb./Mar. 2000 anticipated arrivals.

Our decision to raise alpacas has been challenging and rewarding, both physically and mentally ... and the financial benefits have been an added bonus. We look forward to many more enjoyable moments and, as always, we are anxiously awaiting the birth of more crias!

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