Saturday, June 30, 2012

The Llama Lady

The time had come for Willow to be shorn and she badly needed her toenails trimmed. I knew I needed help since we really haven't gotten very far in the llama touching training. Yes, Willow is now pretty friendly with me....just don't touch her. This is fine with me if I can maintain her. While on Craigslist one day, I found a gal to come out and give it a go. I made sure and told her several times that Willow was not halter trained and was wild when caught. She assured me that Willow was exactly the kind of llama she is used to working with. We set a date and I proceeded to get to work training Willow to go into the woodshed, the chosen shearing spot. I stressed so much about getting her in there the day that Marielle was coming. But Willow went in easily and when I closed her in she just looked casually at me and continued to munch her hay. I am ashamed to admit how much I worried about that one little step. I got myself a lawn chair, napped in the sun, and waited for the llama lady's arrival.
I was wondering to myself how 2 middle aged women were going to rid Willow of her hair and wrestle her feet for a trim. After his trip around a field on the end of a lead rope, Hubby wondered too. He kept telling me not to get hurt. Once again I worried about this way too much. The llama lady arrived but instead of the middle aged llama lady I had expected she was a darling young 21 year old llama lady....and her strong charming brother. They had Willow haltered in no time and out of her small bag of tricks Marielle whipped out her hand shears and proceeded to rid Willow of her gorgeous fiber while giving me a lesson on llamas. Wow what colors...and soft...oh man. It even smelled good.
The brother gently held Willow and was the "you missed a spot" guy. What a team! So with fiber all off once again she dove into her bag of tricks and before Willow knew it she had her feet trimmed, was wormed, and vaccinated. I don't need to be able to handle my llama, I have them. This is Marielle's website in case you are in need of a good llama person.Queen Anne's Lace
She also told me Willow's little secret that was more obvious when her fiber was gone. Willow is pregnant and quite far along. I think Marielle was much more excited than I was. She said I can do this. She said it was easy. I'm going to spend too much time worrying about this too. I can just tell.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my heck!!!! Pregnant??? A cria??? What a surprise!!! So awesome!!!!
Marcee

icebear said...

Wow.i

Lindsey at NW Backyard Veggies said...

She's pregnant! That's crazy and amazing and totally awesome!

You know, bodies are made to procreate - she'll be fine. Just fix yourself a stiff drink and tick off all the ways you're gonna rock this birth, just like Willow will.

Plus, you should post that Llama Ladies number and stuff so other people can use her. She sounds rad!

Terry said...

Goodness! How long do llamas gestate? You CAN do this. If you can find a llama lady on Craigslist (who knew to look???) you can find a llama doula. Or is that the same young woman?

@JDHealingTimeOnEarth said...

What a wonderful day for you, Wendy! I new life to look forward to, and the perfect match in your llama care needs! You need to keep that relationship well fed for future use! =;) Happy dance for you!

petoskystone said...

Woo Hoo! A darling cria on the way :) Hope you have Llama Lady & Brother on speed dail ;) Willow looks so much more comfortable now.

DebH said...

and by now your a "Master" at the worry game! It is awfully exciting though, but boy oh boy I bet you were blindsided with that one! Since she could see she was pregnant, how far along would she estimate?!! My goodness, I know I'ld be caught up with that one! Congratulations though, how absolutely adorable they are!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! How exciting to be expecting a little one. I certainly wish I had a llama whisperer to help me with my Djali llama. He could really use a haircut.

To Terry~ a llama's gestation period is 11 1/2 months.

Marigold said...

Oh, a cria!? Wow is the Goatfarmer going to be jealous or what?! How cool! So when do you think she'll have it? Woo Hoo!!!! You CAN DO THIS, Wendy! Go Llama Mama!

Lucie said...

A bonus baby. The best kind ! Congratulations.

goatgirl said...

Yep Marcee, two for the price of one!

That's what I say, Icebear.

Lindsey,the llama lady was really cool..totally not what I was expecting.

Yes Terry, as edenhills says almost a year. And I can find anything I need on Craigslist.

Thanks Clare, I will certainly keep this young lady on my side. She is great.

petoskystone,She does seem more comfortable and very pleased with her new hairdo.

Deb. H. She said it looked like it could be in the next few weeks. They are born in the morning apparently. So I will go out and there it will be:)

edenhills, I'm sure she would come but the mileage would kill ya.

I know Marigold! A cria! I just like saying that word.

Lucie, Thank you, Since I only paid $25 for Willow I now say I got them for 12.50 each. Not bad since the llama lady said she appeared to be from some good stock and her fiber was gorgeous.

Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken Chick said...


I'd like to invite you to join me at the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week! http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/clever-chicks-blog-hop-8-and-rural.html

I hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick