Karen shares her story…

Karen, partner to Dave for 23 years now, shares her story behind raising alpacas at the farm.

My dad passed away in 2001, a few years later my mom met a man named Roland. All of Roland’s friends called him by, “Rollie.” Rollie was a sweet man and always treated my mom like a princess. A few years after meeting Rollie, my mom moved in with him and in May of 2015 she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Shortly after her diagnosis, I moved in with her and Roland to take care of her.  Roland gave us anything and everything we needed to keep mom comfortable.  On October 10, 2015, mom passed away.  While she was still somewhat coherent she asked me to take care of Roland, I said I would.  Shortly after she passed, Roland became ill.  Roland had 2 daughters and 3 step-children, but he also wanted me there to help take care of him.  Two years later, Roland passed away. 

After his passing, his children generously gifted me with some funds after I tried to refuse.  I thought to myself, what can I get with this money that would honor Roland?  He loved animals, especially dogs, but I couldn’t get a dog as I travel for work. Dave and I have all this great farmland with no animals. That’s when, in 2018, I started my search for alpacas.  I bought 4 boys all different colors; light fawn (Teddy), medium fawn (Mel), black (Ollie) and a white one.  I got the white one in honor of Roland, who is now a spirit/angel, and I named him “Rollie.”

In February of 2021, the farm that I bought these 4 boys from called and asked if I would be interested in a rose/grey boy named Ferris and a black one named Dante.  I said absolutely, so Ferris and Dante joined our farm in June of 2021.  All 6 of my boys are now three-years old. I am happy that I’m able to share this story and I hope to bring the joy of alpacas to people through my farm and shop. Thank you!