Day 766

While I know this is NOT a Golden Retriever, I believe they might be the next best thing! With my son Jimmy home for a 'Minnesota Rejuvenation Week," we decided to have a couple of adventures. One of them was to visit the 'Triple T Alpaca Farm' near Milaca, Minnesota! These gentle creatures charmed us beyond measure!

Ranger and I met Beth Turner, one of the owners of the farm, when her father was at Mercy Hospital for surgery. We found the family anxiously awaiting news up on 4-Heart and decided they could use a little 'Golden Love.' Visiting, I listened as Beth shared her journey to alpacas. We bonded over animals and returned to visit her father when he was recovering on the floor. Having Goldens of his own, Ranger's visit was such a happy one!

Beth and I kept in touch and, when Jimmy came home, we decided to go up to the farm and do some filming. We were there for over two hours and met each and every delightful, SOFT, unique alpaca. They had just been shorn, but the new coat, already growing back, was delightful to the touch. We learned so much from this visit!

The most incredible fact was that these amazing animals can control when their babies are born. When asked the gestation period of an alpaca, Beth informed us that it depended on the weather, along with the amount of food and water available. If it is too cold, or too hot, raining, not enough food or water...the mama stops the gestation of the baby until all elements are right for the birth. My mind could hardly comprehend such a fact. That's alpacas!

My Goldens laid the groundwork for this budding friendship which I consider a gift. We will be returning to this beautiful farm as soon as we can to mingle with these friendly beasts. Once again, I am so very lucky to be at the other end of the leash!

For more information on events, visit:

Triple T Alpacas (on Facebook)