Shearing Duty

Yesterday, our neighbor Elaine McNichols, called to ask if we could help her with the annual llama and alpaca shearing. One of her helpers was ill, and she said she could really use the help. Elaine is our neighbor who also has all the peacocks.

 We had to wait awhile for the shearer, Jacob Mumford to arrive. Shearing these animals is a niche job, and Jacob was making the rounds from his farm in Kalama Washington.  Gail got along quite well with Bo, giving her neck rubs, walking her, and hand feeding her grass.

 From left to right, Elaine, Jacob, and Dave. Dave is Elaine's ranch hand and his antics proved to make the afternoon entertaining.

 There are 3 grades of wool that come off each animal. #1 is the "blanket" or back and sides. #2 is from the neck and belly, and #3 is from the legs, mostly.  Gail's and my job was to gather the wool and and bag it as to proper grade and animal.  We had to be careful not to spook the animal which could cause them to lurch and get wounded by the shears.  These animals can also kick and stomp when frightened.

 I think this alpaca is Celeste.  She refused to stand, so Jacob adapted.

 Most of the animals particularly disliked getting their legs sheared, so Dave found a way to hold Celeste, here.  Dave talked and swore nonstop as he held, wrestled, and occasionally was spat on by the llamas and alpacas.

 Jacob has started teaching middle school special education students, so we had a little chat about that.  I think his calm, patient, and deliberate manner will serve him well.

Dave is an interesting fellow, who later shared some of his life story with us.  He definitely had a rough time growing up, and ended up in serious trouble. He seems to have found his place on Elaine's ranch, knowing how to keep everything in good repair, and working hard.  He says he does a lot better with animals than people.

 Bo is the most docile of the herd. She is 18, and cooperated well. A couple of the llamas had to be sedated for their safety and as well as Jacob's and Dave's.

 They look so different after the shearing!

The alpaca in the back looks like a delicate little deer without his wool.  Most of Elaine's animals are rescue animals.

Well that was a different day!  If you're interested in learning more about Jacob and his family llama care business, here is a link to his website:  http://www.evergreenllamas.com/