SOLD To The Little Lady In The Overalls!

Meet The Coolest Couple On The Farm

That's right--nobody guessed correctly. This is what I bought last Thursday night at the Livestock Auction Barn. Two llamas! (Click here to read about my night at the auction. Click here if you missed the auction photos.) And no, the auctioneer didn't actually say "Sold to the little lady in the overalls!" when I ended up as the high bidder--he called me by name instead. I do live in the house he grew up in, after all.

The handsome devil on the left is a male, and the cutie pie on his right is a female. Yes, a breeding pair. Other than that, I really don't know much about them (which is often how it is when you buy something at auction). I do know that considering these two have had a tumultuous past couple of days, they appear to be settling into their new home quite well. They survived their first frosty night here, have already scoped out every inch of their large pen, and are showing a keen interest in everything and everyone around them.

Everyone around them, on the other hand, is not quite sure what to think. Robin, who spent several years living with the llama I used to have, has completely forgotten that she loves llamas--it's cows she hates. Bear, who loves every living thing but also believes they all need herding, has already received a perfectly aimed kick in the head for his rather aggressive efforts (he's fine). Uncle Dan (who hurt his front leg last week but is completely recovered) just stood staring at them, dumbfounded, then let out a small cry and suddenly redeveloped his limp. Last night the sheep took a very long detour back to their barn in order to avoid passing by the llama pen, and a little while ago I spotted them huddled tightly together, all eyes pointedly fixed on the intruders--from a safe distance of several hundred feet away. (My four older ewes are the only ones who lived with my previous llama.)

Joe and I, meanwhile, are absolutely thrilled that they are here, and I'm sure that in time they will succeed in making friends with everyone--even jealous Dan. The plan is for the llamas to run with the sheep, guarding them and keeping the flock together while they are grazing, instead of widely scattered about as they have been lately.

Of course, the other part of the plan includes a baby llama.

Llamas are wonderful, unique creatures. These two newcomers will no doubt be making regular appearances here as the stories unfold and we all get to know each other better. In the meantime, here are two more photos of them for you to enjoy.