Yvonne and Steve Houle with their rescue Alpacas.
On a bright and sunny mid-August afternoon, our Sisters gathered in our beautiful, enclosed garden to meet Reuben and Gibson and their expert caregivers, Yvonne and Steve Houle. These large, elegant alpacas from S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca Farm and Fabric Studio in Kerwood, Ontario are not traveling animals. They made a special visit in response to a request from a staff member who knows them and their work.
When the two shy, gentle alpacas were led into the garden, we were awed to see them approach us with a timid, personable stride. The Sisters were eager to stroke their long necks and offer oat treats which they gently nuzzled from outstretched elderly hands.
During the afternoon, Steve and Yvonne brought the animals to meet each sister, some of our staff, Hospice staff, and several visitors. Cellphones quickly appeared to capture the striking scenes of joy and interaction. Special treats including cooling punch, alpaca-themed napkins and alpaca-shaped sugar cookies kept us fed and hydrated as we watched the alpacas admire their own images in the care centre windows. Throughout the garden, our animal visitors mingled among the fascinated onlookers.
Steve and Yvonne were generous with their time, answering our many questions. We learned that alpacas, originally from Peru and Bolivia, have made their way to Canada but not in great numbers. They are raised for their fiber. May is shearing time, and the fiber is sent from their farm to a mill in North Bay, Ontario where it will be transformed into beautiful, treasured sweaters, etc. In fact, one of our Sisters has an attractive alpaca towel.
All too soon, it was time for Reuben and Gibson to join the 48-alpaca herd back on the farm. As we bade farewell to Yvonne and Steve, we were loud in our gratitude for introducing us to another one of God’s beautiful creatures.
-Sister Jean Moylan, csj