Alpaca Update-It's All About Food

The alpaca boys have been here for one month now.  It has been a giant learning curve for me but both beasts and owner are settling in nicely.  I have taken some time to observe their behavior and learn about what makes them tick.  Typical for any animal, it's all about food and they will do just about anything for a tasty bite.  The above picture is Willy waiting (impatiently) for his scoop of pellets/grain.

We have certainly struggled with thinking of names.  Finally, my husband said " I don't care what you name them!"  Ultimately, I have decided to stay close to what their original names were.  I have realized that Willy's name fits his personality perfectly.  He is more friendly, a little silly, and more verbal.  He makes the funniest little groans when he sees his food coming.  He is the one who spits more frequently too.  The spitting is always directed at Quinn and not me, but somehow I always get caught in the crossfire.  At first I was making sure that I always wore a hat when I was around him, but I soon realized that spitting can be a learned behavior and I can have a little control over it.  Now when he tilts his head upward and starts to whine, I put my hand up in front of his nose and say "NO!" and it actually stops him from unleashing his spit.

Quinn is more reserved, a little shyer, and harder to get close to.  He is also the alpha male, which is a little curious for me to understand since he is more reserved.  He does not like to be touched at all...unless food is involved!  So every morning while he is eating his pellets, I slowly stroke his back and talk to him.  If I touch his neck, he will back up and try to escape, so I am just working on petting his back.  I know I will win in the end...I have melted many an icy heart!

Willy has always allowed me to pet him while he was eating, however today we had a little break-through.  Before I ever brought a morsel of food into the barn this morning, Willie walked up to me and poked his nose close to mine.  He stared at me with his big dark eyes and let me stroke his neck.  Yay!  I think my patience is paying off!

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I have decided to start "Rug of the Day" again and it will continue for the next 4 weeks or so.  I have received so many wonderful pictures from folks who have hooked some of my patterns and I'd like to share them with you.  Come back tomorrow and see what I have chosen.