![]() |
Home |
![]() |
The Gentle Spirit NewsletterFrom Cathy Spalding January 2011
|
I want to extend a warm and heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you for the many kind and encouraging notes you have sent to me expressing your interest and appreciation for my clinics as well as for my web site and newsletter. I truly appreciate your thoughts and support. Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to others who may be interested. |
|
MONTANA LARGE ANIMAL SANCTUARYMost everyone is now aware of the intense difficulties currently unfolding for the animals at the Montana Large Animal Sanctuary. The Camelid Rescue Coalition (CRC) was formed by Northeast Llama Rescue (NELR), Southwest Llama Rescue (SWLR), Southeast Llama Rescue (SELR), LANA Lifeline and other committed individuals. Through remarkable obstacles, the CRC is working day and night on facilitating the care and placement of 600+ llamas. Animeals of Missoula, MT is the organization currently on site feeding the llamas on a daily basis. The cost of hay is high and the need is great. Please consider a donation towards that effort at: www.animeals.com/Donate.html. Please consider a donation to NELR at: www.northeastllamarescue.blogspot.com SELR at: www.SoutheastLlamaRescue.org to support this effort. Checks can be sent to the Llama Association of North America (LANA) at: 1800 S. Obenchain Road, Eagle Point, OR 97524. Please make your check payable to LANA Lifeline and make a notation that your check is for the MLAS rescue. This will insure that your generous donation will go directly to the MSLA efforts. ALL donations to each of these organizations go directly to transportation and care. Jerry Finch of Habitat for Horses has just now been able to put into words the horrific reality of what has happened at MLAS. While there has been a great deal of concern expressed that perhaps no one knows what they are doing up at the sanctuary, please be assured that there is now a crew of experienced llama people and vets assisting. Obviously, transport papers are needed for out of state transport so animals would need to be individually assessed. Llamas do die daily. Those on site are doing above and beyond efforts amidst a very, very difficult situation. |
|
Alpaca Talk On Sale! |
ALPACA TALKI had requests from a number of folks that they might please purchase Alpaca Talk at the holiday sale price of $15.00. They had intended to order but just missed the deadline. Honoring their requests, it occurred to me that perhaps there were others who were disappointed but did not contact me since the deadline had passed. As a result, it seems fair to everyone to continue the holiday pricing of $15.00 through February 15, 2011. Beginning February 16, 2011, Alpaca Talk can be ordered at the regular price. |
Understanding Llama Behavior as a Foundation for Training and Herd Management |
WINTER WEARDuring our more severe winter temperatures, some alpacas and llamas have difficulty keeping warm. Gradual changes in seasons and temperature are seemingly handled more easily than those that are sudden and abrupt. Sudden changes in weather and temperature do, however, occur with sprawled bodies soaking up the sun one day and the very next bringing on endless hours of stinging sleet. Many alpacas and llamas seem to actually prefer to be out in inclement weather as opposed to being locked in an enclosed sheltered area. We have noticed the difference in choice can depend upon how the particular weather affects their facial area. Overall body fiber offers a level of protection from the weather. However, they are not normally as well protected about the face - particularly the eyes. Unrelenting rains, ice pellets and harsh winds can often send even the hardiest soul off in search of shelter. In weather extremes, it is key to provide the best opportunities possible to assist each alpaca and llama in their ability to regulate their body temperature. Adequate shelter, windbreaks, bedding, feed/nutrition, fresh water and overall good health are a must for each animal. Age and other conditions can compromise the ability to adequately regulate body temperature. The most obvious sign that an animal is having difficulty regulating body temperature is shivering. If one is shivering, they are cold and need warmer conditions. There are a number of creative and clever ways folks have provided their alpacas and llamas a warm reprieve from harsher weather. While an enclosed barn would seem top of the line ideal, there are many other creative ways to provide a warm and cozy area. Windbreaks and half walls can be made for three sided shelters using bales of straw placed across a portion of the open side. Bales of straw are also useful for blocking drafty areas such as under stall doors. Sheets of plywood or tarps can be installed along the edges of an overhang to provide more protection under those areas. Deep bedding provides a barrier between bodies and the colder flooring. In some areas, owners do not regularly replace the bedding during the winter period but rather just add new bedding each time fresh bedding is needed. Heat is generated from the lower layers of composing manure and straw. |
GENTLE SPIRIT BEHAVIOR & TRAINING CLINICS
|
|
QUESTIONSI receive numerous questions by phone and email each week. The questions and issues are often similar in nature. I do my best to answer as many as possible but due to overwhelming numbers, I am truly unable to guarantee you will receive a timely response. While I do want to assist, it takes considerable time to respond to each and every email. Please consider a donation when you receive a response from me. Here are the details regarding donations. I may choose your question to be posted on my website on the Questions from Readers page. |
|
IT'S ALREADY 2011!!Wishing for peace and thoughtful cooperation throughout the world for this new year. And. wishing all of YOU the very best in this New Year ahead. Warmly, Cathy |
![]() |
©™ 2013 Cathy Spalding Gentle Spirit Llamas |
Customer Service Privacy Policy |
Terms
and Conditions |
Contact Webmaster Craig Spalding |
![]() |