Sol Llama

Animal rescue requires a leap of faith.The caregivers at the Animal Rescue League shelter an animal that's been abandoned or neglected, in hope that someone will give it a home. Adopters take on responsibility for the well-being of an animal whose complete history is often obscure. You sign a contract and hope for the best.

We 've adopted our new llama following a gut instinct. His behavior is cautious and understandably so given the hand he's been dealt. There isn't the slightest sign of aggression. We know that he was brought to the shelter in September after escaping from his previous home somewhere in Massachusetts and running loose for 2 months.

His prior owners had acquired him at auction. He appears to be about 7 years old and is in good health. At the shelter he was tested for various diseases (all negative), innoculated, castrated (no wonder people make him nervous) and placed in a paddock with three sheep, adjacent to a paddock of horses and one pig.

While he is perfectly calm with sheep and other animals, he is very wary of people. They told us he is a spitter, but so far he hasn't spit once in the handling we did yesterday (haltering, leading, trailering, leading into a strange barn). Not at us, nor at the sheep. He didn't spit at Caitlyn either when she came up to inspect him.

He's a gentle, thoughtful animal. We've placed him with Mistral's group - last year's lambs. It frees up Crackerjack to be with our expectant ewes. For the lambs, it was love at first sight. They gathered round his legs with welcoming sniffs, tilting their wooly heads way back for a good look at the new tall, dark and handsome guy. I am in awe of how mellow this llama is given everything he has been through.

We're taking a leap of faith that he will learn in time to trust us. Mistral and her friends are modeling good barn behavior. We're giving him space, letting him get use to our voices and routines.

And making sure all doors and gates are secure.

(Now you know why I am so grateful to Crackerjack for telling me we have faulty gate latches earlier this week!)

You've asked about his name. The Shelter told us his name was Louis, aka Louie the Llama. We wanted to think about that.

I found a Llama Name Generator online (Mike said I was crazy when I went looking and was then shocked that such a thing even existed. hah!). The first name it spit out was "Marni Cuca Chicken". Pretty lame as a llama name (so much for Llama Name Generators).

Given this guy's history we thought of names that had to do with roaming: Cruiser, Drifter, Roamin', Roving. But after reading comments from readers yesterday we've decided to name him "Sol" for his arrival on the winter solstice. The white blaze on his face is like a flash of sunlight. Thanks for the great suggestion.

He is our Sol Llama.

 

 

 

Comments

[Jessica]

What a wonderful name! Here's hoping he settles in quickly.

[Sue H]

What a handsome fellow! Hope the new year brings you both closer together!

[twinsetjan]

He certainly holds his head high...I like that element of dignity through hardship. Good for him and great for you! Merry Christmas!

[Jessica]

And Louis XIV was the Sun King... perfect!!

[Lori]

I love his name! I think he was meant to be with you and Mike. Best wishes and welcome to the farmily Sol!!

[Cheryl]

What a great name. I'm thinking Sol could also be 'soul'. This guy must have a great soul for surviving all he's been through. Bless you for taking such a leap of faith. Adopting a rescue can be so challenging. I can't think of anyone better suited for the job.
Smiles,

[Jody]

He's a beauty :-) Hope it all works for you both and Merry Christmas to you and your family Barb.

[Manise]

Do you remember the conversation we had this fall about when you thought you might entertain the thought about getting another llama? This adoption was definitely meant to be. Tickled pink that the lambs love him from the get go. I loved the description of them "tilting their wooly heads way back for a good look at the new tall, dark and handsome guy."

[Joan]

Adoptions of any kind are a leap of faith. Are llamas typically friendly with other llamas or more loners?

[Debbie B]

I wish he could understand how lucky he is to be at the farm he is at now! I just know that your loving and caring ways will get to him eventually.

[Kris]

what a beautiful creature. so lucky to have found a good home!

[Laurie]

So love that you did this. Can't imagine a llama on the loose for two months. Poor guy.

[Peggy D]

Congratulations on the arrival of Sol, and for taking that leap of faith. Our dog was rescued sight unseen, etc. etc.... we knew she would be fine, not so sure about us. She is a love. Sol has just had the best break he could hope for, and he will appreciate it.

[Rebecca]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Sol! I look forward to Sol settling in as a much-loved (by people, sheep, and llamas alike) member of the family.

[Diane]

Sol is a lucky soul!

[Madeline]

I think Sol will soon learn that he is safe with you and Mike, Crackjack, Caitlyn, and the flock, and will be eager to stay. Seems he's already accepted all who have met him. I'm glad you didn't give him a rambling-themed name. Fresh start -- fresh name. You and Mike are good people!

[Meredith]

Sol is very lucky to have been rescued by your farm family. He deserves to be among people and animals that love him. What a wonderful Christmas present for haim and all of you.
Meredith

[AllisonInPhilly]

Oh man, poor Sol! I'm so glad he landed with you and that the lambs dig him. I'll be thinking of you all this Christmas.

[Torre]

Love the name - very fitting! I hope he gets comfy soon and feels comfortable - he surely has a great home now - hugs to him from MD!

[Andrea @ That'll Do Farm]

We adopted Joey the llama this past summer. It took him a couple of weeks to feel comfortable with his goats, but they love him and he them. Gentle, inquisitive and regal, without a single spit. I love him with all my heart and I'm sure the elegant Sol will soon have a permanent place in yours. Congratulations.

[Connie]

Such a good read! Rescuing Sol and giving him a new (and better!) life warms my heart. And who knew there was a llama name generator out there -- Ha!

All the best to you and all at the farm.

[Kate/Massachusetts]

Sol...Latin for sun, I think! Who knows, maybe as you get to know him, Sol will evolve into Sunny One! I will be curious to hear how he settles into his new home. He sounds like a real keeper!

[ellen]

Barb,
We may not be able to save the world, but we sure can make a huge impact, one individual at a time. I stand humbled by your generosity, understanding, and kind heart that will make a lifetime of difference to Sol. My best wishes to you and the farm for a wonderful new year.

[Mary Cooper]

Poor guy - hopefully he will find comfort and calm at your farm.

[Diane L.]

Reading this post made my day. 'Llama name generator'? Who knew? Only in the 21st century. I think your dear Sol had finally found his real home.
Diane L./Bloomington,IN. (sheepdream on Rav.)