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My Stress Reducer and Spirit Lifter! By Ricki Waltz I have always had a love for animals. I grew up on a small farm and always loved being out in the barn and working with the animals. I was always bringing home animals that needed care and attention. I thought I might one day become a veterinarian. I somehow transferred my care for animals to care for humans. After 20 years in the healthcare field as a Registered Nurse, I was suffering from burnout. I felt like I had given all I had to give. I suffered from depression and then got a wake up call concerning my physical health. I told my husband that I had to find something else to do or at least something that I could look forward to part time with the goal being that I would finally be able to retire as a nurse. A year and a half ago, my husband, Randall, handed me the Portland Press Herald and said, "Maybe this is what you should be doing." The picture in the paper was of an alpaca being shown at the New England Coastal Classic. I fell in love right there and then. I started reading everything I could get my hands on and visited as many farms as I possibly could. My first farm visit was with Terry and Bonnie Callery. They were holding their open farm day and giving tours. I couldn't get enough of looking and hearing about alpacas. I came home and told my husband, "This is it." I felt such calmness and peace when I was around the animals. I knew that this was just what I needed. We put our house on the market and started looking for land to build a farm on. I also started looking for alpacas to buy. Terry and Bonnie were able to help me find what I was looking for. I love the natural colors and variety that the alpacas come in. We named our farm after our two sons, Nicholas and Alex. They are just the greatest kids and we wanted to include them in our farm endeavor. After many ups and downs, I bought four females, a junior herdsire and a gelding. The house was under contract to sell and the people backed out, that was a big disappointment since my animals were scattered about New England. I wanted to have the animals home with me. My husband is a builder and he quickly added onto our shed and my sons, Alex and Nicholas helped get things ready to bring the animals home. We were able to leave the two males in Waldoboro for the winter and on November 20th the girls were delivered. I just love taking care of them, even shoveling poop. After a hectic day at the high school where I work as the school nurse it is so nice to come home and spend time amongst the alpacas. I find myself just sitting in the barn watching them. I can't wait for the spring cria's. The alpacas have brought so much to me in such a short period of time, I am looking forward to years of raising them. My family has also gotten involved with caring for the animals. My sons have helped with herd care and feeding and my husband helps with the farm maintenance. My goal is to grow the herd over the first few years and then begin selling animals. I hope to have a successful breeding operation as well as being involved in the development of the North American fiber industry. I knit and I am experimenting with spinning and weaving. My dream is to one day wake up each and everyday and only have to walk out the door to my job, raising alpacas. I really feel like I am living the lifestyle I was meant to do and it feels like coming home. |
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