Homeplace Llamas

05/02/2023

Homeplace Llamas had a great time at the Heartland Show in Iowa this weekend.

JNK Marisco’s Murano
1st Place Adult Medium Wool Male
Grand Champion Medium Wool Male

3rd Place Novice Public Relations Obstacles
10th Place Novice Freestyle Obstacles

I am so proud of my boy. This weekend he competed in a novice division of 41 llamas (!) after being off all winter and managed to be in the ribbons in two of his performance classes. It really shows me how much he’s grown over the past two years.

09/27/2022

Therapy Work - Spring Term 2020

Llama School - Spring 2020 was all about Therapy Work with Llamas.

In 2009, I had my first experience with therapy llamas in action, assisting Registered Therapy Llamas at a Christmas event. From that point on I aspired to have my own therapy llama with which to bring people joy and comfort. When I got Murano, one of my priorities was to finally complete our therapy registration. I knew Murano would be a good candidate as he comes from a bloodline of therapy llamas - his sire (Marisco) and maternal grandsire (Isle Eagle) were both complex rated therapy llamas.

During winter of 2019-20 I took the Pet Partners online handler course which does a great job of demonstrating the vital difference between therapy animals and service animals and also impressing upon us the idea that You Are Your Animal's Best Advocate (YAYABA). Perfection is not always the goal - predictability is also important. Prior to our in-person evaluation, we were asked to report what our animal's stress signals are and what we as handlers would do in response. This is a prime example of how this program is not about being passive, but being proactive as to your animal's needs.

In early 2020, I volunteered at an evaluation, to get a feel for what would be expected of Murano and me. I observed dogs, cats, a bird, llamas, and a mini horse be evaluated and saw examples of Complex, Predictable, and Not Ready ratings. In the Pet Partners program evaluations are conducted as two parts: handler and animal. A prospective therapy team may have an animal score as Complex while the handler receives a grade of Predictable. The team then receives the lower of the two ratings. A predictable handler may be one who is less of an advocate for their animal or is less attentive in tricky situations even if the animal handled these just fine.

In March 2020, Murano and I completed our in-person therapy evaluation. We were asked to complete a number of tasks which included:

- Passing by a neutral dog without reaction.
- A "hug" test.
- A loud noise behind the llama (in this case, dropping a clipboard).
- Meeting a large group with walkers and wheelchairs.
- Arguing nursing home residents (loud and boisterous).
- Rough touching (which a handler should encourage to be softer).
- Backing and leading in small spaces (simulates a room crowded with medical equipment).

We passed with a team rating of predictable and will be retesting for a complex rating when our current registration expires. Murano handled all tasks well and I am excited to see how he improves as he matures. With more visits under our belt I am hoping to train to be a Pet Partners evaluator and help others be part of this wonderful program.

In September 2022 we passed our renewal for the program. We hope to continue visiting now that we’re settled in Wisconsin.

08/22/2022

Right after Murano’s halter win, we were interviewed by Des Moines’ local news radio station. It was a great opportunity to get the word out about llamas!

08/22/2022

We had a very nice time at the Iowa State Fair.

JNK Marisco’s Murano won Grand Champion Medium Wool Male.

Thanks to the Iowa Llama Association for having us and putting on a very nice show. This is it for the summer show run and my mom’s time with us on the road. Rest assured she’ll be back for ALSA nationals in October. It’s been a truly wonderful summer. Murano has matured and improved so much both in and outside the show ring. I am beyond proud of him. ♥️

08/14/2022

The first installment of my Continuing Education Series.

​𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

Llama School - Summer 2022 was a HUGE success.

This January I had the opportunity to meet Leigh DiNatale and her pack llamas while I was visiting Colorado for the National Western Stock Show. Visiting with her llamas I was impressed with how well her llamas knew their jobs, how wise they were, and how much they enjoyed going out to work.

In July of 2022, I was fortunate to come back to Boulder and spend a few days with Leigh learning as much as possible about recreational llama packing. We completed two different hikes, discussed proper conditioning for pack llamas, reviewed trail etiquette, evaluated equipment for both llama and human, and navigated water crossings and off-trail deadfalls (among many other things!).

Again, the llamas blew me away with their work ethic while carrying heavy conditioning loads and with how they approach challenges and technical tasks. For both llama and handler each trail presents opportunities to problem solve. I was reminded that what sets these llamas apart is that instead of training through repetition, Leigh gives her llamas the opportunity to think through obstacles and sets them up to make the correct decisions on their own. This is a philosophy that also capitalizes on the selection of smart llamas with appropriate temperaments. This training builds their confidence and gives them a special brand of wisdom.

I have been wanting to give Murano a job where he can work his mind and his body. I think it is important to give llamas something they enjoy since they give so much of themselves to us when we show them and do public relations. I am returning to Madison with so much knowledge and look forward to implementing it over the next year with the goal of completing an overnight pack trip next summer.
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I cannot thank Leigh enough for sharing her time, knowledge, and llamas with me.

Check out more of my continuing education series at: https://www.homeplacellamas.com/continuing-education.html

08/12/2022

Hello!

In my latest website update, I've added a section on continuing education.

As a llama trainer, handler, and breeder I strive to be an expert in practically all areas of llamas. As a Ph.D student I have learned that expertise comes from the intentional seeking out of experience and education in your field. Thus I am often looking for new avenues of expertise to develop with respect to llamas.

I will be sharing some of these adventures on this page in the coming days.

Check out more at:

As a llama trainer, handler, and breeder I strive to be an expert in practically all areas of llamas. As a Ph.D student I have learned that expertise comes from the intentional seeking out of...

08/01/2022

Homeplace Llamas had a great weekend at the Indiana State Fair.

JNK Marisco’s Murano won double Grand Champion Medium/Moderate Heavy Wool Male. He also was Grand Champion in the ILR-SD championship show.

In addition to his placings in halter, Murano impressed me with how well he tolerated the large crowds of fair goers watching the shows. After finishing his halter class, Murano changed gears, stopping to let small children pet a llama for the first time. It’s a wonderful reminder that the best llamas are not only beautiful, but smart and gentle as well. I could not be prouder of my boy.

07/09/2022

Not just a pretty face, Murano also enjoys hitting the trails.