02/08/2026
Today was one of the days when farming just sucks. We said goodbye to my heart alpaca Buddy - the alpaca that I've owned the longest and the "face" of Sunnybrook Alpacas (he's the super cute face in the profile picture). Buddy was almost 17 years old (definitely a senior gentleman) and had lost his front teeth (they were worn down to nubs). He never complained, and he was always a good eater despite not having front teeth, but over the past year he had lost weight despite us trying everything possible to put pounds on him. This recent cold snap was the final straw, and he struggled greatly these past few days to stand and eat. After trying everything we and our vet could think of, we made the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize him before his struggling became more than he or we could bear. I know it was the right decision, and I know he is now out of pain, but it hurts to say goodbye to these herd favorites!
A bit about Buddy ... he came to us, along with his mom, from a farm in Montana 16 years ago and had been a staple of Sunnybrook alpacas ever since! He loved people (and snacks) and was the best PR alpaca we could ever ask for. He was a gentleman, a herdsire, and a great herd leader, teaching juveniles how to behave and be good alpacas. He was gentle with the youngsters, but was not hesitant to "school" them when they were misbehaving. Thank you Buddy for being the most amazing alpaca. You will be greatly missed!!!
