Sunday, February 22, 2015

A few pictures of Chase the llama over the years....and he still blesses us with his presence...

I have been training a new gal at work, and we got to talking about horses, dogs, etc.  Someone mentioned the llama and she got very excited.  She said she is obsessed with llamas.  I told her I would find a few pictures and post them in a blog entry.  This is just a few over the years.

Chase joined our family in 2009 as a yearling.  His name started out as Bruce, but then he kept chasing Jester the donkey.  We decided he was picking his name - Chase. Jester finally quit running, and Chase didn't think it was fun any more.  We went through our ups and downs.  He got pushy and obnoxious and would body slam me.  I threatened him by telling him BBQ sauce makes everything taste good, so he better watch himself!  Ha ha!  I also looked it up and in South America they not only use them for packing, but also for food.  It isn't as common in the U.S.A., but that doesn't mean we won't do it!  ;-)

Well, that was several years ago.....we got him gelded, that seemed to help a little bit, and I started talking to him in his language.  That means when he got pushy, I got pushy back and I would body slam him.  Yes, that sounds horrible, and somewhat humorous (it was) but it seemed to work.  He has never spit at a human, but he does not hesitate to spit at the horses and donkeys.  When he gets mad at the horses and donkeys, he runs and screams at them.  He sounds like Godzilla!  No joke!  When he is in a new place he hums, which sounds so sad.

Here are a few pictures that are not in any particular order.









I was teaching him to lead...he isn't happy about it but he did quite well.








His hair doesn't look soft, but it is, and it insulates very well.  He decided he had enough of laying out in the blizzard.





When the horses run and play, he likes to run too.








This look means he is going to spit - and Red knows it.





He has bottom teeth just like cartoon llamas.







Chase sporting a snow toupe'....





He likes to be tall.









Red had enough of Chase and his b.s.....and is not hesitating to tell him about it.







We have a big dirt/manure pile in the field and one day they 'donkey group' got out.  My fault...oops! They ran and played a while, and Chase found the highest spot that he believed was worthy of his presence.  He is the Jahli Llama after all!




After all that running and playing, Chase and the horses needed a water break.






Sometimes we let the 'donkey group' which consists of Chase, three donks, three mini horses, and a couple big horses, into the yard to eat grass.  We have a small pool for the dogs to cool off and Chase enjoys it too.





Chase is introducing himself to Tripplette, one of the skinny mini's we brought home from the auction barn.





Chase likes to think he is smoking hot!  ;-)  (This is after his dust bath)




Chase was very interested in the new mustang, Zephyr.  Zeph was not so sure about him.




Whenever I am in the barn, the peanut gallery has to check out what I am doing.




Dramatic sky...dramatic llama...





Very funny story here!  We let the 'donkey group' in the yard to eat grass.  When it was time to put everyone back, Chase was missing.  We had a few round bales in the front yard waiting to be moved to the storage area.  Chase found a shady quiet spot to lay down - AND GOT STUCK!!!!  We couldn't get him out so brian got the tractor and had to move 7 round bales.  Yes, llamas can be embarassed.  :-)






This little mustang, Epona, should not be with his group, and he is questioning her as to why she is here.  (she slipped through the barn door when I was feeding....she lives on the other side of the barn)





Chase got to participate in a living nativity.  He was not thrilled about sharing a stall with the turkeys; he is above that.




Pimp Daddy the tom turkey is showing his stuff and Chase just wants him to go away.  They live together at home, but not in close quarters like this.
 







ZOOM ZOOM!




Llamas are great at self portraits!










Sometimes llamas look dead - but they are not.  They are just sleeping after a good roll.




It looks like they are having a discussion.  Wyoming the mustang is telling Chase the llama and Batman the honorary mustang all about his trip to the Conservation Area.  :-)




I love this picture!  Chase and his Holy Glow.




He has been quite a character!  Every once in a while Brian asks "How long do llamas live?"  I looked it up and they live 20 - 25 yrs on the average, and can be up to 30!  HA HA!  Yep, this goof ball will be around a while!  :-)
Brian just said "Good grief!  We are going to be 70 years old!"  HA HA!  Yes we are!

Until later....Karen and Tripp who thinks Chase is the perfect color.


1 comment:

HHmstead said...

Stunning photos! Enough for several blog posts! You didn't continue? Miss you!