WARNING: LONG POST WITH QUESTION AT THE END! LOL! Hello! I have founded a new non-profit called "One PET at a Time Mobile Therapy Pet Ministry." I am registered with two of three species of animals as therapy pet teams through Pet Partners - dog, cat, and soon an alpaca. I've had a herd of alpacas since 2015, and my boy Marcus was one of them. While I didn't choose him based on his personality (a local farm was closing so I bought what alpacas remained), I realized after caring for him for several years, that he was exhibiting some character traits conducive to being a therapy alpaca. Currently, I am incorporating him into outdoor educational presentations only, but have been working toward getting us registered with Pet Partners as a therapy team, as well. I am looking to expand my herd by by two alpacas, so that Marcus won't become burnt-out with visits (I currently have a total of three, but the other two are not appropriate for therapy). I realize that my search may take time and span several states, so I'm trying to be concise with listing the traits I am looking for in an alpaca to participate in an AAI program. Other than the obvious - I have all males and I'd like to keep it that way - I have the following characteristics in mind: <10yoa Treat motivated (easier for me during training) Halter trained Loads well Curious Calm Enjoys human interaction for being an alpaca I'm also thinking of asking the seller/rehomer to send a video of them working with the alpaca being considered for AAI. Question: Can you think of any other characteristics that I should look for while scouting for another therapy alpaca? TIA! Tawney
