Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday, 5 May 2019

Sunday Selections #427

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 

The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside, and I have accepted the mantle.


The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me.
Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
I usually run with a theme.  This week while shopping for fruit and vegetables at the market we came across
Nils Lantzke.  Nils has been providing a community service I truly admire for well over a decade.


He visits the hospital, the hospice, nursing homes and the housebound to provide therapy.  Free therapy.  Very specialised therapy.  Alpaca therapy.  I was at the funeral of someone whose last days had been brightened by the alpacas, when Nils and two alpacas arrived.  Which was wonderful, and a bright spot on a very sad day.




This is the van they travel in.


I was just taking a photo when Nils came up, said they were on the way home from the hospice, and asked whether I would like to give Hercules an apple as a treat and reward.  Of course I jumped at the chance.  Hercules is a remarkably dainty eater (but the warning to hang on tightly to the apple was warranted).  I then asked Nils if he would feed him while I took photos - he agreed but stressed they should be of Hercules which is the only reason why I didn't show his face.




Checkout those eyelashes!!!





Where was himself while I was having this treat?  As usual he hadn't waited for my slower self and had barrelled off to the car.  He missed all the fun.  I have no sympathy for him on this count.  None.

Nils had a dreadful loss earlier this year.  While he was walking Hercules and Mimosa they were attacked by an unrestrained dog.  The dog owner apparently filmed the attack (and has not yet been located).  Hercules was traumatised but physically unhurt.  Mimosa had to be euthanased.  Hercules kept looking for her and grieved.  As did Nils and rather a lot of people in my city (including me).

I am proud to say that some local businesses clubbed together and bought Nils a baby alpaca, Paprika.  Paprika is in training and will shortly join Hercules on their therapeutic visits.

I would love to receive an alpaca visit if I was confined to a nursing home or the hospice...


112 comments:

  1. So sad about Mimosa but people are good. Such a unique and wonderful visitation program! Love this story, EC.

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    1. Marie Smith: Isn't it a wonderful program. I suspect that as well as the patients the care givers at the places he visits benefit.

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  2. Oh what a wonderful program. An animal is a great way to brighten one's day. This sounds like a truly amazing program. You did indeed have a treat while himself missed out on it.

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    1. Mason Canyon: I was very, very happy to talk to Nils and to be allowed to give Hercules a treat.

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  3. I hope my earlier comment made it, I don't see it here. Thank you for introducing me to that gorgeous alpaca and telling the tale of their helping others. So sad about Mimosa. :-(

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    1. DJan: Sadly this is the only comment which landed. Isn't the program wonderful.

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  4. What an awesome program. Animals are so healing.

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  5. well, I'm sure I'm not the only one who hopes a shed-load of heavyweight karma lands on the bastard who filmed his dog attacking .
    Kudos to people like Nils.
    And big, smiley thanks for the pictures.

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    1. dinahmow: I hope that karma kicks that man's arse so hard he is unable to sit down.

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    2. It is a rather strange thing he did...instead of stopping his dog.....

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    3. neena maiya (guyana gyal): Strange - and awful.

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  6. Alpacas are such beautiful creatures. There is something quite special about them. Oh...how very, very sad the dog attack was. That would have broken Nils heart and dear Hercules...their distress is palpable.

    I love dogs, but I do not love owners who have no idea how to control their animals...or have the guts to stand up and face the consequences of their cowardly inaction and the actions of their animal.

    I hope your week treats you kindly, EC...cuddles to Jazz.

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    1. Lee: I blame the dog's owner in this and similar cases. Dogs need to be trained and controlled. Much like children.
      I hope you and the furry overlords have a lovely week too.

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  7. The dog owner filmed the attack?!!

    :-/

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    1. Sandi: He did. And apparently made no effort to call the dog off. Like dinahmow (comment above) I hope that karma comes to roost on that man. Hard.

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  8. The dog owner filmed it? Man, I hope they catch that jerk!

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: He did. Enough time has gone by that he no doubt thinks he is safe. I hope he is very, very wrong.

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  9. How horrid about that dog owner! I hope he’s caught and jailed.
    Alpacas are beautiful and Nils sounds like a wonderful person. What a special treat you had!
    As an aside, I don’t feel sorry for himself either. ;)

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    1. River Fairchild: It really was a treat. And I agree wholeheartedly about both Nils and the dog owner.

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  10. This post has so much good and so much bad i don't know whether to fuss about the evils of people who won't do what is right or cheer on those who are so generous. Probably i will do both over the next several hours.

    My Sunday Selections will be over here in a few hours, i'm working on it now.

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    1. messymimi: I look forward to seeing your Sunday Selections when it goes up.
      There is sadness (and anger) about the dog owner, but good people are much better to focus on. Nils is definitely on that side. I am really chuffed at the businesses who gave him Paprika too.

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  11. That's a great idea to use animals as therapy.

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  12. I have not heard of alpaca visits but animals of various kinds, especially dogs, are taken into seniors' homes and hospices here, and provide great comfort to the residents of these facilities. I am quite sure that I would find great comfort from any contact with an animal.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Retirement homes and nursing homes here often have a resident dog or cat, which I applaud. The alpaca visits are slightly different but also welcome. And yes, there is immense comfort in animal contact for me too.

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  13. Alpaca visits are a bit left field, but how wonderful. What a terrible business about them being attacked. I'm thinking a reward from the police might bring forth some information. The type who would do that and film it will not be happy to keep it to himself and will brag. More power to Nils.

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    1. Andrew: Left field it might be, but my leftie self thinks alpacas are charming. I suspect the person responsible has bragged, but his friends are staying quiet as well.

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  14. This man is incredible, and it is easy to understand these gentle animals making "friends" of patients.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Exactly what I think. I was so glad to be able to thank him (and Hercules) in person.

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  15. This is a great story - it's uplifting to hear about Nils and his alpacas. Doesn't it warm your heart when you meet people like him!

    As for the lowlife who filmed his dog attacking poor Mimosa - I can't put my opinion of him on here...
    I am thinking about starting to carry a stick when walking my dog Manu; in recent weeks he has twice been attacked by large dogs who were not on a lead. Neither owner apologised.

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    1. Alexia: He (and the alpacas) are definitely heart-warmers. Your opinion of the dog's owner and mine match. Sadly, I think that carrying a stick while walking Manu isn't a bad idea.

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  16. What a beautiful creature, and a caring, kind owner. I would love to meet both of them in person. And I'm so glad Hercules has gotten a new little pal.

    What a horrible man to take pleasure in his dog attacking the alpacas. Let's hope the video eventually surfaces and leads to his punishment. Those without hearts are often braggarts too, and it can be their downfall.

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    1. jenny_o: Meeting Nils and Hercules brightened my day (and I will admit to a little pleasure that speedy Gonzales missed out). Definitely a horrid man and I do hope karma bites him. Hard. Or justice - whichever has sharper teeth.

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  17. How so very sad for Mimosa, Hercules and the owner Nils. I can't imagine how painful all this must have been on them. Such a gentle and caring man to do this to bring some therapy to those people.
    That dog owner must be a very unhappy person to allow his dog to attack that poor llama. people can be so cruel. That could have been a child also.
    Great photos of Hercule.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: It could indeed have been a child. I wonder whether he would have filmed that as well.
      Horrid, horrid man (and rather a lot of expletives too).
      Hugs received and reciprocated. Thank you.

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  18. Hercules is very pretty and I love that last photo where he appears to be smiling. I hope the man with the dogs gets what he deserves, that's a terrible thing to have happen and to film it is even worse!
    I have a friend here in the hills who has alpacas on her hobby farm along with many other animals. I don't know her very well yet, she's a friend of my elderly neighbour who used to spin the alpaca fibre into thread and then weave it into mats for her cats.

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    1. River: I thought Hercules was smiling in the last photo too. He did really enjoy his apples. I believe that alpaca make really good 'watch dogs' and they are pretty beasts.

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  19. What a wonderful idea using alpaces, they do look rather nice in your photos, what a lovely person that man is to do that.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: I think that alpacas have immense charm. The people I have known who were visited by them, loved it, despite the difficulties in their life.

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  20. Heartwarming story and photos - such a great idea to use animal therapy. Not so nice about the attack and loss, what kind of owner films an attack instead of stopping his/her animal?? But so glad that Nils got another. Loved all their names too.

    It's good to be back here and be able to go through the photos unhurried. Thanks for everything.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I think anybody who films an attack rather than helping is an oxygen thief, pure and simple.
      I am super impressed at Nils life work. He definitely makes a positive difference (and I live the names he gives the alpacas too).
      It is lovely to see you here after a very, very busy month. I hope you are rested (and ready for the next round).

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  21. What a wonderful service these animals give to the community I have heard to dogs providing this service but never Alpacos

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: I haven't heard of it anywhere else either. Nils and a succession of alpacas have been providing the very welcome service here for lots of years.

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  22. He brings a petting zoo to sick people. That is amazing!

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    1. Olga Godim: I think so too. Many of the people he visits not going to survive, and a little softness and brightness has to be a plus.

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  23. Hi EC - what a delightful Sunday Selections ... they all are - but Nils and his friends are delightful to see - though the story you note is awful. How gorgeous Hercules looks and what a juicy looking apple. We never had alpacas visit my Ma ... small lambs, and rabbits yes, as too my brother's standard poodles on occasion - but alpacas - nowhere to be seen!

    I'm so pleased Nils is being supported ... love seeing Hercules and knowing about them - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: That apple was quite small, but Hercules took dainty little bites and obviously loved it. Nils said he was a fan of sultanas too - which made me smile.
      I love that lambs, rabbits and poodles visited your Ma. When my time comes I hope there are LOTS of animal visitors.
      The death of Mimosa was/is tragic, but I am so pleased that my city showed Nils how much he and his alpacas are valued.

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  24. Oh my gosh, now I want an alpaca!

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  25. how sweet and how sad about the dog, glad the city came through

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    1. Linda Starr: I was proud of the businesses who came together to suport and comfort Nils.

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  26. Dear EC
    What a wonderful thing to do- alpacas are lovely animals. Sadly, some dog owners should not have dogs (and I feel if their animals cause any problems, they should have to recompense (if they can be caught) - of course, there are many, many responsible owners too, thank goodness.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: No arguments from me. Some people should not be given responsibility for any living things, whether it is animals or people. I think/hope that most are responsible.

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  27. I just told my household that when I am dying I hope to be in Canberra! I recently saw a story about a horse who s taken to hospices and nursing homes as therapy. The horse himself chooses which rooms he will enter and most often picks the sickest people. They (animals) know more and are more valuable than we give them credit for.

    Your photos are just wonderful and I'm so pleased you had that serendipitous encounter

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    1. kylie: I have heard of cats and dogs identifying the sickest person, but not a horse. How wonderful. I am convinced that we often underestimate animals capacity and understanding.
      Wouldn't an alpaca visit be lovely?

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  28. That's a wonderful idea, an alpaca visit! I'd love to have Hercules come to visit me if I was in hospital. My son's golden doodle TessaDog went to an audition to be a therapy dog but was deemed too excitable so she didn't get the job!
    That's a terrible story about the dog attacking the alpacas, and the owner filming it too! I hope he gets caught. And severely punished. Hercules is a very handsome chap.

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    1. Shammickite: I suspect that most people who love a visit from Hercules. I know I would. I do hope that karma bites that dog owner. Hard.

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  29. That is such a wonderful service. I'd never even imagined people doing that sort of thing to brighten up people's last days. I'm glad y'all gave the alpacas their treat for their work.

    And I'm sorry for your loss, EC. I know you're not focusing on that in this post. I just want to side-comment that we care about you.

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    1. John Wiswell: Isn't it a lovely service? Unpaid, but appreciated by many.
      And thank you. Muchly.

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  30. Alpacas are wonderful critters. I worked for a retirement community/assisted living/long-term care center for near to 11 years. One of my co-workers had alpacas, and she would bring them by once a month for the residents to interact with.

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    1. The Real Cie: How wonderful. I am sure that the residents appreciated the alpaca visit - and probably looked forward to it.

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  31. Wow...I would love an Alpaca visit. What a treat for you! Right now, the windows are rattling with rain and lightening here. Have a good week.

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    1. e: It was a totally unexpected treat coming accross Nils and Hercules at the market.
      Rain and lightening? I hope no leaks. Have a wonderful week.

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  32. That's happy and sad at the same time. Beautiful animal.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: They are beautiful - and definitely happy and sad.

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  33. Yes--- happy and sad at the same time. Hercules is a fine fellow!!

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  34. So wonderful about the alpacas. Love the photos.

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  35. Alpaca therapy, what a brilliant idea.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I think so too. Beautiful animals and a wonderful service.

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  36. Nils sounds a lovely man. And Hercules is a beauty. Very sad to read about the off-leash dog attack. I could use an alpaca visit right about now what with dealing with CRPS symptoms.

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    1. Bea: I am sorry that you continue to wrestle with CRPS. Pain is a sucky beast and an alpaca would be a very welcome distraction.

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  37. These animals are so darling. I've never heard of them being used in this therapeutic way before. They would lift anyone's spirits to see them. So sad to hear of the attach, how totally evil for the dog's owner to encourage and film it, with no thought as to how devastating it must have been to Nils and Hercules. At the same time the goodness of the people come through, in that the local owners gave Nils Paprika. I hope she helps to bring them peace.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Nils told me that Hercules loves Paprika and already protects her (as he tried to do for Mimosa). I think the goodness of people has triumphed over the nastiness of one individual.

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  38. How shameful of that dog owner to walk with an unrestrained dog, then FILM the attack. People never cease to amaze me. In good ways and bad.
    I would love a visit from a beautiful and gentle alpaca right now, when I'm ill, or any time in between. So glad you got to enjoy her and what a nice man, Nils.

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    1. Myrna R.: I am with you on often being amazed by people. Nils is a very special man, and like you I would welcome a bit of 'alpaca therapy.

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  39. Hercules has the most beautiful face. What a horrible incident that was for the Alpacas and how sad that Hercules and Nils lost their companion. I was so glad to read that a young’un will soon be joining them.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I agree. I think Hercules is beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing Paprika out and about too (it is not uncommon to see them driving through town).

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  40. This is pretty impressive EC! I've seen programs with mostly dogs and some cats, but never an Alpaca. My goodness they seem so adorable,and I can imagine they are definitely making differences in people's lives. I totally agree about pics, and frequently use a cat as my profile so you don't actually see me.(lol) Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: I am camera phobic too, so I totally understood where he was coming from. Alpacas are lovely critters aren't they? And beautiful. Hugs received and reciprocated.

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  41. Oh those beautiful animals!
    And that despicable dog owner...I wouldn't want to type here what I think should be done to them!😬
    Such inhuman morons have no right to be dog owners. I encountered a similar situation here in the New Forest. A woman found it amusing to let her dog maul a young calf. I intervened and she called the police! I said, "Fine. When they arrive, we'll tell them what you allowed your dog to do, shall we?"
    I can't bear cruelty to animals.
    Sorry! My rant of the day over!
    I would love a visit from one of these beauties if I end up in a hospice. They look so gentle...and just look at those eyelashes! Most of we women would give our eye teeth for those, eh?!

    Lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: I don't think that you wish any worse things on the dog owner than I do. I really, really hope that karma bites him hard. Soon.
      I would also love a visit from an alpaca - and agree about the eyelashes.
      Huge hugs and hopes for a healthy week.

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  42. This is the most wonderful and uplifting story I've read in a while. Except for Mimosa, of course. That dog owner should remember that Karma will find him/her one day... and it won't be a fun time.

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    1. Carol Kilgore: Nils is a very special man isn't he? And I agree wholeheartedly on the karma front. I hope when she visits this man her teeth and talons are poisoned.

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  43. This is sweet! Adorable and sweet. I'm so sorry about Mimosa.

    Nils sounds like a wonderful chap. Please tell him he has a fan all the way in Guyana :-)

    We've both written about needing to be cheered up after sadness.

    I'd take an alpaca too <3

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): I don't think Nils realises just how special he is. And how many people value him.

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  44. what a sweetie! oh, when my dad was in a nursing home, near the end of his life, a few miniature horses were brought in to the courtyard. He really enjoyed petting them and giving them carrots.
    It's amazing how much this type of therapy helps the infirm.
    I'm sad about Mimosa..What's wrong with people?!!
    Hopefully they will get caught soon.

    Hope you have a nice day.

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    1. Marfi-topia: Animals are a very real comfort aren't they? Sadly I think the dog owner may have escaped. I hope karma savages him later.

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  45. What a special human, that Nils. This warms my heart.
    Thank you, EC.

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  46. Wow. I definitely agree that Himself missed an amazing opportunity!!

    I've never had the chance to be up-and-close with an alpaca and what a wonderful, wonderful service Nils and his beautiful animals provide to your local community.

    PS: Duly noted that I shall keep all things made in 1958 in high esteem :)

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    1. mark koopmans: I am still not in the slightest bit sympathetic about this missed opportunity for himself. Alpacas are lovely animals and I am in complete agreement about the service Nils provides.
      Glad that you have learned your lesson about that vintage year.

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  47. What amazing shots and such a lovely lovely initiative!

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    1. Lady Fi: I am sooo impressed at the kindness and initiative Nils displays.

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  48. OMGosh. What a wonderful experience, person, and alpacas. Wishing them many blessings. As far as the dog attack and person behind the camera, grinding my teeth to keep from spewing.

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    1. Sandraa: I agree with you. Conservatively speaking I agree with you 1000 per cent.

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  49. What a great idea! We have some Alpacas in a field near us and they receive many visitors. Lovely set of photos!

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    1. LL Cool Joe: We have an alpaca farm not far away and they hold open days which are very well patronised.
      Nils DID have a great idea didn't he?

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  50. Filmed the attack? Oh my. That is brutal and awful and bless Nils and his furry friends.

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    1. Strayer: I think filming the attack is sick.

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  51. The creativity of love never ceases to amaze me:)
    What a brilliant idea. For someone to put it into motion is love at it's brightest. This makes my heart smile so big:)
    THANK you for sharing this - what a lift:)
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Isn't it a mood and heart lifter? Hugs.

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  52. Dogs are the owners responsibility and should be under control at all times!!!

    This is such a wonderful programme.
    I've heard of dogs and cats visiting homes etc, but not alpacas.
    Your photographs are a delight to see.
    I applaud all that enable this to continue.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Reading through the comments I have heard of miniature horses visiting too - and another alpaca visitation. Which is wonderful. Long may it continue (and spread).

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  53. I am so sorry about the dog attack and that Mimosa had to be put down!
    This post is so special EC! Niles and Hercules are very special and they are helping so many!!
    Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Nils and his furry friends do amazing work don't they? And they help the patient and the patient's family and friends. Hugs received and reciprocated.

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