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...