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AlpacaNation Q&A with Pacapoo Alpacas LLC
Eleanor Schenck
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28 Schaefer Road, Jeffersonville, NY 12748
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845-482-3838
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
Pacapoo Alpacas LLC: It seemed a perfect choice for what was a venture into unknown territory for me. I thought, "What if I'm not successful?"
The only thing I could be sure of was that, if nothing else, I'd wind up with a huge pile of poo!
Given my feelings at the time, Pacapoo Alpacas seemed a perfect choice.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
Pacapoo Alpacas LLC: My favorite memory has to be the birth of my first cria which I named "Numero Uno".
He arrived 3 weeks premature and at 5:30 in the morning. As a new breeder I was really nervous. But the animals knew what to do.
The most interesting thing about the birth was that while I knelt over him, my other two alpacas whom I could never get near without cornering them, both stood right next to me. One of them even put her head on my shoulder. For a brief moment, I guess I was "one of the herd".
Trust me. Of all the experiences you will have as an alpaca owner, the birth of a cria will always be the most exciting experience.
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
Pacapoo Alpacas LLC: I'm a widow. I manage my herd of 12 alpacas pretty much alone except for some occasional hired help. I am 68 years old as I write this. Time for retirement to some sunny beach in Florida you might say. Sorry. That's not my nature.
A recent heart attack got my attention but not enough to make me retire. With the help of some good friends and fellow breeders my herd and I made it through.
I can't imagine life without my herd. I am downsizing the herd. But only to ease my work load a bit. It's my intention to keep going until I fall over! These gentle animals energize me. They are the center of my life. I feel blessed to have them in my care.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Pacapoo Alpacas LLC: Research the best bloodlines and then buy the best quality animals you can afford.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Pacapoo Alpacas LLC: I think my comittment to temperament over all other qualities is what sets my farm apart from others. There are far too many alpacas out there that are difficult to handle. One of the reasons I want to keep my herd small is so that I can handle all my animals daily. Toenail and teeth trimming will always be a challenge even with the tamest of alpacas. But you should be able to at least take a temperature on any animal you own without calling in the National Guard to hold them down.
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
Pacapoo Alpacas LLC: I've been in the business since 2003. However, it feels like I've been doing this all my life. Who know's. Perhaps I was a shepherd in a previous life.
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