Blue eyes in an alpaca, although striking, is considered a bad thing. The blue-eye gene is linked to deafness. Not all blue-eyed alpacas are deaf. For instance Frankie here can hear just fine. But he still would be eliminated from any responsible breeder’s program to ensure he doesn’t pass on the gene to his offspring.
Even through selective breeding a deaf, blue-eyed alpaca is sometimes born. So what does a responsible breeder do with a deaf baby alpaca they can’t use for breeding?
They call me.
Yep, they call me and they say “Hey Christine, I heard you were interested in some fiber boys. Why don’t you come over and check out our herd?”
Not being one to resist an opportunity to play with animals and learn from other like-minded folks, I agree. Then once I’m there, and starting to feel comfortable, they casually lead me right to him. Of course, I realize he’s deaf and tell them “I’m not sure I’m interested. I’ve never had a deaf boy.”
While I’m saying this they’re holding him and motioning for me to touch him. This is when it happens. My face starts to contort and from my mouth I suddenly hear a Gollum from Lord of the Rings-like voice saying “Precious! Must have Precious!” I am entranced.
Baby alpaca has to be the softest fiber in the world.
Then they have the audacity to tell me he’s FREE. And they’ll deliver him to my door. For FREE. As in nobody can say anything, I didn’t spend any money, FREE.
“MY Precious! For ME! Must have Precious!”
I mean, I really needed a Joey Bishop to finish the Rat Pack anyway, right?
(From left to right: Sammy Davis Jr., Frankie “Blue Eyes” Sinatra, Dean “Dino” Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford.)
Even though he can’t hear, he’ll do just fine. Alpacas have a herding instinct so he’ll stick close the the other boys. In fact the only reason I know he is deaf is because he didn’t get up and move away from the loud lawnmower like the other animals did. Otherwise he seems perfectly normal.
Normal with fiber TO DIE FOR.
“My Precious!”
21 comments:
I just love watching your heart get bigger and bigger!! isn't it wonderful how our hearts can do that to make room for more and more?
he is indeed precious!!
Congrats on your new addition. Those fiber boys are the best, aren't they?
Alright...over on another blog I feel in love with a cute little goat and now feel I must get goats. Now...you've lured me in with a deaf alpaca. Really!? It's about the fiber...always about the fiber. I better get building a pen soon!
Now that is to die for cute. I'd have taken him home, deaf or not!
Like you, I would take them all home if I could. Someday I will have the land and the means to have my own "Precious". Until then, I will enjoy reading about yours!
So sweet and he's beautiful! I would have had to take him too! I'm such a softie.
I'm glad the breeders call you. I would not want to imagine anything else. Thanks for your huge heart!
If I knew what to do with fiber, I would have alpacas too! Maybe some day!
That is hilarious, you are too funny.
He is adorable....yes indeed, just precious.
Gasp!
Heart melts.
That Fiber.
That face.
Good for you!
And a happy ending, too.
Oooo, I don't know if I could stop stroking him - he looks so soft and fuzzy! Yummmm. He's cute too!
Love those blue eyes, facial expression too. At least the lawnmower won't bother him and he will follow the others if there is any danger.
The Deaf community is outraged by the Hearing community every time they kill any animal simply because it's deaf. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ANYONE (human OR animal) SIMPLY BECAUSE IT CAN'T HEAR! It is the Hearing community's responsibility to learn how to "help" the Alpaca out; flashing lights and/or stomping the ground to get his attention, and similar tactics.
I am SO glad you took him! Perhaps you can help to change others' opinions too.
Good for you, Christine! I hope they aren't all sparring and fighting, though. I have often wished we could have a few here, but we're afraid Tony would be pushing them around.
Ooh - he's pretty!
He was meant for you!
I LOVE the blue eyed boys! I think you're right and they'll be fine as long as they're in with a herd. Are they friendly at all?
Congratulations on your new friend. You're gonna have fun with all that fiber!
Oh my gosh he is adorable!!! I couldn't have resisted him either.
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
White, blue-eyed cats are often deaf, too, as you may know. I wonder why there is that link between eye color and hearing...
Adorable, and free? What's not to love? Oh, and that sweet face...lucky you, lucky him! It's terrific you could give him a home...what a kind heart. Thanks for sharing with us.
Oh, Christine. I had to laugh reading this. What a big heart you have. Yep, the tattoo is STILL on your forehead. What a beautiful boy. I think you are both lucky to have found each other.
I once found a "thrown away" white kitten and brought her home. We didn't realize until much later that she was deaf, but that didn't change her dear personality. About three years before she got sick & died (she was then quite old), she also went blind. She still got around fine, and was even more a character! Her name was Cricket, and I still miss her very much!
I'm sorry about your kitty, June...
Post a Comment