WORTH THE DRIVE

from Liberty Hill Digest September 2021

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Forget Your Stress, Meet an Alpaca

If there is anyone who doesn’t love alpacas, we have never met them. Topping the list of adorable farm animals, alpacas are also notably serene. The most common sound they make is similar to humming, and gentle nose kisses are their sign of affection. Once you hang out with an alpaca and absorb its breezy nature, you can’t help but feel a little less stressed and a little more carefree.

ALPACA THE HOPE

Just ten minutes from Copperas Cove in Kempner, this lovely bed and breakfast alpaca farm specifically offers a safe, peaceful, stress-free respite for kids battling cancer and their families. Farm owners Kati and William Davenport say, “Our alpacas really helped us recover after our son finished treatment. We found spending time with our animals to be rejuvenating for our soul. We began inviting other cancer families to the farm, and the bond was instant. Seeing the experience is truly amazing and therapeutic.”

Kati adds, “September is childhood cancer awareness month, and pediatric research is very underfunded. Donating to any reputable childhood cancer support group is a wonderful way to help us find better treatment options and cures for our children.”

Since inviting their first cancer family to the alpaca farm, the Davenports have added some adorably fluffy llamas. They test drove the idea by taking in one llama named Shiro. “He is an absolutely incredible animal,” Kati says. “It didn’t take us long to fall in love with the idea. We quickly grew our llama herd by taking in six rescues, and now we have ten. Our families truly enjoy spending time with all of them.”

At the farm, families get a guided tour and plenty of interaction with the animals. The owners also try to set up photoshoots to provide magical and whimsical keepsakes to remember their time on the farm. Families say these photoshoots are quite freeing—the result of letting the alpacas take their worries for a moment, and that moment is captured forever.

ALPACA MY BAGS

If you want your own peaceful, serene, and stress relieving experience with alpacas and llamas, the farm offers encounters and stays to the general public through AirBnB. You can also send an email and they can help you book a date.

The farm has also recently added a venue for outdoor events. All proceeds from farm bookings benefit families affected by childhood cancer. Scan the code or email for more information or email artillerycreek@ gmail.com.

If your child has or has had cancer, they want to hear from you! Use the email above. Their mission is to be supportive by offering friendship and respite from the daily struggles associated with going through cancer treatment. No one fights alone!