Summer
FIGMENT
2019 • Volume 1
Figment Ranch LLC • Figment Ranch Foundation 501(c) (3) • Figment Ranch Farm Event Center • Figment Ranch Foundation Gift Shop • Figment Ranch Cottage
M a g a z in e
Lorenzo’s Story
2 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
Welcome to Figment Ranch Foundation a 501 (c)(3) Our journey started on March 5th, 2016 with the slaying of two of our llamas, Lorenzo (a rescue llama) and LaTida (a show llama). This horrific act changed our lives in many ways. The process we went thru to get justice for these animals compelled us to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary. Figment Ranch Foundation is formed solely for the purpose of rescuing and accepting alpacas, llamas and other species on a discretionary basis for future placement in adoption homes. Any donations made to the Foundation will be used for the care, feeding and maintenance of the animals until they are adopted. Elderly and non-placeable animals will stay permanently with the Foundation in a "forever home" environment to ensure their wellbeing. Mission Statement TO ACHIEVE OUR CORE VALUES. OUR WORK WITH THESE ANIMALS, WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY AND THROUGHOUT OUR ORGANIZATION, IS GUIDED BY THREE CORE VALUES: COMPASSION, INTEGRITY AND DEDICATION. THESES VALUES UNDERPIN THE SAFE HARBOR AND SECOND CHANCE THE RESCUE ANIMALS SO DESPERATELY NEED. This nonprofit is formed solely for the purpose of rescuing and accepting alpacas and llamas for future placement in adoption homes. Any donations made to the Foundation will be used for the care, feeding and maintenance of the animals until they are adopted. Elderly and non-placeable animals will stay permanently with the Foundation in a “forever home” environment to ensure their wellbeing. To provide quality care, attention and a sanctuary for those rescued until new loving homes can be found. To provide educational opportunities within our community to raise visibility and promote animal welfare. Figment Ranch Foundation rescues Alpacas, Llamas, and other species on a discretionary basis. 3
IN THIS EDITION Summer 2019 • Volume 1
Lorenzo’s Story......
FIGMENT
Figment Ranch LLC •Figment Ranch Foundation 501(c) (3) •Figment Ranch Farm Event Center •Figment Ranch Foundation Gift Shop •Figment Ranch Cottage
Magazine
This nonprofit is formed solely for the purpose of rescuing and accepting alpacas and llamas for future placement in adoption homes. Any donations made to the Foundation will be used for the care, feeding and maintenance of the animals until they are adopted. Elderly and non-placeable animals will stay permanently with the Foundation in a "forever home" environment to ensure their wellbeing. The material in the Figment Magazine
Tragedy At Figment Ranch Page 22 Welcome to Figment Ranch Foundation a 501 (c)(3)
Llama vs The Flu
is for information purposes only. Even though the articles included is believed
ADVERTISERS Brazos Valley Equine Hospital
Danny’s In The Doorway
Alpacas of Greater TN
necessarily those of Figment Magazine, its staff, readers or advertisers. Figment Magazine does not take any responsibility for these views. The mention of a product
Page 11
or service herein is solely for information to our readers and may not be used for
D & D Feed
A Day With Susan Gray
any commercial product. No material from this magazine may be
Page 29 Page 20 Red-Footed Tortoise
Figment Ranch Tours
Page 16
completeness. The options expressed in the editor and elsewhere are not
Page 12
Page 6
taken to collect it from reliable sources, no guarantee is given as to its accuracy or the magazine in interviews, letters to
Page 5
Page 3
to be reputable and every effort has been
Figment Ranch Foundation Gift Shop
4 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
uploaded, posted, transmitted or distributed in any way without the express written permission of the Figment Magazine. Modification of the materials or use of the materials for any other purpose
Page 30 Gerries Place Cottage
Page 32
republished, reproduced, copied,
Back Cover
is a violation of copyright and other proprietary rights.
Contact Information Ruby Herron - Editor 713-249-8523 rubyherron10@gmail.com www.FigmentRanch.com
FROM THE EDITOR Well just when you think I had disappeared …………here I am. I know there have been a lot of rumors as to why I quit doing the ALSA Showring Magazine after so many years.
For the care of all our llamas and alpacas Figment Ranch recommends and uses....
I quit abruptly for personal family reasons. My Daughter, Gerrie, is in a nursing home. Gerrie suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and she was having serious problems that required my full attention. Her situation has improved enough to allow me time to do a magazine on my schedule. I really have missed doing artwork and design, so I decided to do The Figment Magazine. In my magazine I will share information and human-interest stories about Llamas, Alpacas and other animals. I love to take photos of the animals on the ranch and my magazine allows me to share them with everyone. This is my first edition and I hope you enjoy it.
Ben Buchanan, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC 936-825-2197 www.bveh.com 6999 Hwy 6, Navasota, TX 77868
Figment Ranch LLC consists of four unique parts: • Figment Ranch Foundation 501(c)(3) • Figment Ranch Farm Event Center • Figment Ranch Foundation Gift Shop • Figment Ranch Cottage.
“I do this for me and share it with you.” Ruby Herron, Editor 713-249-8523 FigmentRanch.com RubyHerron10@gmail.com
We are a nonprofit that provides quality care for the purpose of rescuing and accepting Alpacas, Llamas, and other species. We give attention and a sanctuary for those rescued until new loving homes can be found. We also provide educational opportunities to raise visibility and promote animal welfare. 5
A Day with Susan Gray
6 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
Photo by Ruby Herron
www.FigmentRanch.com
A
s a youth, I spent three summers living with a Native American family on the Santa Clara Reservation in North Central New Mexico. My days were spent planting corn, pulling weeds, driving a tractor and picking ripe red chili peppers for sale in the local market. At night, we would sit on benches at a large wooden table surrounded by my extended “family” and their friends. The meals were modest but meaningful because in lieu of dessert, the elders would share their stories. These wonderful stories embraced the very essence of the Santa Clara Pueblo’s myths, folklore and legends. It was from the elders that I learned of “Ma Tah Hey” – the Patron of Stillness. Ma Tah Hey was the heart and soul of these wonderful stories. Ma Santa Clara Peublo Tah Hey learned stillness by studying the glistening stars at night, following the flowing river as it sometimes changed its course and by listening to the soft wind as it rearranged the sand in the desert. When Ma Tah Hey was needed, she would appear and bring stillness. With stillness, there was clear vision. In stillness, a person could look across the deep canyon and receive the inspiration he or she needed to create beautiful black pottery, vibrant paintings and sand cast silver jewelry. Stillness could stop a running horse from falling off a dangerous cliff. Stillness could save lives when a mountain lion passed through the Pueblo. With each magical story, Ma Tah Hey brought stillness and with stillness, Ma Tah Hey brought peace. There is an aura of artistry, stillness and peace in Susan Gray. My visits to Figment Ranch are truly an adventure for me. Located in the robust community of Cypress, Texas, Figment Ranch provides a natural habitant to livestock, birds and reptiles -- all of whom live in harmony together. Robin, Ruby and Sean have carved out a home not only for themselves but for the animals who have found a way into their hearts. Figment Ranch is now open for overnight stays in the Air bnb celebrations in the Event Center, shopping in the Gift Store and scheduled Photo by Ruby Herron Figment Ranch farm tours. They welcome 7
friends, family and scheduled visitors. It was on one of my special visits that I was able to spend a day with Susan, her husband, Darrell and her precious granddaughter, Winter! Susan is an artist, an accomplished jeweler and a visionary of all that is good in this world. Her earliest memories transport her back in time to family visits and art classes at the Whittie Museum in San Antonio, Texas. Located near the San Antonio River, this Museum is dedicated to natural history, science and the preservation of our South Texas heritage. It was at the Whitte Museum that Susan found inspiration in the Whittie Museum in San Antonio, Texas treasures created by talented artists she never met -but all of whom embraced her as special mentors through her exposure to their art. Susan developed an artist’s eye through childhood curiosity, fascination and the challenge to create her own treasures. As she walked through the Museum hallways, Susan would stand completely still for what seemed hours studying paintings, sculptures and other works of art. Then with the blink of an eye, the Art Director would find Susan leading a children’s art class creating her own magical friends and animals in chalk. Some of these drawings are still displayed in Susan’s home today – a reminder of how important it truly is to see the world through a child’s eyes.
8 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
Much like my days on the Santa Clara Reservation, I chose to follow Susan on our walk around Figment Ranch rather than walking directly with her. When we are learning, it is always better to follow. My goal was to see the animals, birds and wildlife of Figment Ranch through Susan’s eyes in hopes that I, too, might be inspired to capture nature on canvas or maybe in a lost wax carving to create my own little alpaca! Truly great artists teach as well as create. Susan’s day at Figment Ranch was not only an opportunity to spend time with Robin and Ruby but also to share an adventure with her granddaughter, Winter, and her wonderful husband, Darrell. It was an opportunity for Winter to touch the soft fiber on the llamas, to touch the shell of a tortoise, to watch industrious ants gathering materials for the months ahead, to take a few minutes to build a sandcastle near the fence and to pick up an unusual feather draped in browns, blacks and taupe. When Susan Photo by Ruby Herron Susan, Winter and Darrell held the feather, she asked Winter to picture the bird in flight using his feathers to lift him high in the air. Susan was teaching not only the beauty of the feather -- she wanted Winter to see more than just what she held in her little hand. This may also be true of Susan’s vision for world peace, when she artfully weaves a peace symbol into the jewelry she wears. My day with Susan was a series of magic moments shared with the happiness of being with the animals at Figment Ranch as well as being able to walk in the shadow of a fabulous jeweler. Susan is truly the heart and soul of her jewelry inspirations. Although she could easily create any of your own pets and livestock, Susan has created a special niche through her alpaca and llama jewelry. Her pieces are unique – not only because they are detailed and of good quality – but also because to wear this jewelry is to receive Susan’s special blessing of joy, happiness and peace. Susan can be reached at (512) 350-5060 or
at sgray53@gmail.com. Her websites are: https://squareup.com/market/images-of-the-heart-and-soul.com www.llamaandalpacajewelry.com. When you commission a piece of jewelry from Susan, your animal is memorialized and not only suspended in time but also in your heart and soul forever. Cynthia Masters Rancho do Santo Domingo June 7, 2019
10 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
ALPAC AS OF GREAT ER T N “Preserving the Past; Breeding the Future� Alpacas of Greater Tennessee was founded in September 2007, on the outskirts of the great city of Chattanooga, TN. We are the proud owners of the famed CloudyPass Female herd. We are focused on taking some of the best Suri genetics available and improving them. We are taking some of the best females we can find, and breeding them to our Award-Winning herdsires. We have come to the tough decision we must drastically downsize our herd in order to simplify life. We are starting to have some major family health issues, and are not able anymore to spend the time we feel is necessary to properly work with the numbers we have. We are not looking to close, simply to find good homes for the majority of our herd. Paula & William Buchner 10925 Hwy 58 Georgetown,TN 37336 cell 423.667.3374 office 423.344.5252 greatertnalpacas@bellsouth.net www.alpacasofgreatertn.com
11
Llamas The Flu vs
12 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
Looking to Llamas for New Ways to Fight the Flu Posted on November 13th, 2018 by Dr. Francis Collins
Researchers are making tremendous strides toward developing better ways to reduce our risk of getting the flu. And one of the latest ideas for foiling the flu—a “gene mist” that could be sprayed into the nose—comes from a most surprising source: llamas. Like humans and many other creatures, these fuzzy South American relatives of the camel produce immune molecules, called antibodies, in their blood when exposed to viruses and other foreign substances. Researchers speculated that because the llama’s antibodies are so much smaller than human antibodies, they might be easier to use therapeutically in fending off a wide range of flu viruses. This idea is now being leveraged to design a new type of gene therapy that may someday provide humans with broader protection against the flu [1]. Scientists have had an interest in antibodies made by llamas and their camel cousins ever since their small size first was discovered about 25 years ago [2]. In fact, there are companies in Europe focused entirely on developing new treatments and technologies inspired by llama antibodies. Recently, an international team, funded in part by NIH, has begun applying some of this fundamental knowledge about llama antibodies to our ongoing battle against the flu. In a study published in the journal Science, Joost Kolkman of Janssen Infectious Diseases,
13
Belgium; Ian Wilson, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA; and their colleagues describe a series of experiments that have opened the door to the possibility of a new flu-fighting “gene mist.” The work began with researchers giving llamas a fairly traditional flu shot that contained three different influenza viruses and a viral surface protein called hemagglutinin from two other viruses, representing influenza type A and B strains. Analysis of the antibodies produced by the immunized animals led to the identification of four distinct antibody types that protected against a wide range of flu viruses. To understand better how those antibodies worked and why they could be protective against multiple strains, researchers used X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine their precise molecular structures. Those studies revealed the most essential portions of the four types of antibodies for recognizing influenza viruses, each targeting a different, highly conserved location on the surface hemagglutinin of flu viruses. A conserved location is one that has been maintained through evolution, meaning the antibody’s target will be present in most viral strains, rather than changing from year to year. Next, those antibodies were further pared down by bioengineering and the resulting “nanobodies” strung together to create a broadly protective, four-in-one antibody. Test tube studies showed that this quadruple threat effectively targets and neutralizes dozens of influenza A and B viruses, including several types of avian influenza, or bird flu. But could this llama-derived tetravalent antibody neutralize the flu virus in living creatures? To explore that question, researchers infused the antibody directly into the bloodstreams of mice. The antibody treatment completely protected the mice against many influenza viruses that otherwise would have been deadly. Then, with collaborators at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, the team tried a different delivery method. They designed a bioengineered gene containing the instructions for the four-in-one antibody, inserted that gene into a harmless adenoassociated virus, and sprayed that as a “gene mist” into the noses of mice. The viral vectors then inserted the genes into respiratory tract cells, which in turn produced the desired four-in-one antibody. A week later, the mice were exposed in aerosol form to various, potentially lethal influenza viruses—but they were protected. The researchers are hopeful that a similar “gene mist” approach might provide humans with broad protection against multiple influenza strains. However, they acknowledge that such protection would gradually wear off as the cells lining the nasal passages turn over. So, depending on how long that takes, it’s possible that people would still need to get an annual flu shot. Many questions remain to be answered before this “gene mist” approach to fending off the flu might be ready for human studies to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Nevertheless, the strategy holds considerable promise, especially for people with fragile or compromised immune systems who may have difficulty producing their own antibodies in response to traditional flu vaccines. 14 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
And there are other intriguing possible advantages. For example, the rapid protection this approach might afford, along with its potential to neutralize many forms of avian influenza, suggest it might be called into action to help quell an emerging flu pandemic far more swiftly than is possible with traditional vaccines. Of course, none of this is reality yet. As we look to the flu season already underway, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get your annual flu shot. So, if you’ve been procrastinating, don’t wait any longer! References: [1] Universal protection against influenza infection by a multidomain antibody to influenza hemagglutinin. Laursen NS, Friesen RHE, Zhu X, Jongeneelen M, Blokland S, Vermond J, van Eijgen A, Tang C, van Diepen H, Obmolova G, van der Neut Kolfschoten M, Zuijdgeest D, Straetemans R, Hoffman RMB, Nieusma T, Pallesen J, Turner HL, Bernard SM, Ward AB, Luo J, Poon LLM, Tretiakova AP, Wilson JM, Limberis MP, Vogels R, Brandenburg B, Kolkman JA, Wilson IA. Science. 2018 Nov 2;362(6414):598-602. [2] Naturally occurring antibodies devoid of light chains. Hamers-Casterman C, Atarhouch T, Muyldermans S, Robinson G, Hamers C, Songa EB, Bendahman N, Hamers R. Nature. 1993 Jun 3;363(6428):446-448. Links: Wilson Lab (The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA) Frequently Asked Flu Questions 2018-2019 Influenza Season (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Influenza (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH) Universal Influenza Vaccine Research (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH) NIH Support: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; National Cancer Institute; National Institute of General Medical Sciences Ê
15
Figment
RanchTours Photo by Ruby Herron
Proceeds go to the Figment Ranch Foundation 501(c)(3)
16 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
17
18 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
19
Danny’s In The Doorway I was first introduced to the works of Kathy Joseph when I was given a copy of “Danny’s in the Doorway”. Needless to say, I was in love with this book. All of us has that one Llama or Alpaca that stands in the opening and blocks all the rest of the animals from getting out. In my case it is Red Mamma. Danny's in the Doorway is about Baby Alpacas, (baby Alpacas are called Crias), who can't get out of the corral to go play in the pasture because Danny's in the doorway. The book teaches manners, teamwork, courage, and problem solving as well as educates the reader about Alpacas. There is a glossary of Alpaca related words and photographs of the actual characters.
20 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
The author, Kathy Joseph, is a retired band director who has a great love for animals. She started raising alpacas 15 years ago and says that they have changed her life. These gentle animals draw passersby to stop and visit. Her alpacas come running when they see visitors, in hopes of getting a treat. If you have stress in your life and want to decompress, you should visit an Alpaca or Llama farm. Kathy lives in Grand Junction, Colorado with two dogs and her alpaca family.
There are a total of four books that Kathy has written and they all are great but my favorite is still “Danny’s in the Doorway The illustrations are phenomenal ! The artist is Brett Thompson who has been drawing and painting since he was a little boy.
Copies can be purchased at most major book stores or from Amazon. 21
Lorenzo’s Story as told from Lorenzo’s Eyes My first recollection on earth was lying in a meadow filled with colorful flowers. My Mother nuzzled me and encouraged me to stand and nurse. Life was good. I pronged and played with all the other Crias around me. I loved my life and all my friends. One day instead of going out and grazing we were all kept in the barn. I thought it was strange that we were in the barn and not allowed to go outside on such a beautiful day. Suddenly, I heard a sound. I saw coming down the driveway a truck pulling a trailer. What was that for? Two people got out of the truck and walked to the barn. I was loaded up in the trailer and never saw my Mother and friends again. I was very sad and did not understand why I was taken away. I was taken to a new home. As the days went by, I grew to love my new home and the memory of my friends faded. My lady owner was very nice to me and we would take long hikes together. After our walks she would give me fresh hay and treats. One day my lady owner came to the barn crying while my man owner yelled at her. After this I never saw my lady owner again and I was left with the man owner. He was never nice to me and was always hitting me or sticking 22 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
a fire stick to me. To defend myself, I started running at him when he would come near me. The man owner quit coming around me at all. I was alone for a long time and was on my own. One day the cow man in the next pasture came and chased me over to his pasture where there were only a lot of cows. I was frightened and would run at people that came near me thinking they were going to hit me or stick me with a fire stick. The next day the cow man used a fire stick to get me into a small pen. Not knowing what was going on I chased him and another new man until I ended up in a trailer that was parked nearby. The trailer started to move. I could barely see out of the trailer, so I did not know where I was going. The trailer stopped and the door opened where I was herded into a small pasture. There were lots of llamas around me and plenty of food. As the days went by the new man would come in my pasture and I would run at him, but he would stand with his hand out and speak to me very softly. I soon realized that the new man and the other people around me were very kind and loving. I was soon moved to a new pasture with a cow that became my best friend. Years went by and I had my cow and kind loving people that took care of me. One moon lit night I heard noise coming from the pasture next to me. I walked over to the corner of my pasture to see what was going on. I saw strange people attacking my llama friends in the next pasture. I shrilled a warning sound and all the llamas ran. I looked and the strange people were bent over one of the llamas. I shrilled again and the strange people turned and headed toward me. Suddenly, I heard a bang then felt fire hit my head and 23
another fire hit my side. I fell to the ground and could not move. I laid there and could feel the warm liquid run down my face and side. As the sun came up, I heard someone coming. It was the new man, my new owner. He rushed to see what had happen and tried to get me to stand. I could not stand but he managed to load me in a trailer. I don’t know much about what happened next, but I woke up with people standing all around me. It took me a day or so, but I was able to stand. After a few days my owner came and took me home. To this day I still don’t understand what happened and why the fire came. I look across the pasture and look for my friend, but I never see her. I still have my owners who feed and love me, but I have a problem trusting strangers. Maybe one day I will know why the fire came.
24 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
TRAGEDY AT FIGMENT RANCH....What Really Happened
25
26 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
5. 6.
speak about the tragedy which has befallen it. Community awareness. We monitor commercial and residential growth near Figment Ranch. We have an established relationship with a local realtor and we have formed relationships with those around us. This network is valuable in gathering information, keeping a watchful eye and providing support when needed. These relationships take time to develop and may change. However, this type of collaboration can yield positive results which might not have otherwise been available. Relationships with Local Law Enforcement. Having updated emergency contact numbers which are easily accessible is essential. When at all possible, it is important to establish and maintain a relationship with local law enforcement as your community develops. These are the very people who can come to your Ranch quickly and provide support to you. As part of any investigation, it is critical that you maintain regular contact with local law enforcement and provide information to them as it becomes available to you.
Although it may appear that Figment Ranch is well prepared to manage any type of disaster with our processes, documentation and relationships, the truth is we were ill prepared as human beings to manage the loss this tragedy has brought upon us. No matter how hard we work during the day, sleep does not come easy at night. Our dreams of what Figment Ranch could be some day have been replaced with nightmares of how WLK La Tida suffered before she died and how brutally her head was severed while she struggled to flee. It is almost as if we can hear WLK La Tida crying and Lorenzo, our guard animal, screaming when he tried to help her. Lorenzo survived and he has been returned to us. However, Dr. Ben cannot provide any guarantees to us of his long term survival because of his injuries. Before the attack, Lorenzo was curious, proud and confident. Now, he is timid, subdued and he avoids people in general.
Although our pasture has now become green and cool under the trees, the llamas have not returned to graze in it. They sense the sadness and loss of their companion, WLK La Tida.
Before the attack, Lorenzo was curious, proud and confident.
27
High in the Peruvian Andes, the villagers believe that the lives of alpacas and llamas are precious. When a llama such as WLK La Tida dies, her soul is not lost. It becomes intertwined with the vines of the fragrant yellow roses whose scent carries the soul to Heaven. The Peruvian yellow roses have no thorns and their vines seem to have no ending as they reach to the sky to find their pathway to Heaven. As we write this article, we believe our beloved llama, WLK La Tida, has found these yellow roses and she has followed their scent to Heaven. R.I.P. My friend.........
Ruby Hamilton Herron
28 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
WELCOME TO D&D FEED D&D is committed to delivering the best selection of agricultural and feed supply products to our customers and community. We always strive to give you the best prices and personal service in the business. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help, or simply come in and say hi! Mon. - Fri. 7:30am–6pm Sat. 7:30am–5pm Sun. Closed
D&D Feed & Supply 16915 FM 2920 Tomball, Texas 77377 (281) 351-7144 www.ddfeed.com info@ddfeed.com 29
The Figment Ranch “ Made In Texas”.......Hand Woven Llama/Alpaca Rugs These unique hand woven rugs are made from the fiber of our llamas and alpacas. After shearing each year, we take the fiber to have it processed and woven. The full-service process includes separating and tumbling, carding, spinning, cored yarn, and hand weaving into finished products. • These rugs are one of a kind. • They are all natural – no dyes or chemicals • They are very durable – last a lifetime • Hypo-allergenic—Water and stain resistant • Dog and cat resistant— Child resistant • Versatile Many sizes available • Fringe or no fringe • No vacuuming needed • Saddle blankets
30 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
Figment Ranch Fondation is a 501(c)(3) goes to the care and feeding of the
www.FigmentRanch.com
Fondation Gift Shop Miscellaneous Llama and Alpaca Gifts are also in the Gift Shop.
) and all proceeds from the Gift Shop e rescued animals at Figment Ranch.
31
E & Mu Taking A Mud Bath Photo by Ruby Herron 32 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
Red-Footed Tortoise Here at Figment Ranch we have rescued several Red-Footed Tortoises and they are a delight to have. I thought I would give you the basic information about these guys. Photo by Ruby Herron
33
The red-footed tortoise is found throughout South America and on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Barbados. These long-lived tortoises have bright red, yellow or orange patches on their legs, tail and head.
Physical Description Red-footed tortoises have a concave, bumpy shell. Their skin is mostly black with shells being typically black, gray or brown. Young tortoises have small distinct areas of yellow or tan coloring surrounding or covering each bump. Bright red marks may appear on the head. The legs and tail often have patches of orange, yellow or red.
Size Male red-footed tortoises are larger than females and grow up to 13.5 inches (34 centimeters) long. Females average 11.25 inches (28.5 centimeters) long. Adult male tortoises can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms).
Native Habitat Red-footed tortoises live throughout South America from Panama to Argentina. They are also found on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Barbados. They live in dry and wet forests areas, grasslands and the savanna.
Communication Males and females use head movements as signals to identify each other.
Food/Eating Habits Red-footed tortoises are primarily herbivorous but will also eat small amounts of animal matter, such as small invertebrates. Most of their food comes from leaves, grasses, fungi, fruits and flowers. At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, they are fed a specially formulated tortoise feed that includes a balance of cellulose, carbohydrates, proteins and minerals such as calcium. They also receive dietary enrichment in the form of browse and occasional fruit.
Reproduction and Development After mating, females bury five to 15 eggs in nests excavated in leaf litter on the forest floor. Incubation time in the nest varies with local conditions, but typically, eggs hatch after around 150 days.
Lifespan They frequently reach ages of 50 years or more 34 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
FUN FACTS 1. 2. 3.
Males compete for breeding access to females and fights sometimes result in one male turning another over on to their backs. They frequently reach ages of 50 years or more. Males and females use head movements as signals to identify each other.
Photo by Ruby Herron Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008
35
FIGMENT RANCH FOUNDATION GUIDELINES FOR DONATING ALPACA AND LLAMA FIBER The Figment Ranch Foundation (“Figment�), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, desperately needs your alpaca and llama fiber to make rugs to sell to the public to support our rescue animals. The same fiber which is gathering dust in your barn, your attic or even your offsite storage unit has tremendous value to Figment to be used for beautiful rugs which Figment will sell to purchase hay, grain and other food to support rescued animals.
Please read the Figment Ranch Foundation Charitable Gifts and Donation Policy on our website at www.figmentranch.com for general information regarding donations. Figment will provide a receipt for you for your fiber donation. At present, donated clean but un-skirted fiber is valued at about $3.00 per pound plus your shipping costs. Figment Ranch Foundation is not a fiber processing mill. The fiber will be processed by an independent rug maker at our expense. As such, you do not need to skirt, label, remove course hair or separate the fiber (short, long, fluff, barrel, neck, legs, firsts and seconds). Our mill can normally use fiber as short as 1 to 1.5 inches in length in making the rugs. You must, however, ensure that badly soiled or mildewed areas, thorns, briars and large vegetable matter is removed. The fiber may be dusty, but it should not be laden with fleas, mites, ticks or other insects (contaminated). The age of the animal or length of time in storage of alpaca or llama fiber is not critical, but the fiber should be debris free and not insect laden. The fiber may be delivered to Figment in person, given to a third party for delivery to us at an ALSA show or sent by mail, DHL, UPS or Fed Ex. Our address is 17102 Musechke Road, Cypress, Texas 77433. Our telephone number is 713 249 3893. Please let us know if any boxes are on their way and we will be ready! To ensure your donation receipt is written correctly, please confirm the name of the donor (individual or ranch) and the address for the receipt (physical address and email address). Please know that your donation of fiber can truly make a difference to provide food, water and veterinary care for rescued alpacas and llamas! Thank you!
36 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
FIGMENT RANCH FOUNDATION Charitable Gifts and Donations Policy Figment Ranch Foundation (“Figment”) was approved by the Texas Secretary of State as a Texas Non-Profit Corporation on November 9, 2018. Its status as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit entity was also approved by the Internal Revenue Service with effect from November 9, 2018. As a 501(c)3 non-profit tax-exempt entity, Figment accepts charitable gifts and donations from persons who wish to support Figment’s mission and its programs. Figment’s mission is: a) To actively rescue alpacas, llamas or other species on a discretionary basis; b) To provide quality care, attention and a sanctuary for those rescued until loving homes can be found; c) To provide educational opportunities within our community to raise visibility and promote animal welfare. To support our mission, it is Figment’s policy in accepting charitable gifts and donations to comply fully with the valuation rules set forth in Publication 561 of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Copies of Publication 561 are available at www.irs.gov. Figment will provide a receipt for all donations for your tax records and we would encourage you to coordinate the documentation relating to the deductibility of your donations with your tax advisor. At this time, if you intend to claim a deduction of more than $500 for a donation of something tangible other than cash, you will need to include a Form 8283 with your tax return describing the gift. If you claim a donation of $5000 or more, you will also need to attach a formal appraisal. At this time, the primary types of charitable gifts and donations which are acceptable to Figment include cash and alpaca/ llama fiber which will be used by Figment to create hand woven rugs for sale to the public. Guidelines for donating alpaca/ llama fiber (quality, packaging and transporting) are available on our website at www.figmentranch.com. Please contact us at (713) 249-3893 regarding any questions relating to other types of charitable gifts or donations. Please note that Figment reserves the right to refuse any charitable gift or donation which would: a. b. c. d.
result in Figment violating its bylaws and/or other governance documents, result in losing its status as an IRS 501(c)(3) no-profit organization, be too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to the value, be for purposes outside Figment’s mission.
Figment strives to follow best practices in accepting charitable gifts and donations. In particular, Figment works to follow The Donor Bill of Rights which encourages philanthropy, charitable gifts and donations. It has been adopted by many organizations of all sizes and Figment endorses its criteria. For good governance purposes, Figment follows the Donor Bill of Rights to ensure the manner in which we use donated resources truly supports our mission and that your donations (cash or in-kind) will support the animals Figment was formed to assist! To find this document, the best link is located at en.m.wikipedia.org with a search for Donor Bill of Rights. The Charitable Giving and Donation Policy has been reviewed by the Figment Ranch Foundation Board of Directors. The Board must approve any changes to this Policy. This Policy and any procedures followed by Figment Ranch Foundation will be reviewed annually to ensure applicable compliance is met. Dated: 07 19 2019
37
Figment Magazine Rates & Specs Figment Magazine is a quarterly on line publication. ISSueS: Spring - Summer - Fall - Winter
Advertising Rates: Full Page $100.00 3/4 Page $75.00 1/2 Page $50.00 1/3 Page $33.00 1/4 Page $25.00 1/6 Page $15.00 1/8 Page $10.00
1/2 Page 3.625”x 10” V 7.5” x 5” H Full Page 7.5” x 10”
Specs: Acceptable ad formats are color ready files at 300 dpi as a press quality PDF, TIF, EPS or PSD file. When taking digital photos, it is always best to set your camera to a higher setting.
3/4 Page 7.5” x 7.5”
Send to rubyherron10@gmail.com 1/3 Page 2.375”x 10” V 7.5” x 3.25” H 4.875” x 4.875” Island
1/4 Page 3.625” x 4.875” V 7.5” x 2.375” H
1/6 Page 2.375” x 4.875” V 4.875” x 2.375” H
1/8 Page 2.375” x 3.625” V 3.625” x 2.375” H
For layout questions and design please contact the editor: Ruby Herron 713-249-8523 RubyHerron10@gmail.com Figment Magazine reserves the right to refuse any ad. 38 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com
Wow! Who does your hair?
39 Photo by Robin Turell
Gerries’s Place Cottage
Come to your best home away from home! Located on Figment Ranch
www.GerriesPlace.com info@GerriesPlace.com
40 Figment Magazine Summer 2019 Volume 1
www.FigmentRanch.com