F I G M ENT
Fall 2019 • Volume 2
Magazine
“Red Mama” By Alyssa Silva
Figment Ranch LLC • Figment Ranch Foundation 501(c)3 • Figment Ranch Farm Event Center • Figment Ranch Foundation Gift Shop • Figment Ranch Cottage
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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
Alyssa Silva
Page 14 Welcome to Figment Ranch Foundation a 501 (c)3
Red Mamma by Alyssa Silva
ADVERTISERS Brazos Valley Equine Hospital
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though the articles included is believed to be reputable and every effort has been
completeness. The options expressed in the magazine in interviews, letters to the editor and elsewhere are not necessarily those of Figment Magazine, its staff, readers or advertisers. Figment
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Magazine does not take any responsibility for these views. The mention of a product or service herein is solely for information to our readers and may not be used for any commercial product.
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Why Do Llamas Spit
is for information purposes only. Even
no guarantee is given as to its accuracy or
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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.
taken to collect it from reliable sources,
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Raising Angora Rabbits
Magazine
The material in the Figment Magazine
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FIGMENT
Figment Ranch LLC •Figment Ranch Foundation 501(c) (3) •Figment Ranch Farm Event Center •Figment Ranch Foundation Gift Shop •Figment Ranch Cottage
No material from this magazine may be republished, reproduced, copied,
Figment Ranch Foundation Gift Shop
uploaded, posted, transmitted or distributed in any way without the express written permission of the Figment Magazine. Modification of the materials or
Page 33 Page 11
Page 26
Gerries Place Cottage Page 39
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use of the materials for any other purpose 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
I want to thank all the people that sent me compliments about my first edition. I am humbled by so many kind words.
For the care of all our llamas and alpacas Figment Ranch recommends and uses....
I love creating the Figment Magazine where we can share our photos and stories. One of the greatest blessing about Figment Ranch is the people that come and visit us. To see the smiles on their faces when they are surrounded by Llamas and Alpacas. To be one on one with all the animals is such an adventure. The other blessing is to be able to rescue animals and give them a forever home. For years all we did was concentrate on showing Llamas but one day we realized there was more to llamas than a trophy or ribbon. We have such adoration for the Llama community and have such wonderful memories and we hope to make more. “I do this for me and share it with you.” Ruby Herron, Editor 713-249-8523 FigmentRanch.com RubyHerron10@gmail.com
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. 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
Raising Angora Rabbits for Wool Small Livestock That Produces Marketable Fiber By Chris McLaughlin Updated 01/28/18
The Angora rabbit is thought to have originated in Ankara, Turkey, although the facts remain unclear. What we know for sure is that Europe has raised angora rabbits for their fiber for centuries and the French are credited for making their wool popular around 1790 -- although North America wouldn’t see the luxury fiber until 1920.
Satin Angora
Angora Rabbit Breeds Giant Angora There are five Angora rabbit breeds that dominate in fiber production: English Angora
German Angora
French Angora
Other breeds such as the Jersey Wooly 6 Figment Magazine Fall 2019 Volume 2...........
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and the American Fuzzy Lop also produce wool.
commercial breeders that raise Angoras for meat, fiber, and showing, tripling their investment. Angora wool producers typically promote and market their fiber to the handspinning and knitting cottage industries and can expect to enjoy nice prices for their product. If you're interested in learning more about angora rabbits, check out The National Angora Rabbit Breeder’s Club. About Angora Rabbit Wool
Although hand-spinners are happy to spin with these fibers, these two breeds are much smaller in stature and produce substantially less wool. The wooled breeds are calm-natured and are known for their docile disposition. They make wonderful pets and are gentle with children. That said, daily care for this rabbit typically falls onto the adult as the grooming can be overwhelming. Great pets aside, Angoras are most sought-after for their plush coats as the softest fiber in the world used for garments. As an animal primarily used for wool production (or on the show table), angora rabbits are a no-kill livestock, which can be very appealing to a lot of would-be rabbit farmers. There are
Angora rabbit wool is high in demand and considered top drawer in the fiber production market. Angora fiber can be sold raw (right off the rabbit), spun, dyed or left as their natural color. It's a fiber so fine, that it's usually blended with other fibers such as sheep’s wool, mohair, silk, and cashmere. The texture of Angora wool alone is considered too fine to hold the dense stitches of knitting. Angora is said to be seven times warmer than sheep's wool and considered too warm for a garment. Blending angora fiber with others will add softness, warmth, and a ‘halo’ effect to a yarn and the resulting garment. Harvesting Angora Wool Wool is harvested from the rabbit by either plucking or shearing. Some breeds such as the English Angora, naturally molt (sometimes referred to as "blowing their coat") three to four times a year. But natural molting not only depends on the breed but also the line within that breed. 7
Breeders that have naturally molting rabbits can take advantage of this by steadily plucking the loosened fiber while they're in a molt. Otherwise, breeders can harvest the • wool with scissors or clippers. • For the record, harvesting rabbit wool should never cause the rabbit pain nor harm. • PETA released a horrendous video showing a rabbit being abused as the wool was removed from its body. This is not the norm • for most breeders and is unacceptable on every level. You can feel confident in purchasing Angora wool from reputable breeders.
practices that are important to their health as well as fiber production. Animal allergies in the family. Regular cage cleaning. Coat maintenance; depending on the breed can be extensive or minimal. Like any other animal, they require general daily care.
Benefits of Raising Angora Rabbits • They're a no-kill livestock (as wool-producers), which is a plus to many would-be rabbit farmers. • Acreage isn't necessary; perfect small live stock for urban and suburban homesteaders. • Inexpensive to feed. • Breeding is simple and reproduction is fast. • Harvesting the wool is relaxing and pleasurable. • Rabbits can also be entered in shows, become 4H projects, and make great pets -- making them a family venture. • Fiber can be sold for profit or kept on hand for hand-spinning for the breeder. Angora Raising Considerations: • Angora rabbits require special husbandry 8 Figment Magazine Fall 2019 Volume 2...........
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Figments’s rescued Bunny....”Floppy” Photo by Ruby Herron
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Why Do Llamas Spit Llamas do have a funny reputation for spitting, a trait they share with other South American camelids. Thankfully, most llamas are gentle, curious, and well-socialized creatures that rarely spit at humans, normally reserving their spit for members of their own species. Why Do Llamas Spit? Llamas spit as a show of dominance over other llamas. Spitting at a lower-ranked juvenile llama in the herd is also a form of hierarchical discipline. It is especially common when llamas are eating and want to keep others away from their food. A female llama can spit to show a male she's not interested in his mating advances, as well. A llama might also spit when threatened by a predator—a sufficiently vociferous spit attack is sometimes enough to scare off an assailant. Other methods of defense include kicking and charging. If raised correctly, llamas are unlikely to spit at humans unless they feel directly threatened. The llamas at Machu Picchu, for example, are generally very well behaved. When raised incorrectly, however, spitting at humans can become far more common. This is either because the llama has been mistreated and no longer trusts humans, or because it has been raised by humans and therefore sees them as part of the herd. If a llama sees you as just another llama, it might want to show you who’s boss. There are some llamas that you need to watch out for. These include llamas in zoos, llamas raised by humans without the company of other llamas, and llamas used as photo opportunities to extract money from tourists. For example, llamas with ribbons and bells in their hair might look cute, but they might not be too happy with the whole situation. Basically, if a llama is in a situation where it can get agitated, you may want to watch out for a spit attack. What Is Llama Spit? There are different levels of llama spit, ranging from a gentle and almost unnoticeable spray to a sticky concoction raised up from the depths of the most distant stomach comparment. 11
When mildly irked, a llama will spray a simple mist of saliva that packs no real punch. If it happens to be eating at the time, and quite possibly in defense of its food, the llama will spit out the contents of its mouth (sometimes known as grain spit). Things get a lot more disgusting when a llama feels seriously irritated or threatened. When this happens, the llama regurgitates a rancid green fluid from one of its three stomach compartments (the contents of the third compartment are the most potent). This regurgitated spit won’t do you any harm, but it might ruin your day—especially if you’re a long way from the nearest shower or change of clothing. A llama can spit over a distance of about 10 to 15 feet. Even at that range, a llama can spit with surprising accuracy, so don’t drop your guard too quickly or underestimate the llama's aim. How to Avoid the Spit There are a few signs to watch out for if you think a llama may spit at you. Before unleashing this green and stinky stomach spit, the llama first pulls its ears back flat against its head, stares at you, then raises its chin and begins to gurgle. Immediately after that, it’s time to duck. If you notice these signs, the wisest course of action is to avoid eye contact and act non-threatening.
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Thanks To Justified Appliance For Their Donation To The Figment Ranch Foundation
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“Red Mama”
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One of the benefits of doing ranch
tours here at Figment Ranch is that we meet the most interesting and wonderful people. In June we did a tour with the most fascinating young lady, Alyssa Silva, who was captivated by Llamas and Alpacas.
We had a fun filled tour and somewhere in the conversation we discovered she loved to paint.
My name is Alyssa Silva and I am currently a senior attending University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in Belton TX, and working toward a B.A. in Film Studies. I started painting during my sophomore year of college when my friend invited me to her apartment to "paint and detox".
Alyssa thought that one of the most interesting and photogenic animals on the tour was one of our Alpacas’ called “Red Mama”. Alyssa said she wanted to paint Red Mamas’ picture and she would send us a copy when it was finished. We really didn’t expect a follow through but much to our surprise we were sent a copy of this gorgeous painting. I wanted to feature this young lady’s story and what better way to do this than in her own words: 15
During my college years I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and finding a way to calm my nerves and as my friend would say "detox" was very important at the time.
I learned so much about Disney and customer service there. My favorite part was anytime I wasn't working I could get into the parks for free as much as I wanted to. It was a really enriching experience and I recommend it to all college students considering it!
That day I painted a simple canvas that said "ohana" with Hawaiian flowers around it. Ohana is an idea in Hawaiian culture. The word Ohana means family in the Hawaiian language, but in a much wider sense, to include not only one's closer relatives, but also one's cousins, in-laws, friends, race, and other neighbors. What I learned from that experience was that painting helped me plant my feet on the ground and I was pretty good at it!
My junior year of college I applied for the "Disney College Program". After a long application process, I was notified while I was co-directing a play that I was accepted. I After attending Figment Ranch, I fell in moved in Feb. 4th of 2019 and stayed until the middle of May and worked as a custodial cast love with all the animals and particularly this Alpaca named "Red Mama" and her precious smile. member at Walt Disney World in Florida.
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I was inspired after the fact to paint a I hope to share my expression and art canvas resembling "Red Mama" and got a lot to the world as I enter the next chapter of my of positive feedback. life by graduating college. I am planning to start a mini painting My family and friends have been very business where I will custom paint denim supportive every step of the way and I can't jackets, denim pants, phone cases, water bot- wait to see what my future will hold! tles, and of course canvases. “If you can dream it, you can do it� Walt Disney
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Figment
RanchParties Photo by Ruby Herron
Proceeds go to the Figment Ranch Foundation 501(c)(3)
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ZSA ZSA
Party Parrots
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Figment Ranch Foundation Event Center was honored to have Miss Scarlett and her Party Parrots help celebrate a birthday at the event center. The children got to pet and be one-on-one with the most renowned parrot in the world. The 33-year-old Zsa Zsa, a Moluccan Cockatoo, was originally owned by Miss Scarlett’s mother, Alice Schmotzer, who operated The Scarlett Macaw, a retail store in 1981. In addition to the Party Parrots, the family has run a wholesale business since 1977 and the Scarlet Oaks Aviaries, which is still in business, started in 1984, does selective breeding of tropical birds.
for Avian Protection with the goal of rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-housing unwanted or abused birds. A lot of Miss Scarlett’s birds come from older people who reach a point where they can’t take care of their birds any longer. Having a bird is a lifetime In 2003, Miss Scarlett commitment, sometimes opened the nonprofit Citizens even longer. With some large breeds living 40-60 years, a lot of aspects must be considered before owning a bird. One thing that is very important to have is a plan in place for the care of your bird if something happened to you. One must also consider if a bird will fit in your family. A parrot is a wonderful companion, but it needs a lot of 22 Figment Magazine Fall 2019 Volume 2...........
attention and proper housing. Some of the Party Parrots’ efforts go toward helping various organizations raise donations at charitable events. According to Miss Scarlett, “Over the years we have helped a lot of mainstream charities, such as Houston Children’s Charity, Shriners, Toys for Tots, CAPS – Citizens for Animal Protection – which is one of our favorites, and many more.” Zsa Zsa has lived her life as an entertainer. As the star of a troupe of trained exotic birds in Houston called Zsa Zsa's Party Parrots, the Moluccan cockatoo has www.FigmentRanch.com
dressed up in any one of her numerous outfits to entertain at parties, receptions, galas and other events for 31 years. Even though Zsa Zsa likes to dress up, she and her fellow feathered friends will often attend events au natural. Party Parrots consists of approximately eight species of parrots, seven species of cockatoos and ten species of macaws.
bird “Sadie”, a Double YellowHeaded Parrot. Sadie died from cancer at about 35 years old. Over the years we have remained very close friends and with Miss Scarlett’s help I have rescued several birds which now include two Goffin Cockatoos, one Double Yellow-Head, one Moluccan Cockatoo, and 10 Parakeets.
www.partyparrots.com 713-783-2473 smacaw@partyparrots.com zsazsapartyparrots.com zsazsapartyparrots@gmail.com
By the way, I took one of my favorite photos of one of Miss Scarlett’s Macaws, Kilo (aka Tequila Sunrise). This was back in the day of my photography phase. My Multiple I met Miss Scarlett and Sclerosis put an end to that! her Mother over 40 years ago when I purchased my first
Ruby
Miss Scarlett
Alice Schmotzer 23
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Ki l o Photo by Ruby Herron
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As Wings Take Flight <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/abstract">Abstract vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com</a>
The warmth, genuineness and hospitality a visitor will find at Figment Ranch is truly heartfelt. Visitors will long remember pulling into the driveway to be greeted not by one but by a whole a procession of friendly turkeys, llamas, tortoises, dogs, cats, mountain climbing goats and other special creatures as the gate closes behind them. The feeling is surprise, excitement, extreme curiosity – and a sense of purpose that each visit brings income to support the Figment Ranch Foundation, a qualified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed to care for these incredible beings. The Figment Ranch grounds are also open to other visitors who arrive air born from the skies at a time when their presence is most appreciated. One such visit came on a quiet, cloudless morning at dawn when Figment Ranch Owner, Robin Turrell, started her early routine of feeding the duckies and chickens. Just as the rooster began to serenade her with his shrill crowing, Robin was startled by an unusual noise. There in front of her was a huge avian creature beating his wings trying to escape the area he had wandered in exploring for food the night before. To her surprise, the avian creature was a beautiful brown owl with glowing, soft amber eyes looking straight at her. In that moment in time, Robin was captured not only by the owl’s beauty -- but also by his strength as the owl’s eyes met her own looking vibrantly into the windows of her soul. Time was suspended and the imaginary feeling was magically uplifting for Robin as the powerful owl (being nocturnal in nature) took flight in search of another safe harbor to await the next moonlit night. My paternal Great Aunt Mary and Uncle Jimmy fascinated me with their stories for thousands of hours in my earliest years. They had jointly held successful careers working for the US 26 Figment Magazine Fall 2019 Volume 2...........
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State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs providing their services for over forty years in South and Central America. Although the US Embassies were elegant and filled with diplomatic treasures, the homes occupied by Consular Corps staff were very modest. Assignments were two to four years in length so only minimal belongings were moved from post to post. While this nomadic lifestyle might have been troublesome for many couples, my Aunt and Uncle considered it an adventure. In particular, it was an opportunity to meet and learn from the local countrymen as well as to pursue their passion of birds. My Aunt Mary painted watercolor post cards of jungle birds (Quetzals) in vivid amethysts, ambers, maroons and emerald greens. She mailed them monthly to me using special sepia stamps from all of the towns they visited and the cities they lived in. These postcards became my own “diplomatic treasures” to hold and dream that one day I would travel to South America. My Aunt promised if I closed my eyes on a moonless night, I could hear the echo of the jungle birds as they watched over my family. Surely, this was true. web_resplendent-quetzal_adobestock_134579615
My Uncle Jimmy was the builder -- every yard of each home they lived in was deserving of an Aviary. The Aviaries were not to hold captured birds who longed to be free, but to use the best method to bring healing to injured birds. It was in the Aviaries that they learned local healing methods (cures, potions, oils, flowers, mixtures, musical sounds, nutrition – some magical, some only mythical) from local countrymen to aid the birds. The places my Aunt and Uncle lived in South and Central America had limited veterinary care – especially relating to avian care. Some birds had been shot, some had broken wings, some were poisoned through ingestion and some left the nest too early. My Aunt and Uncle collected hundreds of bird books (many written in Spanish) for their portable library. They studied the bird anatomy pictures in the old bird books and they studied the environment to understand where the birds lived before their injuries (and hopefully, where they would safely return). Pictures were learning tools to help track progress and for 27
learning. Film developing was not easy using their ancient camera and finding local venders to develop the film was almost impossible. Often, the film had to be sent off and the pictures never came back. This was a challenge, but it was also an opportunity to sketch the birds and bring them to life in charcoal drawings. Their old books and charcoal drawings were donated to a small school in Chile (their last Post) before they returned for retirement in El Paso, Texas. Their success in healing injured birds and releasing the birds back to the wild brought my Aunt and Uncle genuine acceptance in the communities they worked in. This cycle of moving to a new Post, building an Aviary and teaching local nationals (particularly children) to help heal injured birds caught the attention of the US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Funding from the local US Consulates was provided to the Aviaries to continue the work of my Aunt and Uncle long after they left their Posts. This not only helped the birds but also the local communities by inspiring volunteers (especially children) to do whatever was possible to save the birds – and once healed, to release them back to their natural environment. In studying the birds of South and Central America, my Aunt and Uncle also embraced the folklore relating to the birds. Truly my Aunt’s favorite bird was the big, brown Owl with the glowing, soft amber eyes. She appreciated not only the Owl’s beauty but the legends behind the Owl. According to the legends, the Owl always represented both strength and wisdom. It was glorious when the owl fully expanded its wings to take flight but even more enchanting when the Owl made eye contact -- as if for a moment in time using its powerful gaze to instill strength, courage and wisdom in those who needed it most.
By Manuel Tapia Portus, uploaded by ADGEPedro Subercaseaux, uploaded by ADGEJohann Moritz Rugendas, uploaded by Carlos yoJulio Vila y Prades, uploaded by Rec79Uploaded by Melromero - File:Combate de El Roble.jpgFile:Carga de O'Higgins.jpgFile:BatallaDeMaipu.jpgFile:Cruce de los Andes. jpgFile:FirstJuntaChile.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50303023
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The Owl legends were very diverse from town to town. Some local countrymen believed that tying a brown Owl feather above the door of their home would protect their family from evil, death and starvation. Other villagers believed that you should never look straight into the Owl’s eyes or his gaze would steal your soul leaving you lifeless in the wooded forest. These legends were hand penned with blue ink on the backs of my Aunt’s watercolor www.FigmentRanch.com
postcards while the fronts of the postcards were decorated with her artistic interpretation of the Owls. Once a month, like clockwork, these fanciful postcards would arrive – somehow always making me more mindful of the birds that lived in my own backyard and how I should learn to care for the birds. One of the most poignant legends of the Owl goes back in time to the icy winter of 1810 following the start of the Chilean War of Independence. A young journalist was following the War capturing its details for the newspapers. He was not a soldier, but he was still in harm’s way because his writings were highly controversial, and the newspapers were dangerously well read by all. One dark moonless night, he heard an unusual whispering noise of an Owl. He had never heard an Owl call before, but he sensed the sound was a warning. He quickly packed up his journals and he fled the village to avoid being captured. He perceived danger to be around him, but he could not see clearly in the darkness. He was alone and for the first time in his life, he was truly scared. It was in his darkest moment that a huge brown Owl with soft glowing, amber eyes appeared before him. He felt hypnotized when he looked into the Owl’s eyes, but he was no longer afraid. The Owl had appeared to help him at a time he needed it most. The young journalist slowly followed the Owl’s gentle whisper to safety. Inspired by this adventure, he continued his writings and he chronicled the War until its ending eight years later when the Declaration of Independence of Chile was formally signed. During that eight-year period, the legends say that the Owl with its magical whisper and gaze appeared to the young journalist many times. The Owl’s presence brought him wisdom, strength and inspiration to focus on what he loved most -- and not to worry about the uncertainty of what was happening around him. When the beautiful Owl with the soft glowing amber eyes appeared at Figment Ranch this past summer, it looked straight into Robin’s eyes before it lifted its mighty wings and it took flight. We believe this Owl’s visit was meant to bring wisdom, strength and inspiration not only to Figment Ranch but to each person reading this story. The Owl reminds us to follow the legend and to focus on what YOU love most – and in that moment of time when you think about the beautiful brown Owl with the soft glowing amber eyes, to not to worry about the uncertainty of what may be happening around you. Let your own wings take flight! Cynthia Masters Rancho do Santo Domingo 29
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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. 7:30amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;6pm Sat. 7:30amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5pm Sun. Closed
D&D Feed & Supply 16915 FM 2920 Tomball, Texas 77377 (281) 351-7144 www.ddfeed.com ddfeed@att.com 31
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
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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.
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Photo by Ruby Herron
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FIGMENT RANCH FOUNDATION GUIDELINES FOR DONATING ALPACA AND LLAMA FIBER The Figment Ranch Foundation (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Figmentâ&#x20AC;?), 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!
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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
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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 Fall 2019 Volume 2...........
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