News
Living with llamas is exciting and interesting. You just never know what the llamas will be up to next or where they might be spotted. Let us know what you are doing....
Como Se Llama?
Our Newsletter (PDF)
Top Stories
- Southern California Rancher Needs
Help
September, 2011
Bruce Schumacher, a 66-year-old psychiatric technician at Patton State Hospital, who was on the verge of retiring, lost almost everything in a wildfire near the Cajon Pass. Little Man, Bruce's guard llama, saved the entire flock of 30 sheep, but later died from injuries sustained protecting his flock.
<<read more>> - Camelid Community Loses A Leader
August 15, 2011
Bob Frost, a steadfast defender of the camelid community, died on August 15th. Dr. Murray Fowler, a long time friend, describes the impact Bob had on the llamas he raised, UCD veterinary students, and the entire community through his years of work with the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA). <<read more>> - Western Show Alliance
July 26, 2011
How many shows are too many? This is a question many llama show organizers have been asking. And the answer may surprise you. LAMA (the Llamas and More Association) has taken the first step in forming a show co-op that would like to see fewer shows resulting in more ALSA and ILR points. What do you think? Download your copy of the proposal and some questions and answers between Marilyn Milton and Barney McClung. The CAL-ILA Board has started discussing how we should participate and we need your opinion. <<read more>>
- Your Camelids at the Show This Summer
May 23, 2011
Is it safe to take your llamas and alpacas to shows this summer? We asked veterinarians Murray Fowler, DVM and Julie Dechant, DVM their opinion. They both agree, that by following some common sense based methods you and your camelids can enjoy a fun and healthy show season without risking the health of your home herd. CAL-ILA has issued a news bulletin with more information. <<read more>>
- EHV-1 Infection Risk in
Alpacas and Llamas
May 17, 2011 CSU
A serious outbreak of neurologic disease in horses caused by Equine Herpesvirus-1 EHV-1 infections has recently reported in the Western US and Canada. While Llamas and Alpacas are susceptible to this disease, the likelihood of contracting from horses, or even from other camelids is very low. Read more about what you can do to prevent your herd from becoming infected with this or other diseases. <read more>
- CAL-ILA Donates $500 to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine
Teaching Hospital
Davis, CA
CAL-ILA recently provided UC Davis and Dr Julie Dechant, DVM, with funds to help cover the costs of treating llamas rescued from the Montana Large Animal Sanctuary. This donation will help ensure that Dr. Dechant has the resources to enable her to continue to offer innovative training opportunities for the vet students at UCD.
Read more here...
- Montana Large Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Closes
Hot Springs, MT
The llama community felt another blow with the Montana Large Animal Sanctuary closing. For 15 years the owners provided a home to unwanted animals. Goats, horses, bison, camels and llamas all called the sanctuary home. Now about 800 llamas need to be rescued again.
Last Update Feb 5, 2011
See photos of 21 rescued llamas arriving at UC Davis for medical and maintenance treatment.
Read more here...
- Greg Sykes
Marysville, CA
Past CAL-ILA President Greg Sykes recently underwent 4-way bypass surgery and has been recuperating at home (driving EstherSue crazy!) His doctor just allowed him to start driving again and is letting him go back to work on light duty. Please join the CAL-ILA Board in wishing Greg (and EstherSue) a speedy recovery. I'm sure he would appreciate your calls, cards and well wishes.
- Virginia Christensen
Gardnerville, NV
The llama community lost a bright star Friday November 5th, 2010. While at home with her husband Dick and neighbors, Virginia suffered a massive heart attack that took her life.
Read more...
- RSS Feeds
CAL-ILA
We finally set up an RSS feed to make it easier for you to stay abreast of updates made to the website. This subscription service will notify you when changes are made so you don't waste your time trying to figure out if something has been updated. More importantly, you will not miss important dates, events and announcements.
Click here for more information on subscribing to this free service today!
- Cyndy Rodriguez
Hughson, CA
Cyndy passed away at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson on Saturday, March 27th. In 1999 she was awarded Premier Exhibitor at the California State Fair for her ongoing support of CAL-ILA.
Read more...
- Annual Meeting
Vacaville, CAOnce a year members come together to vote for Directors and Officers of the organization, get the latest news about the llama community, learn from the llama experts and industry speakers, and to have a chance to get together with friends.
This year's event was well attended and we had great speakers and lively discussion.
Click here for the full story...
- New Years Day
Starting the Year off Right
New Year HikeMargaret Drew sent this picture of husband Ralph taking a leisurely hike New Years Morning.
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Christmas Llamas
Parades and Pageants
Llamas and their owners are never satisfied with staying home for the holidays, they like getting out and strutting their stuff. We know of llamas participating in parades this year, dressing the nativity scene with just the "right type" of camelid, and sprucing up the neighborhood decoration.Cal-ILA members Dennie Hansen and Joy Pedroni bring llamas to Candy Cane Lane in Vacaville for the annual Holiday Lights Display. This is the home of Ken and Megan Adams. Ken is the son of Cal-ILA members Rick & Mary Adams. Ken and Megan have invited llamas to the display for the last four years. The llamas are a big hit with everyone on Candy Cane Lane. There was even a retirement home bus that came through and we took a llama right into the bus so all the folks who couldn't get out of the bus to see the llamas up close didn't miss out. 
Christmas Llamas
- YOUR Event
We Need More
Let us know what you are doing, and we will post it here. Pictures are encouraged! 