Dunsley Alpacas and Elsie the Dog

That Grey thing is barking at us again

2012-02-13T02:19:00.000-08:00

Right, who's gonna tell it off...Stop making that noise!!

Let's see what it has to eat Eddie

Can't see anything worth nibbling here

Come and see what you think Sid?

No, don't worry I will soon sort her out

Shall I try and lick her?

Let's all stand together just incase she tries to round us up. Get back to chewing grass she is going now.

My Friend Ollie

2012-02-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hello peoples, I am really excited and my friend Oliver is coming to play with his Mom Lisa. He is a Chuapug Mom was a Pug and Dad a Chihuahua, I just love his curly tail

We are so happy to see one another we can't keep still, I know it looks as though we are fighting but we are not. We chased ourselves silly

Ollie is trying to lick my ears. Our Mom's are cooking Cup cakes whilst we play and the keep telling us to calm down. We both slept well as we were exhausted

Waiting for the ice to melt

2012-02-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

Wait about Boy's I'll just sit here and wait for this to thaw. I know somone has been out with a steaming hot kettle to top up our water but this is more important with me sitting down watching the ice melt

It's sooooo cold a Chihuahua shouldn't have to take this

2012-02-02T03:05:00.000-08:00

Can I come in please its so cold I know I am trying to get up your jumper but I am going to freeze to death

Just hold me for a bit I wont move promise.. I know the staff are laughing at me but I need a cuddle in a jumper.

That's better.. sleep now.

No, I have been evicted as they saying get out

Look into these eyes can you resist me. Oh okay then Ill get back in bed

Monday Morning

2012-01-30T01:28:00.000-08:00

Stand back Lads that little grey thing they call Elsie is on the run and all we want is our carrots

Look at this thing pointing at us

That's boring Gary is it edible?

Ill see for myself, Bertie I will go first and then you can join in later to see if it is something we can add to the menu

There is nothing here to eat step back and wait for the Chef's peelings. We need more Hay though so how about throwing a bale, and keeping that little grey noisy thing called Elsie the otherside of the door.

It's me or the Dyson

2012-01-29T03:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning lie in ruined. That awful noisy thing has come out and I'll show it who's Boss round here

What's she doing, Oh no its the Dyson Ill just sit on the stairs and watch...

Don't you plug it in

I'm shouting at it. She's coming to plug it in quick one last bark

Watch this.. I'll have the last bark before I run up the stairs when the plug goes in. It will know how brave I am and I can make a louder noise than that.

Sunday Morning Lie in.

2012-01-29T03:27:00.000-08:00

This is great. Since Simon put in the new boiler I dont want to go out

Just chillin. I'll get up in a minute, Dad thinks I am not very well but, all I want to do is warm my back on this big radiator. I have gone out to talk to the birds and tell them they cannot come on my lawn and now its relaxation time.

Why has the heating gone off

2012-01-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

Put the fire on I am frozen, have you ever seen a Chihuahua shake???

What's the matter with the central heating? What! the boilers blown up what am I going to warm myself on?

Put the fire on full blast. That's great I can warm my belly...

Hang on my toys need a warm too

I'll try this position now

No, this position is the best all the warmth on my back..Bliss

Elsie on Christmas day

2011-12-26T04:57:00.000-08:00

Huggs and kisses

Hello little girl, what have you had for Christmas?

That was a nice kiss on my cheek. Can you make sure you save me some Turkey.

Christmas Sprouts

2011-12-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

Hello peoples. Its Christmas Day and Santa has forgot about us. Chef hasn't thrown out the cuttings yet. Can I come in and see whats going on?

Stay on guard Sid its under control. Gary, make sure there are no sprout cuttings

Oh no there's something green in the bucket

Lets all turn our backs and perhaps chef will get the hint that we dont like sucking sprouts

Merry Christmas Everyone

2011-12-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

Elsie is on guard to meet all the guests

The rest of the team on Christmas day.

What's that Music and what are they doing Sid?

2011-12-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

What's going on Gary?

Dunno Sid come closer

What's that green thing they are putting up in the corner?

Looks like a tree Sid but not very appetising, and now they are putting lights on it and singing silly songs

Hellooo were here....

I will have a chew of this Sid and report back tell Eddie to keep back

Keep back Eddie that strange four legged thing is running about in a daft jacket I know you don't like it.

Shall we see what Chef has on offer?

Hang on just another little chew of this and then we can find some carrots.

Santa's little helper

2011-12-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

When are the decorations going up?

What do you think of my coat Auntie Max?

Well I am ready lets get started

I will just pose for you to take a photo of my Santa in Training coat

I wonder if there are any doggy treats in here? What's this and where does this go?

The Culprit

2011-12-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

Eddie's to blame, he has taught himself to push the chain up with his nose and pull the gate open, and all the time I have been blaming the team for leaving the gates open. Sorry everyone but we have a Houdini in our family

Poor Sid was shouting at him and Bertie was running around trying to get out as well. Looks like putting padlocks on the gate now. We have fenced it off so as they have 8 acres to run around but the parties and music seems to bring them down to the Hall to see what's going on.

Who let the Boy's out

2011-12-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

Some poor motorist came running into the Hall whilst the Christmas party was in full swing shouting there were some strange animals walking out of the car park. The Boy's had escaped. He must have thought he was seeing sheep with long necks. Ryan had to become a shepherd for the evening and go and round them up.

See no evil hear no evil and speak no evil

Bert Eddie and Gary

I wonder whats the other side of that gate?

Fireworks and the Riding School

2011-11-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

I was all of a panic yesterday thinking the Boy's had escaped their new field, but Tracey phoned me to tell me that they had been put in the riding school because of the fireworks.

Sid's first as the leader of the pack to see if I had carrots on me.

What's our there????

Oh yes green green grass

follow me!

Let's run.....

Thank you for letting us out

Follow the human she has got carrots in her bag

The boys have the run of the fields

2011-11-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

We have fenced off all of the fields now, so the Boy's can come and go as they please. They come down in the morning for their breakfast and the left over vegetable peelings and their carrots, and then run around the fields and eat the rest of the grass we hope. Trouble is we have spoilt them as they think carrots taste better than grass,

Happy birthday to Elsie

2011-10-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Its my birthday today 27th October and I am one year old. I have had a new pink coat and lots of squeaky toys of my friends

Auntie Max keeps kissing me

I thought I would pose with her in my coat. Its waterproof and has a hood but my ears get flattened when I wear it, so I don't like my hood up but love my coat when I am on walks.

Elise is trying to help again

2011-10-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

Its Elsie's turn to play up now. I am trying to update the weekly goings on at the Hall and she wants to play

Look I am getting bored with all this paperwork on a Monday

Can I go chase the Alpaca's please....

SId's the main man...

2011-10-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

The Guard men of Dunsley Hall. Sid is always watching after the others

from the left Berty Eddie and Gary

Sid has just told Eddie off

I want to come out please

Next thing we knew Eddie was trying to squeeze out the side of the gate just image the Kinver folk seeing an black Alpaca running down the Dunsley Road. Poor Berty screamed when he saw Eddie the wrong side of the gate.

2011-10-18T05:05:00.000-07:00

The Vet said I should be kept warm and look at what they have put me in. A dress with Cherries on....I have also been brought a pink parker for those colder mornings. Wait until my Dad see's it, he won't want to take me for walks. Even the Alpaca's have looked at me and laughed. Just thought I would bob my tongue out at the camera its pink and matches the dress.

Whats next a tutu?????

Thank goodness thats off. Who's driving me or you?

It's Elsie's turn now.

2011-10-18T04:58:00.000-07:00

We had Elsie spayed last week poor little thing. We were told to keep her warm and quiet but as soon as the anaesthetic wore off she was back to her normal self.

Back to being Sid.

2011-10-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

Just to report I am well again. A good injection in the rear and a large vet bill made me better. The owners need an injection of cash now and not from a syringe. It's only because they love me so much. I am looking after the other Boy's as well now on guard at all times from Little Elsie.

Poor Sid

2011-09-25T02:17:00.000-07:00

Our oldest Alpaca Sid was not very well yesterday, and for him not to be on guard or, protecting the pack is very unusual so we knew he was ill. His original owner Phil came and we sat with him until Claire the vet arrived. She gave him an antibiotic and antiflamitory injection, and we all tried to get him back on his feet. Eventually he did and we walked him up to the patio where, we lay straw down for him to lie on. It seems to have worked. He still does not look very well but with a little love and patience I am sure he will be back to his old self. Chef took him some carrots and parsnips out to them today which Sid eat. Wayne (Head Chef) loves them to bits and when he is standing in the prep room they all watch him through the window. Sid is the first one with his face at the glass so Wayne also knew he wasn't very well. They have so many followers and its nice to know they are so loved.

A day with Lewis

2011-09-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Elsie adores our Grandson Lewis. She ran after him everywhere yesterday. I tried to keep Lewis awake so as he would go to bed early but, as you know nothing goes to plan after eating his dinner he fell back into the cushions and went fast to sleep and so did Elsie

Elsie was eager to see Lewis but she posed for a moment for a photo.

Where's me mate going and what's he doing????

2011-09-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Bertie and Sid following poor Eddie with the Vet

Best of Mates Eddie and Bertie before their haircut

2011-09-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

Poor Little Eddie was not well so we had to call out the Vets

He had hurt his foot the others hated leaving him, you can see Sid in the picture watching over him and to see what they were doing. Bertie was distraught and kept crying as Eddie and Bert are inseparable.

Almost done but the Vets needed to get him to lie down

Done it and non the worse for ware

Elsie the Nurse

2011-07-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

Elsie decided to play nurse to me last week. I fell down and badly sprained my ankle. She sat with me all day in bed and just kept looking at me to see if I was okay.

She contantly licked my bad foot is was as though she knew somthing was wrong. By the evening my foot was black with a bruise and kissed to death by Elsie

An introduction to the boys

2011-07-08T03:55:00.000-07:00

The dark brown one is Edward (Eddy for short) he was very poorly when first born and soon got used to going to the vets sitting on your lap in the car so does not mind a cuddle or two. Bert (real name Herbert) was born the same time as Eddie and they are like two peas in a pod. He is never more that 2 feet away from Eddie. He has a quiet personality and such a beautiful nature. Good job really as Eddie is the boss and bullies him sometimes by pushing his head out of the way with his front leg when he tries to eat his carrots. We have noticed though Bert seems to be standing his ground lately.

The one at the front is Sid (Soldier is his real name) he is the wise one and looks after the family. He looks at you with such wise eyes.
Gary (Gustard) is lovely he will eat out of your hands and kiss you. He will also let you walk him on a lead but since having Eddie he is the one that is always there first so poor Gary stands back and lets him have all the fuss now. We still have our me time occassionally though when no one is looking.

The Boys having their fleece cut.

2011-07-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

Gary having his fleece cut I know it looks cruel but it stops them hurting themselves whilst being cut.

Poor Soul he looks so thin now his fleece is off we are used to seeing them with their winter coat

Hay after as a treat They all stood together staring at each other it was funny

"Oh my goodness Bert" said Eddie "you look so different....".

The Boys have had their fleece cut. It was awful not seeing them as woolly balls on legs anymore and they felt so sorry for themselves. I am sure you would agree bless them. They had loads of carrot tops to make them happier

Sorry I opened the cotton buds

2011-07-08T02:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry but the box was sitting on the stairs so I thought I would help myself. What do you do with these????

Look I will help you pick them up dont shout.

This is Elsie when we shout Work she jumps in the car ready for a day at Dunsley

Lewis and My Work Bag

2011-02-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

What's Lewis doing in my bag

Please come out this is my work bag

I will keep jumping up until you get out

Out out

I am so happy now that I have my bag back. I know its ripped and the straps are hanging off but I love to go to work in it and lie with my teddy in the bag

2011-01-13T09:34:00.001-08:00

Elsie today

2011-01-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

I love my pink bag and cannot understand why my new Dad refuses to carry me in it. They often find me asleep in here and I really like travelling in the car in my bag

Welcome to my pink bag

Should I stay in or get out

No I will get back in and snuggle down

2011-01-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

This is Elsie she is 11 weeks old now. Into everything and, it is so funny when she runs around the house with the dummy. You can never catch her when its in her mouth and what makes it more amusing it's bigger than her head.

Look I have found the Grandson Lewis's dummy. I love dummys

No you can't have it I want it he should have taken it home with him

Do I suck or do I chew.

This is Elsie

2011-01-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Eveyone this is Elsie. She is the new addition to the family

She loves to sit on the desk

What a Christmas suprise. She is wary of the Alpaca's and they are curious at what this little thing is so we will be keeping them apart for a while.

Happy New Year Everyone

2011-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

We are glad the snow has gone (Gary)

Edward he is the cheeky one he puts his leg over the neck of the others to stop them eating his food

This is Herbert. He is the shy one with such a gentle nature

Sid the Main Man he is the guardian of them all and is always on watch

Edward and Herbert are always together

2010-12-23T03:27:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND THANK TO FOR WATCHING US ON THE WEBSITE SPEAK TO YOU IN THE NEW YEAR

SID,GARY,EDWARD AND HERBERT XXXX

2010-12-23T03:16:00.000-08:00

No more sprouts they are playing havoc with my digestion. I have tried sucking the frozen ones but I prefer carrots

what time did you say Jesus is coming?

Can I come in please I promise not to upset the guests

2010-12-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

This is Edward he is so cute. Here he is a few weeks old. He has settled in very well with the others and because he was not well when born is used to Human Contact even going in the car to the vets. He has a habit of putting his foot in the food box to knock it over so as the other don't touch it.

The Boys are back

2010-12-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

Look at their little faces coming home with two new additions. Eddie and Herbert with his back to us

Eddie and Herbert are friends and it was decided not to part them as it might frighten Eddie too much as he has only just been seperated from him Mom. Unfortunatley Herbert will have to go back after Christmas

He is used to Human contact as he was poorly when he was born so he is happy to go in cars and sit on your lap

Herbert is a little shyer

This is Eddie when he was 8 weeks old

2010-12-02T02:51:00.000-08:00

Sid's looking at the popcorn thinking what the Hell's this?

Herculese is going for it he's hungry

Where's me carrots

I think I will wait. Popcorns nice but carrots and sugarbeet is better

Where's the Veg Man

2010-12-02T02:44:00.000-08:00

The snow isn't helping Herculese was at the door this morning waiting for his breakfast. But., the Veg man is running late.

Eyes at the window

2010-11-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

It's really funny the reaction we get from people as when dusk breaks, and guests go to the toilets they look through the patio doors there are three sets of eyes looking in. The one who stares in the most is Sid, he is so curious at what's going on. They have also started to stare into the Bar windows so, as guests sit at the bar they are suprised to see their little faces looking at them. We have put up temporary plastic fence to protect the trees but the little devils have bit through it to get at the plants. I would really love to catch them on picture as they roll over on the patio legs up in the air like dying flies they really enjoy rubbing their backs on the slabs.

2010-11-26T05:01:00.000-08:00

Whats Mark doing?

Ooohh what's down there?

I can see the windows to the Hall

What's that?

Hello is there anyone there?

They are on the move

2010-11-26T04:35:00.000-08:00

I know I have a thick coat but they were all worried we would be cold in the top field and wanted to bring us down to the Hall so as we can see what's going on. As I am the eldest I thought I would voice my comments at not having my carrot box where I want it.

Sid.

2010-11-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

Sid is getting braver and one day I am sure he will come down the steps to the walled garden. He is the oldest of the bunch and the wise one. He looks at you with such knowing eyes and if you ignore him he nips you to show you he is there.

2010-11-16T00:53:00.000-08:00

Within 5 minutes of getting to the gates they all fell out. I could not get the carrots out quick enough. so the spats began. They do spit at one another (They have never spat at me or anyone else) but after they have done it you can see the look of regret on their little faces. The bottome lip drops (like Herculese's did above after he spat at Gary) then Sid goes under the tree and sulks but Gary thinks to himself "well, whilst they are sulking I will just put my head in the carrot box"

Hear no evil, speak no evil and see no evil.

2010-11-16T00:43:00.000-08:00

As I walk up to the gates I always shout "Hello Boys" then they come runnig to the gate. Its comical really they all look like Bambi's on ice, all with legs that they find hard to control, especially Gary who is only 12months old. He is the one on the left.

2010-10-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have had enough now can we go please can we, can we

Hurray lets run my mates are waiting for me

2010-10-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

Wilf walked Gary down from the top field. We all ran out to see him. Eventually we want to bring them down for all to see but have decided not to do it until after Bonfire night.

He is so sweet and humms away to himself. He loves to get back to Herculese and Sid even though they often argue and the others are always waiting for him

No I dont want to go through the walled garden gate

2010-10-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Wilf tried to walk Gary through the walled garden and up to the top field but, he Hummmed and pulled back so we thought it best to walk him all the way round. He is doing so well and we are all proud of him. He is the only one who will let you tickle his nose

Just what I have been waiting for....

2010-10-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

The boys get fed alpaca nuts they contain all the vitamins they need we have to have three seperate boxes for them to feed from as they argue with one another

Where's dinner I have been waiting for you???

2010-10-02T08:00:00.001-07:00

Have you smiled today x

2010-09-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sid and Gary

Can I have a kiss

2010-09-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Whats that you have there

Can I kiss it????

Gary is so inquisitive. He wanted to look at the camera close up, probably to see if it was edible. If you sit with him he will come and give you a warm kiss its lovely when he breaths heavily into you hair.

Carrot time

2010-09-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hello what have you got in your box then

Oooh carrots

I will have mine on the floor please

I want mine in the bucket

Can you feed me please

Anymore left as I have eaten mine

Its lovely when you get to know their personalities. Herculese will only eat his carrots on the floor. Sid likes his from the bucket and Gary likes you to feed them his as they fall out of his mouth. Still too young to chew some of the larger pieces. Their fleece is coming on nicely now and thickening out which is good as the weather is dropping cooler now.

The dreaded little person

2010-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

Lewis decided to see the Alpaca's today and give them a carrot. They realise if they stay behind the fence they are safer as this little person keeps running at them and frightening them to death. He fed them with his Daddy but in the end Gary decided a carrot was worth more than the fear of Lewis

Gary is doing so well

2010-08-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

I had to give Gary an extra carrot after his halter training. He's really getting used to it now and is quietly walking behind Wilf. It looks as though Sid is winking at the camera. They are so inquisitive and love to know what's going on as it's usually me that's taking the photo so it was strange for them to see Wilf behind the lens. I thought that they would be after the plums that are in abundance at the moment but, they only like the leaves. I tried them with figs but it's a no go on those, they shuddered after sniffing them so it looks as though Chef will have to create a menu with the figs, apples, peaches and plums.

Halter Training

2010-08-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Little Gary did so well he is only 11months old so is the easiest to train. The other watched so closely to see what was happening. He jumped around a little, then walked but, eventually sat down and submitted so Tracey had to intervene to get things started again. We think another few days and he will happily walk around the Hall grounds.

Getting their nails cut

2010-08-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

This is Sid getting his beauty treatment, a pedicure. Wilf is being trained by Tracey and Phil their breeders. Gary and Herculese are no problem but, Sid hates his nails clipped and unfortunatley, his nails grow the quickest.

I have been alpaca'd

2010-08-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

After the rain had stopped I decided to take a walk up to see the boys. Along with a cup of tea and a small bag of carrots I trotted up to the top field. Gary saw me and ran so fast he slipped. Herculese followed and, graceful Sid just watched from a distance. I sat down in the shelter,sipped my mug of hot tea and started talking away to them, (they must think whats this nut doing here). Curiosity got the better of Gary, he put his nose close to my mug and stepped back shocked at this hot liquid but still kept coming back to see what I was doing.

I set three bowls apart, put their daily pellets in and each one settled down to eat. But then, I produced my carrot bag. All three forgot their pellets and headed straight for me. With only two hands and three mouths it was difficult to know who to feed first. Sid came along with Gary and started eating away then, Herculese decided to show. A lot of snorting and mmmm'ing went on and Sid, with a mouth full of carrot decided Herculese was having none of it. He grunted out loud with a mouth full of carrot, breathed in fast and then sneezed all his carrot over me. I shrugged in horror at being Alpaca'd but then fell about laughing at them as they all scattered. None of them would eat the carrot after that. Even though I was covered in orange bits and still laughing I tried to feed them. Sid decided that he wasn't having any of it. I went back to Herculese and Gary but they just looked at my covered track suit sniffed and the walked off to join Sid back to the top field.

Think I will take a shower and see them later.

The A Team

2010-08-06T01:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Welome to our newsletter for the Dunsley Alpacas. I really miss writing about Stanley, our cats little ways and antics and as I say to everyone he was unique after spending almost 25 years with us. Guests still talk about him now and say they miss sitting with him too. It has taken me a long time to decide about taking on the responsibility of another pet but, Wilf and I were introduced to a group of Alpaca's and we automatically fell in love with them.

We had to wait for the youngest one (Gustard), who,we call Gary, to be old enough and strong enough to leave his mother and they arrived last week to the delight of all the staff,. who incidently, have signed a pledge to feed them carrots and talk to them. After they all met them I don't think there will be any problem reminding them that they need looking after as when a member of staff go missing we all know where they are. James, the second chef is always giving them little treats and visits them every afternoon. I think he is getting to become one of the pack.

Whats for breakfast ?

2010-08-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

You have to smile when they wait for you every morning at the top gate. Herculese is coming out of his shell now and is getting to trust us more. I tried Sid with an apple he nibbled the little bit that was cut off and screwed his face up and sneezed it out. But, he kept coming back for more and now loves apples. At least they will be able to keep cleaning up the windfall apples in September. Gary is the the vocal one, he continually mmmm's when he is not getting the attention. As you can see from this picture he is the first one with his head in the food box along with Herculese.

They smell like popcorn

2010-08-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Gary on duty.

I have tried to think what smelt so sweet whilst sitting with the boys and now realise it's them. Tracey the breeder said they have a unique smell and Simon and I both said it smelt like popcorn in the shelter. They prefer the outside but in heavy rain sit quietly mmmm'ing away to themselves in the shelter.

Anything for a carrot

2010-08-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Garry loves his carrots. He comes to me now and loves to put his nose right up to mine. We are trying to get them to follow the white bucket so as we can lead them down into the bottom field for everyone to see. You have to watch as they soon get to the end and close to your thumb.

Herculese

2010-08-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

Herculese (the dribbler)

He is the Father of Garry and, a good many more. Suprisingly though, he is quite shy and always at the back and the last to ask for food. No doubt he will soon come out of his shell.

Sid

2010-08-01T04:56:00.000-07:00

Sidney

Sid is the oldest of the pack. He is three. He is the boss and the others follow him and he knocks them out of the way when he wants his pellets and makes them wait until he has finished his. It's lovely to hear them talk to one another with their mmmm mmm's and grunts when they are annoyed.

Gary

2010-08-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

Gary

He is the Baby and the son of Herculese the Black Alpaca. He is so nosey and loves to come up to you and is always the first one to run for a carrot.

The A Team

2010-08-01T04:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have really missed keeping everyone up to date about Stanley, our old cat and would like to thank you all for the kind words, flowers and messages I had from you. When he passed away, at the great age of 24 years and 5 months it left such a void in our home and Dunsley. Wilf and I lead such a busy life and Simon Becky with Lewis our Grandson have enough to think about so, we decided that the responsibility of another cat or dog when you are working sometimes 16 hours a day is unfair but, we all missed the unconditional love and responsiblity of an animal so, we thought long and hard of what kind of animal would suit our lifestyle and be part of Dunsley Hall. We have had sheep, but have ended up running around the gardens after them. They have run through the Hall smashing lamps along the way and eating all the best plants when they escape. We have found them jumping fences and running down Dunsley Road and one was even headbutting the General Manager at one point. So, sheep no, goats no so what else was there.

I was told about Alpaca's. I mentioned them to Wilf and Simon and the rest of the staff, who, all looked at me and thought "what now", but, when Wilf went to see them he, like I, instantly fell in love with their calm sweet nature and when I put their photographs up on the wall in the staff room everyone else felt the same. They will not challenge fences and guests and are almost self sufficient. so, last week after a long wait, they arrived. Herculese, Gustard and Soldier are their pedigree names but, we have decided to call Gustard, Garry, Soldier is now Sid but Herculese will stay the same as he is definately a Herculese with the women.

Here is their story.