Rojo the Therapy Llama
Seen here dressed in full pirate regalia, Rojo the Llama is no ordinary llama.
Rojo, an “incredibly touchable and unusually people-friendly” llama, became certified as a therapy animal in 2007. Since that time he, along with Shannon and Lori Gregory, have made over 100 visits to local senior centers, schools and facilities for disabled kids.
The phrase “therapy llama” made me laugh when I first saw it. And there’s something about seeing Rojo in all the different photos and outfits, as featured in his Photo Gallery, that just induces a fit of giggles.
But the more photos I see, and the more I look around the site… the more awesome this becomes. I would really love to know how much it costs to “book Rojo” for an event.
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When can we go to a farm to visit these wonderful animals? Otherwise you’re just taunting me with this post.Does anyone know of a local llama farm? :) hehe
Liz (October 21, 2009 at 11:19 am)Well, a quick search reveals thst there’s the Leraso Farm Alpacas, which is about 45 minutes away in Long Grove. I used their contact form, and asked to see if we could schedule a visit.Also! There’s the upcoming Northern Illinois Alpaca Extravaganza, that’s actually THIS WEEKEND. It’s also about 45 minutes away at the Lake County Fair Association, in Grayslake.The Extravaganza looks like it’s more for owners/breeders. The Schedule of Events has stuff like educational seminars, with topics on vet care, tax and accounting issues for livestock ownership, and some fleece judging.Still, sounds like a fun little road trip maybe?
avoision (October 21, 2009 at 1:05 pm)OMG YAY!!!! Alpaca’s here I come!I wonder if they sell yarn there too….
Liz (October 21, 2009 at 2:40 pm)My mom used to be an activities director in a nursing home, and she used to get animals to come in to see the patients quite often. People who hadn’t spoken or smiled in weeks would visibly light up when a cat or a puppy was placed in their lap.She also did a similar sort of thing in a hospital where she worked on the senior care floor, and once she brought in a llama and had to bring him up to the floor on an elevator. She said a doctor who was about to get in the elevator with them was very startled when the doors opened.Llots of llama farms wellcome visitors. County & state fairs are great places to see llamas, too. http://dailyapple.blogspot.com/2005/08/apple-94-llamas-visited.html
juliet (October 21, 2009 at 7:56 pm)ohmigawd he is in the Pac-NW. I think I’ve just figured out this year’s birthday party theme!
Mellzah (October 23, 2009 at 2:44 am)I have a therapy alpaca and you may be interested in her blog at http://serenathealpaca.blogspot.com/We live in Southern Ontario and specialize in visiting nursing homes.
Lynda (November 12, 2009 at 11:22 am)Thanks for the link, Lynda!Not sure if you saw it, but after we found out about therapy llamas, Liz and I ended up attending the 2009 Northern Illinois Alpaca Extravaganza (a few days later).
avoision (November 12, 2009 at 8:04 pm)Today my daughter (a psych major) and I will be going to the Llama Extravaganza in Lake County for the 2nd time because it was SO WONDERFUL the first time (last year)!It DEFINITELY provides “animal therapy” for those of us just facsinated with these creatures (not intending on purchasing as livestock investment–their main appeal). Many are shy or prefer not to be handled, as they tend to be less of a “pet” and more like a farm animal, so this “therapy llama” is a totally FUN concept. I know they can be trained for handling, but have different personalities like dogs and cats do.One farm we visited about 7 years ago is J4 Alpacas near Woodstock. Jim and Jean Morgan are the owners, and they will be featured at the event this weekend. They are amazing and wonderful people, happy to answer all your questions. We remember walking through their llama/alpaca field (they have both), learning how they can spit when “upset”, then being encouraged to feed one named Daisy. It was a lovely experience.
Barb (October 23, 2010 at 8:20 am)Ah! Liz and I had a blast when we attended the 2009 Northern Illinois Alpaca Extravaganza last year. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
avoision (October 24, 2010 at 10:03 pm)This is Rojo and you can see all of his pictures and friends at Rojothellama.com. Or be his fan on facebook!
Shannon (May 11, 2012 at 2:05 pm)