Al was in the business world for over 25 years and did everything from filling a CPA's position in an accounting firm to running a timeshare resort. Al has always had a way with animals and even was the only non-veterinarian in the State of Florida to own and operate a small animal veterinary clinic. Ever since his marriage to Cathy in 1988, who came complete with a horse, animals have played an important role in their lives. Cathy went to grooming school shortly after they were married and she became an instant success, immediately upon graduation from school, by running a very successful grooming operation in the animal clinic.
In 1989 Cathy and Al decided to breed their 2 pets. One was a poodle and the other was a Yorkshire terrier that was a birthday present for Cathy in 1989. Yorkshire Terriers (with a yorkie stud from his parents show quality male) and poodles (from a good client of the clinics) were the result. Cathy was so excited and happy about the puppies and they were a great joy so we decided to expand the number of dogs we had and turn it into a nice side business for Cathy. She now has a wonderful reputation and has built it into a rewarding adventure.
In 2003, Al was working at a resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. He decided to move back to the sunny south to be near his parents as they were both in their late 70's and he did not want to miss time to be spent with them both. A decision had to be made as to what to do. Al and Cathy had talked for several years about alpacas and decided to take the plunge. They started with a small herd of 4 and within the first year, made an additional purchase to get to a dozen. Since then they both have been enchanted in the world of alpacas and have never looked back.
As you can see from "Our Ranch" page, they have used their past experiences with the care and upkeep of animals to build their herd. It has done extremely well and is growing by leaps and bounds. Real leaps and bounds.
Last year, Al had two strokes and since then has found the alpaca business to be a more than wonderful business by being a way of life that will allow him the necessary easiness of life while a great business with wonderful tax advantages.
The day you come to visit you may see Cathy and Al having a picnic with their "fleecy friends" in the pasture. As Cathy and Al spread their picnic lunch, their friends come and check things out and have even been seen cushed and sunning themselves next to the picnic. Nothing gets past those big brown eyes and their natural nosiness. They will watch you more than you will watch them.
Everyone is invited to come and take a ranch tour and meet not only Cathy and Al, but Roman Candle, Lola and the complete menagerie down to little Velcro (we call her that because she sticks to her mama very tightly). We hope to see you and let you see firsthand what a wonderful lifestyle the alpaca business is.