Kindness Without Borders

As the rising waters and flash flooding claimed more and more land, hasty were the efforts to save the hapless animals caught in this scourge. But alas the relentless waters were to claim the lives, hopes and hearts of many of them.

Miraculously though, numerous were those saved thanks to the incredible courage and resourcefulness of swift thinking humans, or the agility, serendipitous location, and their ability to dodge the flotsam that rushed their way.

22 exhausted, but very much alive alpacas were in this latter number. One can only imagine what thoughts of terror raced through their minds as their saw and heard several of their buddies perish around them.

Resilience in shaggy alpaca fleece were the words that came to mind when we first met these gentle beings recently. And although the flood waters had long subsided, we learned the devastation that had been wrought had not.

And their human needed a hand.

As the stockcrate door cranked shut on the last of the 22 obliging alpacas, a gentle sigh rang out as confirmation they all were safely loaded. And as our wheels crunched the gravel on that once flooded driveway, we set to make good our promise that their safety and bright future would be assured.

Alpacas are indeed gentle creatures, deft of foot they move as if floating on air, their long necks bobbing back and forward in a hypnotic beat to match. They are affectionate, kind, and social. They too are matriarchal animals where the females keep everyone in line.

Seeing the strong bonds they form for members of their tribe, and the emotional responses they have for the world around them, we are struck by the fact that although we may be separated from them by form, we are not by our ability to feel.

And if this rescue has taught us anything, it is that regardless of form or favour, our kindness for others should know no borders.