Ted's Diary
written by Amen Ra (Ted) The Alpaca of Distinction

26th February 2007. At last we have sunshine, lots of it! So guess what? Out comes the Blue Bag and the Nail Clippers – I think the BOSS is obsessed by Nail Clipping!

I knew something was up when she came to the catch pen with a handful of supplement.

Now usually us lads don’t get mid-morning snacks as we have all been given a body score of 3 or more (I have more - of course, I have more of EVERYTHING). So it was obvious that if food was being handed out so freely then there was a very good reason.  Still, food is food! 

Too late I saw the Blue Bag, even with her hand behind her back I knew the BOSS was going to do something to ME.  As it turned out I DID have a broken nail, which clever BOSS had spotted, and she just wanted to tidy me up in case my new best friend Mike came to take me for a walk today.  

We, that is Barnaby and I, had a photo call last week and had to do our stuff for our new owners – they were delighted we were SO good.  Well, aren't I always? Barnaby was on his best behaviour and showed them just how clever he was – he stood and walked around just as if he was already at a show.  He’ll go places, that lad, just you wait and see! 

Mr Macho got to be kissed by BOSS.  He has no shame! Just for supplement he will put his reputation on the line. And I thought I was greedy!

Other half took advantage of the sunshine and gave cutie pie Charm her first  halter training lesson. 

We all crowded round our fences to get a grandstand view of the show. Conker, that’s Charm’s mum, screamed at Other half – for all of two seconds! Then went back to her lunch!

Chris, the little devil, decided that Charm being on a halter was fair game, and wanted to try his mating technique – not bad for only 7 months old – bright lad that! 

After a bit of unorganised chaos, BOSS moved everyone except Charm into another paddock and went to get the camera whilst Other Half got Charm's attention. 

Well, I know that I am the exception (being an Alpaca of Distinction and all that), but that kid has brains as well – I knew that chat we had last month would work. 

After laying down a bit, jumping a bit and generally skipping about she just stood and looked at everyone as if to say ‘What’s all the fuss about – halter training – a doddle for us Little Gem alpacas! 

Camera, lights, action! Come on Fellas, bring on the trailer - I’m ready for the big ring’

Hey, whose diary is this? Yes this is ME - TED, the Alpaca of Distinction, just remember, Kiddo, who will be looking after you when we go to live on Dartmoor – yeah that’s right, - your Uncle Ted. 

They may even take me to a show – now that WILL be fun! I'll think up a few new tricks to entertain everyone - Mark and Mike just don't know how much "fun" I can be!

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