… leave it Out.”
That is what my Dad used to say and it holds true every single time. For me at least. Doubt is often a warning.
“Think a little more.” Doubt says.
“Maybe you should say, No.” Doubt says. NO is an important word. And we should use it more often. Gently but firmly of course.
Yesterday we all drove over to have a look at the little llama. Megan, Hugo and I. We wandered about a lovely little farm and met all the animals and especially the Llamas. 
Do you remember how Tima (the naughty fat kunekune pig who does not look pregnant at all) actually walked up to me when I went to collect her as a 6 week old gilt. I had chosen her from a photograph but she chose me when she saw me. The same with Poppy who was a runt and being sold cheap, hugging the fence dogging my steps waiting for me to pick her up and take her. TonTon came running to me as I entered the barn to choose him from the litter of pups. Well the little Llama took no notice of me at all. And I realised as I drove away that I had not even taken my camera out of the car. The lack of notice had been mutual.
I worried and worried over the decision then said – No. “If in doubt – leave it out.”She was not the animal for me. We had not connected. And once I made that decision I felt much better. You know how sometimes you make a decision and there is instant relief, the pressure is off – then you know you made the right decision.
Yesterday the Hereford pigs were divided and are now in the fields that they will stay in for a while. The Plonkers are in the salad bar field. The gilts (Molly and Tahiti) are in the central barn next to Sheila and Poppy who are back in their winter quarters. When Molly and Tahiti are a little older they will join Sheila and Poppy.
When Sheila realised she was being led back to her winter quarters she paused on the threshold of the barn and said Me? I can come home now? She looked so pleased to be back in her old house. Her little eyes held mine as she paused for such a long time and she just grinned. Her face it up. The she hauled her massive frame up the step and down the barn corridor and turned into her room with such obvious delight. She immediately began to push all the straw up into her favourite top bunk and laid down with a big sigh. I love Sheila.
I hope you have a lovely day.
Your friend on the farm
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
41 responses to ““If in Doubt ..”
What a darling Sheila is… as well as the adorable Tima and Tane.. and Boo… and Ton-ton.. and Uncle Tom Cobbly an’ all !!!
Think you’re so right about the llama – I actually had my doubts !!!
Oh so nice to get the pressure off Celi. If in doubt, no works very well 😄 love the header pic ..so inviting
I love that story about Sheila. Thanks for the smile this morning, c. x >
Llamas are Lovely, alpacas are Adorable, but it has to feel right. Your own know you, and if you weren’t recognised, she or he wasn’t Yours.
Just look at that lineup of Farmy Boys – what a pity Hugo wasn’t there to join in!
I could just picture Shelia’s delight. Lovely!
You must be disappointed, but you made the right decision. Perhaps a more Celie-friendly llama will turn up, and you will be glad you waited. If you need a guard animal, have you thought of geese? They are mucky birds, but great guard-dogs.
Those pigs are all such characters – I love ’em all.
Lots of love,
ViV xox
a resounding YES to everything you’ve said about NO. Love the photo of Ton and the piggy. So sweet.
The header shot…dappled is what that is! Beautiful. Good to go with your gut. It often knows best. Good girl Sheila, back home. Lovely day to you.
Go with your ut instinct….a good decision. And lucky, lovely Sheila!
“gut….”!
My mother had a llama farm. Not really sure what she farmed exactly, but she did love llamas and had a lot of them. She named them all after her favorite chocolates and candy. She passed a few years back and my dad has been caring for the llamas ever since. It is a bit comical, in a way, because it’s not his “thing”, but when I think of llamas, I think of mom. She did spin the wool and now I have one of her spinning wheels, so I hope to learn that skill before long. They are beautiful animals, quiet and protective of their herd, but they can be stand offish, so you are right to seek a connection, because it will make the process much more enjoyable.
Llamas are definitely a challenge. We started with a gelding and a female, and the female turned out to be nothing but trouble! After we re-homed her, the gelding was wonderful, but not easy to handle till he got a little older.
You know when it’s right my friend. I firmly believed that. I picked my mommy. When it’s right, it’s right. No doubts. Hogs and snout kisses. XOXO – Bacon
That inner voice is too often ignored and it should not be. That is the voice of your experience and I believe the voices of your loved ones passed. Oh, I talk to my dearly departed Aunt when that inner voice is talking to me. It has the sound of her voice so I feel like she is with me during these times. She was the ‘wise’ one as was my grandmother, her mother.
I’m not a fan of any of the camel/llama/alpaca family. Spitter’s can live with someone else. I had a couple of bad run in’s with these critters.
Sheila is so adorable…..Never thought I would say that of a pig. 😉
I think you made the right decision. Ilammas can be a handful. I agree with you, we should follow our instincts more often.
I think I’ve heard that donkeys are good for guarding animals in the field. Might that be a possibility? xo
I don’t think so – I will just keep the little ones closer to home.. though I do worry about the calves across the way. I think a guardian dog would be a better bet.. c
Yes, that would work, just so he doesn’t decide he would rather follow you home and become part of your dog family there!