The gift of being an “alpaca parent” brings year-round joy

“When I heard about the Sisters of Providence Adopt an Alpaca Program in 2014, I thought an adoption would be a perfect Christmas gift for my mother. She was a lifelong animal lover and a devout Catholic, so I knew she would appreciate supporting the care of the alpacas and the work of the Sisters of Providence.

“From 2014 through 2022, I adopted alpacas as a Christmas gift for my mother. She passed away a few weeks after receiving her 2022 gift, but I’ve continued the adoptions in her memory.”

Bringer of joy

“What I did not anticipate was just how much she would enjoy receiving the adoption packet. She framed all of the alpaca photos that arrived over the years and hung them on her wall of family photos! (My brother and I joked that the pictures of the alpacas were displayed more prominently than the ones we were in!) Some of the alpaca photos from her collection are now displayed on my desk, where they make me smile every day.”

“I’ve been adopting Pere Michel every year since 2014. After Jean was born in 2020, I couldn’t resist adopting her every year as well, because my mother’s name was Jean.

I arranged a visit for Mom to meet Pere Michel when she visited Terre Haute in 2017. She had a great time petting him, talking to him, and learning more about him from a wonderful member of the White Violet staff. A short video that I recorded during our visit provides a wonderful memory of that special day!

Mom always sent me an email describing the items she received. One year she wrote, “Included in the envelope is a photo of two alpacas kissing under the mistletoe — awwwww!”

Being an “alpaca parent” brought Mom so much joy — thank you!

Would an alpaca adoption make a great gift for yourself or someone you love? Adopt today at Adopt.SistersofProvidence.org