A Camelid Discovery

Sometimes things just surprise you. That's what I love about this job. I work with a camel. Her name is Tallulah. She is going to be 5 years old this year. She weighs 1248 lbs. When we got her, she was 5 months old and only 211 lbs.

Needless to say, she and I have been through some times together! I have watched her grow from a spunky kid to a full grown adult. I have worked with her numerous times on a variety of things. With her, I learned what training methods did or didn't work. The road was a long and bumpy one and one not easily taken... but of course, who am I not to challenge it?

I view my relationship with Tallulah as one that rides along a love/hate. Always on the balance. We understand each other. But sometimes we really like to mess with each other. Sometimes we share very tender and loving moments, but always.. we are quite the professional partners. A relationship based on tolerance.

But today, she surprised me.

Today I was in the pasture with her, 2 alpacas, 4 sheep, 1 pig and 2 dogs. At one point, one of the dogs came running towards me, which caused the alpaca to run after it in a very aggressive manner, Tallulah picked up on this right away and came to intercept the alpaca. The dog ran past me, I kicked my leg up, causing the alpaca to change direction and the camel immediately changed her demeaner and stopped going after the alpaca. Upon first thought, I would say that Tallulah thought the alpaca was coming directly for me in that aggressive manner and so she was going after the alpaca for me. Yeah, I wasn't a fool to believe that.

Except, Lucas, the pig, came up to me and started tug playing with my jacket. It caused me to verbally bring attention to myself and before I knew it, Tallulah was now going after Lucas. She had the whole "I'm a big camel" look to her and I had to tell Lucas to run away. He did with cute little squeels of horror. Tallulah soon stopped and came right back to me.

So, was she being protective over me?

Wow... I would have never thought it... but yes... I will say, that it certainly does look like it. What an endearing thought.