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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels November 27, 2004 Donald Cobbs is caretaker of the llamas at the Clover By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings For Sherry Johnston, there's just something special about llamas. Photos by Denise Baratta | Ashland Daily Tidings Over the course of 10 years, Johnston has taken care of these unique animals as owner of the Clover Hay Llama Ranch, located on Tolman Creek Road. During a recent morning, a group of llamas became excited as Johnston approached, as she called them by name. Each of her llamas have their own unique names such as Hello Dolly, Sweet Tart and Designer Motif. A few went up to Johnston and rubbed their nose against her nose, which Johnston said is the llama way of being social. "I think this is all just wonderful," Johnston said. "It's a highly spiritual thing coming out here with the llamas. ... I think it's their nature. They are very serene and they help you to find yourself and your spot in life." Johnston sells the llama wool, which can be made into clothing, and sells baby llamas to fellow llama ranches across the country, as well as people who want them as pets The four-acre property was originally owned by Johnston's parents, with her father growing hay for several years. When they passed away, Johnston inherited the property and moved from Southern California with her than 10-year-old son Dylan. Thinking of ways to use the land, Johnston figured it would be a good space for animals and believed that llamas would be a perfect choice. "We decided on llamas because they are sociable, friendly, and they don't hurt anyone," she said. "They are gentle creatures." Beginning with two llamas, the farm has grown to about 30 llamas, including some on county land across the street. Johnston said that because llamas are so social, she will only sell them in pairs, or to people who already have llamas. She said they get lonely without the companionship of another llama, which could lead them to stop eating. Llamas are South American members of the Camelid family. They originated in the high Andes of South America, and are related to camels. An important member of Clover Hay is ranch manager Donald Cobbs of Talent. A jack of all trades, he does whatever needs to be done at the ranch. This includes feeding and cleaning up after the llamas, doing their nails, any maintenance or irrigation work that needs to be done, giving the llamas their shots and shearing them. While he previously worked as a horse trainer, he had never even seen a llama in person until applying for the job about a year ago. He said working with llamas has changed his life. "It is probably the best job you can have if you want peace of mind and not deal with day-to-day office politics," Cobbs said. "I can't think of any place I'd rather be." He especially loves it when he approaches the llamas and they all gather next to the fence waiting for his arrival. "It makes you feel welcomed," Cobbs said. "They are just very loving, special animals." It's always wonderful looking out at the mountains with just him and the llamas in the middle of the field, he said. "It's very spiritual," Cobbs said. "Many times I just look out at the mountains and say 'Thank you, Lord.'" A church elder at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Medford, he also performs spiritual music around the area and region. Many times, Cobbs said, he practices his sermon or a song in the middle of the field, with the llamas watching the proceedings. "The llamas are a great audience," he said with a laugh. "They are usually very interested. And I know when I'm not on, because they start to drift away and lose interest. ... I love the freedom I have here and the lack of distractions. When your spirit is free, your abilities increase." Besides llamas, for the past year, Johnston has breed Bengal cats. "I love cats and I love llamas," Johnston said. "They are similar as well. Both are confident and independent animals." Johnston said she has had groups of interested people who have visited the llamas. "I think it's wonderful they're learning how exciting llamas are," she said. Another special part of owning llamas is helping with births. Llamas are normally pregnant for more than 11 months, which makes each birth quite an anticipated event. Johnston said it's always an amazing sight pulling out a baby llama and welcoming it into the world. "It's incredible," she said. "It's just the ultimate." For more information on Clover Hay Llama Ranch, visit cloverhayllamas.com. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams