Here at Sandhill Suri we don't let any day go unnoticed with our alpacas, although some days are more important than others. Today was a very special and important day for our: senior foundation herd member, first ever farm purchase, and two time grand champion winner, Ameripaca's Lorraine. Today was Lorraine's 13th birthday. Looking back over the years, many of you may remember Ameripaca's Lorraine from the show ring a good 11-12 years ago. She always presented herself well, with her strong up right presence and look at me attitude. That was a key trait that we thought every show animal should posses. Lorraine didn't end her success in the show ring though; in fact her success truly hasn't ended. Lorraine's first cria, Sandusky, was a grand champion winner in the show ring. Sandusky is one of the top herdsires on our farm and annually proves himself, with beautiful champion crias. The rest of her crias have also been astounding; like her 2005 cria, London, who won a few blues in the show ring. London also has been the mother of only girls, three of which are grey and one is true black (a mirror image of London). This past year was a groundbreaking year for Lorraine; and it proved even further why she is such an important member of our herd. In October of 2012, Lorraine welcomed her first ever grey cria. Her daughter, Rachel Alexandra, has the same characteristics as Lorraine, just in grey!! Lorraine is a champion and forever will be on our farm. Today we rewarded her for all she has done for us and the herd, as she celebrated her 13th birthday. She was a great sport and didn't complain about the hat! Although she and her daughter got to enjoy some fresh carrots and apples, so the hat was pretty minor!!! We are so proud of Lorraine and all her offspring as they have been essential to our success in breeding for grey. We are very glad and fortunate to call Lorraine our champion and part of our herd!! Its the least we can do for her by telling her happy birthday and helping her to celebrate her special day!!!