Saturday, January 31, 2026
Found Memories: A Look Back in the Past
A little trip down memory lane, shall we?
My passion for alpacas took root many years ago when I was just a child. While I was searching my father’s computer for pictures of our manufacturing facility, I stumbled upon memories dating back over 15 years. I thought these would be fun to share!
Some of these photos are slightly embarrassing - like the time I realized the only way to get hugs from our nervous females was while they were being bred! I suppose that’s just typical “farm kid” behavior. Let’s just say I have been DNA’s breeding manager for a long time already, despite what some might assume because of my age…
All jokes aside, even though my role has changed since the days when I was primarily the "professional alpaca hugger," I’ve been here all along, growing right alongside this family business. The years I spent as an observer taught me lessons I’m forever grateful for, and they continue to serve me today in my role as a partner with my father on the farm.
Enjoy these pictures!
Circa 2009: A feature in the local journal! Yours truly (6) "alpaca-back" riding on ACA Pacifico, accompanied by René, Vivianne (8) and ACA Pancho. These males were pet boys purchased in March 2008.
Welcome to the world, Lady Azira du DNA! Azira and her dam, ACA Xenia, are the matriarchs of our most prolific lines today...
With every newborn cria, I was always a part of the welcoming committee, and I made it my mission to make sure all babies received kisses and hugs... These here were boarding alpacas, ACA Carina and her son, Mendoza of DTO, July 2011.
In training for my future career? Back then, I was just trying to get a hug from Miss Émeraude! She was actually one of the very first alpacas born in our program in 2008. I guess you could say I’ve been specialized in 'breeding assistance' for over 15 years now... though my techniques have definitely evolved! Featured here are Miss Émeraude and our OG herdsire, the one and only MMR Marcoyo.
The coolest markings we’ve ever produced belong to El Señor Apache du DNA, born July 2011! A son of MMR Marcoyo and Ghost River Shy Ann, he is maternally related to our Judge’s Choice winner, Miss Aneth du DNA.
Enjoying a peaceful moment with El Señor Alvator du DNA. Since this boy was born a month before the other crias that season, we (meaning the humans!) quickly became his best friends. What a sweet paca he was... many tears were shed when we sold this boy.