We have had a snowy winter this year. Alpacas do not venture out through the snow drifts which necessitates clearing walk ways with the snow blower. After four winters of heavy use our machine needed some new parts. Transporting it in our pickup truck involves using a ramp or some other means of lifting it to the bed of the truck. Not an easy task when you are in your mid-60's like us. Instead, we hook up our alpaca transport trailer, lower the ramp and head to the hardware store.
John gets anxious when we start the logistics of backing the truck up to the trailer. It often involves several attempts and much vocalizing, which heightens his state of mind. Having him with the animals when we attempt this feat has proven to be the answer. Alpacas react to changes in their immediate surroundings and the trailer is parked at their gate for easy access. Consequently, they are very interested in this and their interest matches John's. When we finally get the snowblower loaded, we instruct John to tell the "girls" that they are not going for a ride today.
Yesterday we returned the snowblower, held our breath as we started it up, then went to work. All these little operations on the farm end up being great activity for adapting to our worries and fears. John thoroughly enjoyed the day. Another blessing of the alpaca and autism partnership.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment