Gabe's Story is one of the reasons we started the Sanctuary. The first was to honor Bill Darpino's love for animals, a love that was evident in his care for Gabe. The second was to provide a loving place for animals whose owners, due to life's circumstances, could no longer care for them. This Sanctuary is a beacon of hope, offering comfort and love to animals and their owners in need.
A younger Gabe - 4yrs ish
His daughter Joan was going through a rough time and a divorce and could not keep all of her animals, especially the farm animals. Bill let her know that he would take Gabe, her alpaca, the first alpaca she had ever purchased and her daughter's sheep, Fred! He would keep them forever or until she could have them back! He did not create a sanctuary—he just took the animals in out of his love for the animals and for his daughter, who needed help! That became the second reason and the type of Sanctuary we want to be one where an owner can contact us with a life situation that has put them in place where they need someone else to care for their animals!
Gabe and Fred's journey is a testament to the power of love and care for people and animals. They moved to NJ with Bill and Debby, where they stayed and were loved and cared for until Bill passed. At that time, Debby, Joan, and Emily created Sunshine Farm Sanctuary to honor Bill's love for the animals and the reason above. After a few years alone in NJ, Debby could not care for the animals at the Sanctuary alone. That's when Gabe and Fred moved to PA, completing a full circle, being cared for and loved by Joan and her daughter again at Sunshine Farm Sanctuary's new locations. This emotional journey, along with the other animals Bill had taken in, is a cornerstone of our Sanctuary's mission.
Care and Cost for Alpaca's
Feed: Provide pelleted grain, good pasture, and hay during winter.
Water: Ensure access to fresh water at all times.
Nail Clipping: Regularly clip nails as needed.
Health Care: In the northeastern USA, administer a monthly dose of Ivermectin to prevent M worm infestations that could harm the alpaca.
Shearing: Shear the alpaca annually to remove its fiber coat.
It will cost us $670 a year to keep Gabe for the next 10 years.
If you would like to support Gabe you can give monthly 25-56 a month is all it takes to help or full support Gabe's care! Click the box below!
Each year, between May and July, we hold shearing day. You can hire someone to shear your animals or learn to do it yourself. Leila Frick, our director, learned to shear when her mother, Joan, started working with alpacas and their fiber.
To begin, set up a tarp and use rope to secure the alpaca’s legs. Gently lay it down, ensuring it’s safe. Start shearing with the blanket, then move to the legs, neck, and face. Finally, clip the nails while accessible. That’s how we complete alpaca shearing!
Shearing of Gabe
ReaderThank you for keeping the fire going!
We wouldn't be able to do this without you. All donations go towards the feeding, care, and shelter of these lovely animals so they can continue to live long happy lives!
Sincerely Leila.
P.S
If this landed in your spam, please move it to your main inbox and Reply with "Sunshine" so that you keep receiving our emails.
Unwrap the Joy Explore Our Amazon Wish List and Share the Magic Today Deck the Halls with Giving Browse Our Christmas Wish List and Be a Holiday Hero! Amazon Wish List I hope this message finds you well! At Sunshine Farm Sanctuary, we are always working hard to care for the animals, and your kindness makes it all possible. We’ve recently created an Amazon Wish List to help meet some of our needs and some wants for the Animals. The items on this list directly support the animals we serve....
