Warpaint’s Epitaph
by Sharon Bramblett
Just two weeks after Glacier died (see his epitaph, fall issue), we lost our 15 year old treasure, Warpaint. Warpaint was an appaloosa - observers frequently remarked on his striking patterned coat, especially prominent just after being sheared. But it was his demeanor that was so endearing to me. He got along with our other nine llamas and we put him with newly acquired llamas as a companion during their monthly quarantine periods. Warpaint knew his name, would come to me when called, and always allowed me to pet him. He loved to ride in our trailer and would occupy it anytime we left the trailer door open, threatening others who wanted to join him.
themselves.
He participated in hikes, parades, and farm visits during which children learned to lead llamas. Warpaint followed their lead, erratic though it might be, though other llamas took the lead
For several years, Warpaint’s breathing gradually became more labored, involving heaving expansions of his chest and abdomen, rattling in his nose, and sometimes a nasal discharge. On August 14, 2012 he died in our arms after a visit to our vet.
In 1998, I wrote a piece of doggerel that included both Glacier and Warpaint in their youth. See http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~llama/poem.html
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Humming Herald Newsletter Winter 2012