The Llama In A Wheelchair

Pet rescue events can entice even the strangest of folk to emerge from their normal means of social isolation. The one that I least expected to see was...a llama in a wheelchair. Let's back up a bit...

The past week had been dreadful, full of emotional turmoil (however, highlighted with some success at work). After thoughts of giving St. John's Wort a whirl and a very long talk with my mother, I decided I needed to desist from my usual preparation for doom's day in relationships and once again try to focus on the positives in my life, along with reality. The fact that no matter how irrational my fears may be, I should not be in my pajamas watching Blue Valentine and clutching my Pizza Hut box as if it is my last meal. Luckily, I have a stellar boyfriend who is very understanding of all my scars of the past that tend to creep out at times, who does not make me feel even more ridiculous at those times, than I already do.

Chloe and I had decided to set off into the world (albeit a rainy one) to see what this locally advertised "pet carnival" was all about. The parking was minimal, the rescues were plentiful, and the collection of people was generally strange. On one end they prepared hot dogs for hungry, soaked on-lookers, while on the other a "canine psychic" was reading fortunes for some four-legged friends. I must admit it did sound interesting, whereas Chloe's life could not be more carefree, I could just not imagine what this woman would tell me about Chloe for $20 that was so crucial for me to know. I opted out of that one. There were many rescue dogs in attendance and as we muddled around through the rain - that's when I saw it...the llama in a wheelchair.

My first thought was definitely, "what in tarnation is a llama doing here...in a wheelchair nonetheless?!" This poor llama had lost the use of its hind legs and this very bizarre woman had decided to fabricate a kind of wheelchair device for it to mobilize itself. The llama, "Holly" (as the name tag indicated), seemed perfectly content to be at the carnival in the rain and was very comfortable around all of the dogs, she even tried to nuzzle Chloe, but Chloe wasn't having it. I did notice however that this llama may have not been receiving appropriate medical care as its hind legs looked in bad shape, dragging slightly out the back of the wheelchair and missing large patches of hair. This may have been a very well-meaning individual who just didn't have the resources to care for this handicapped animal. As I looked into Holly's bulging eyes and she continued to chew on thin air, I thought to myself...I only have six days until my vacation and I am not nearly as bad off as this llama.

After leaving the festivities I happened upon my annual Taco Bell craving (I am ashamed to admit) and acquired a bean burrito on the way home. The weekend continued in a positive fashion as I had the chance to see friends, spend some time with my boyfriend, and visit World Market - place of all things global and fantastic. Now that I have replenished my "Ginger Peach Tea" supply I feel that I am able to take on the coming week and count down the days until vacation bliss will ensue.