Down a private road in Dade City, it’s like a scene out of the Andes.
Alpacas pepper a farm in all shades of brown, white and black. They’re fluffy, quiet and inquisitive.
Debbie Pettis knows them all by name.
She and her husband Narvel started Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm eight years ago. They started in Plant City and eventually outgrew that property and moved their farm to Dade City.
The couple became intrigued by alpacas when they learned you can shear them and use their fleece for yarn, clothes and other items.
Alpacas, a South American animal, are in the same family as camels and llamas and come in a variety of colors. (Amy Mariani, Staff)
Alpaca fleece is naturally hypoallergenic. The fleece from these Dade City creatures are used to make scarves, gloves, socks, rugs, stuffed animals, hats and a wide array of items.
It was their individual personalities, however, that sold Debbie.
“They’re calm, very peaceful, easy on the pasture,” she said. “They’re just beautiful to look at too, and each one has its own personality.”
Some alpacas are more curious than others. Some you can kiss right on the lips, and Debbie does.
“They accept you into their herd,” she said.
The Pettis herd is about 65 strong. They breed and sell alpacas, but not just anyone can have one of Debbie’s alpacas.
“I raised them,” she said. “I need to know exactly where they are going and making sure they’re going to be taken care of.”
These alpacas were born in Florida and have adapted to the climate. The farm has big fans to keep them cool in the summer, and the herd is sheared before the hottest months.