Topaz and Charlie, the unlikely friendship between an alpaca and a guard dog

On a recent visit to Cascade Alpacas of Oregon, which breeds award-winning huacaya alpacas, I met Connie Betts, who along with her husband, Thomas, run the 35-herd ranch in Hood River, Oregon. The Betts also run the on-site yarn shop called Foothills Yarn and Fiber.

Here Connie tells the story of Topaz, an 7-month-old alpaca, and Charlie, the 3-year-old Great Pyrenees guard dog.


Five Questions with Connie Betts, owner of Cascade Alpacas of Oregon

1. In 2004, you and your husband left well-paying jobs in the tech and marine retail industries to run an alpaca ranch. Why alpacas? Why not something more traditional like cows or pigs?
Alpacas are highly profitable and easy to care for. I am a knitter, and I love fiber and yarn. Besides, how cute is an alpaca? But, seriously, when you buy a pregnant female you generally are granted an additional breeding after that baby is delivered. You have a 50-50 chance of having a female offspring. When you sell that female offspring, you will probably sell her for as much or more (if you bred to a high-quality herd sire) than you paid for the dam. At that point, you’ve paid for your investment and any other females that are born from that dam contribute to profit.

2. How does your professional background as a software training instructor help you as an alpaca rancher?
Well, I thought that I would get to teach knitting and crocheting classes, but people don’t want to drive to our location in the evening in the winter when knitting and crocheting are in full swing. I have taught dozens of people how to spin, which is very rewarding.

3. There is a popular children's book called Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino. Ever think about giving that book a run for its money with a book on alpacas, which I'd say are just as cute if not cuter.
We have a friend who is an alpaca rancher on the other side of the Columbia River who has written a children’s book about an alpaca and hopes to publish it. Her passion is alpaca photos, which she turns into cards, and writing about alpacas. My passion is the alpaca fiber and yarn.

4. What do your former colleagues think about your new vocation? I’m sure there were some skeptical people, but they were kind enough not to tell me their thoughts. Many are congratulating us after being featured on the cover of the Women in Business special section of the Hood River News last year, in the American Express Open Book (distribution 1 million) last July, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine last November, and Fortune magazine this month. They can see that we are doing very well, loving what we get to do, and loving where we get to live.

5. What advice would you give to people who are thinking about raising alpacas?
Do the research, take classes on the alpaca business, visit alpaca ranches, and talk to your accountant because every person’s financial situation is different. Decide if you want to have a few alpacas for a supplemental income or if you want to make it a full-time business. And, make sure that you have the energy and skill to run your ranch like a business. That said, if you have a passion for something, go for it and do what you love.

For more information about Cascade Alpacas of Oregon, please visit www.cascadealpacas.com. Photo of Topaz and Charlie courtesy of Connie Betts.

'Tis a small world moment: Janice Dotson, who spun some alpaca fiber for me and my kids, went to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1970.

Tasks for you:

1. What do you think about Topaz and Charlie? Tell me about the unusual friendships you know or are part of.

2. Suggest other interesting vocations for me to spotlight.