By Michelle Aulson
Guest Columnist
–––––––––––––––––
GEORGETOWN – If you’ve been by our farm lately, you may have noticed a few taller, fuzzy faces peeking over the fences. Yes, it’s true – we now have alpacas! Six of them, in fact, rescued by the MSPCA at Nevins Farm and originally from Martha’s Vineyard, have trotted into Great Rock Farm (also known as Goats To Go) and straight into our hearts.
The moment they stepped off the trailer, I knew they were going to fit right in. One immediately stretched its long neck to nibble at a handful of treats, another hummed softly at the horses, and before long they were striking poses by the duck pond as though they’d always been here. Unlike our goats and sheep, who keep busy clearing brush, these alpacas have no chores on their to-do list. Their only job is to simply be – charming, curious, and endlessly entertaining.
I often catch them gazing regally from the hilltop, peering into the pond as the ducks swim around, or engaging in staring contests with Penny, our ever-curious cat. Around here, they’re already celebrities. I like to think of them as our “island stars” who traded beach grass for farm grass — and I dare say, they’re enjoying every bite.
“The alpacas are a lively addition to the farm,” said my nephew, Tre Aulson. “When I saw them pulling in, I ran right down to the trailer. I had no clue they were coming — my aunt had just adopted them the day before! They were such a friendly, cute surprise. I’ve already nicknamed the brown one Mocha.”
From the very first moment they arrived, the alpacas seemed perfectly at home. And have already become a source of joy for family and visitors. Whether glimpsed from the car on the way to goat yoga or spotted during a mingle class, their gentle presence adds whimsy to daily life at Great Rock Farm. Among goats, sheep, “Dolly” the llama, horses, and the rest of our barnyard crew, the alpacas bring a new layer of delight — craning their necks in curiosity, humming soft greetings, and charming visitors with their quiet, social personalities.
And this is just the beginning of their story. Some of the alpacas arrived with minor health issues and are still learning how to be more social, but with time, patience, and plenty of love, we’re excited to see how they’ll blossom. As they settle into farm life, we have plans to include them in future farm events, where their calm, gentle nature will shine even brighter. We invite everyone to follow along as these “island stars” transform into beloved Georgetown residents.
This fall, the alpacas will be stepping into the spotlight at one of the farm’s biggest traditions — the Goat’s Fall Festival & Hayrides on Saturday, October 4, from 9–11 AM. They’ll be waiting at the gate to greet guests as they park, adding plenty of fuzzy charm to the festive morning. Come for the hayrides, stay for the goats (and alpacas!) — and don’t forget to meet the rest of the farm’s animal crew. Tickets are available at goatstogo.farm/events. ♦
