So, was it good for you?

I’m a big, big fan o’ llamas,

everybody’s favorite ruminant. And I’m a bigger fan of the creative ways average folks decide to help out their communities. I mean, seriously, there are folks out there thinking, not outside the box, but outside the double-helix.

Case in point, this AP article from Nibley, Utah:

A Cache County farmer persuaded city leaders to rezone his property. Another guy who wants to grow houses?

Wrong.

About 40 acres owned by Boyd and Sheri Schiess were changed to agricultural from residential in this fast-growing city, south of Logan.

They plan to turn part of the land into wildlife habitat and also use it for a riding program for disabled children. Llamas and longhorns graze there.

According to the article, the Schiess family could have earned over a cool million if they used this acreage a different way. Talk about a lack of hubris. Land preservation over “development,” the worst euphemism going. Children over cashola. All this in state too often mocked for its political leanings.

You’ve really got to read the whole article to see the spirit of these fantastic folks.

To me, the most important part of the article is the way it draws attention to the benefits of animals in the lives of the disabled. A recent article by Gene Marrano of Main Street Newspapers discusses Didlake Inc., a company that actively employs folks with disabilities and helps these same people get training, education, and jobs. The company will bring in animals, such as llamas, as part of therapy programs because, according to Monica Samms, an occupational therapist, “the gentle nature of llamas makes them less frightening to disabled adults (and others) and has helped empower them.”

And you thought llamas were just good for their humming, guard skills, and near-continuous ability to get preggers.