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Who was it that said every journey begins with a single step? Mine began with a single visit several years ago when a pair of prospective buyers stopped by Silver Moon Llamas. They were hardly on the grounds for more than a few moments when they spotted our suri llama herd, and from that moment they wanted to discuss nothing but suris.
It soon became apparent our visitors were sophisticated and had spent many years gaining knowledge in genetics as they developed breeds in other species. Their new focus was llamas, and as we became closer, they were candid in discussing their concerns about building a llama herd. Because I had bred, raised and shown purebred dogs before discovering llamas 20 years ago, we quickly reached agreement about the importance of breed standards.
Through their long applied experience in genetics our new friends had learned the value of consistency in any worthy breeding program. But, while visiting llama farms they discovered that "purebred" llamas weren't even on the radar screens.
That visit was a first step that put us on the road to what today has become the Suri Llama Association (SLA). But the real dream began to form when a few like-minded suri llama breeders gathered from all points on the compass to explore the "breed association idea." It was immediately evident that the idea was comprised of a few critically fundamental concepts: breed identity, the desire for steadily increasing breeding predictability, and movement beyond fad status.
Before we knew it, the agreement to think and act positively and creatively became a rallying cry and a challenge, all rolled into one. The exploration suddenly had turned into defining our territory and originating a plan of action. Enthusiasm reached a flashpoint, and not ice, blizzards or sub-zero temperatures could stand in the way. In January, 2003, in snowbound Minneapolis, the Suri Llama Association was born.
The pioneering SLA represents more than simply "a new way of doing business." The driving force from the outset has been to move into the future with integrity, diligence and openness while relying on objective, time-tested principles and practices of establishing breed status.
In short, we see the rich possibilities of opening a new era in llama breeding with a new breed identity fully secured on the foundation of a definitive suri llama breed standard.
Since that founding year, the dream has become realized in our strong, active association, the independent SLA Registry, several keurings completed and more scheduled, certificates presented, awards given, a national conference, and the Suri Llama magazine.
The SLA, in fact, is a dream that is quintessentially American: positive, committed, and driven by a belief that there are still new and exciting achievements ahead with unknown territory to explore and turn to good purpose. The groundwork has been firmly laid. The plan to further the vision is unfolding. We welcome you to continue the adventure!
Victoria Miller, President
Suri Llama Association & Registry
I wish to give special thanks to Jim Carter, Cheryl Frey, Dan Powell and Linda Berry Walker for your dedication, creative energy and willingness to suspend judgment, stay positive, and forge into unknown territory over the last three years.
Also, thank you to Mark Brant, Jen Clark, Todd Frey, Kris Gausman, Alan Jenkins, Wayne Johnson, Wendell Miller, Tom Riley, Toni Skousen, Stacie Shifflett, Elena Stamberg, Andy Tillman, Joe Yarbrough and each SLA Certified Keuring Inspector. Your commitment of time and energy to SLA place you in a class by yourselves.
What started out as a dream has quickly developed into a full-time job not for the faint of heart, but it is a testament to suri llamas that our shared passion has kept us moving together in the same direction no matter what! Thank you again! vm
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