Remembering our furry companions:
Brownsburg alpaca farm hosts pet celebration of life
By Lindsay Doty
Lori Lovely, owner of Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch in Brownsburg, has had her share of animals and pets through the years. Of course, love also comes with loss.
Lovely said goodbye to several pets this year, including her beloved livestock guardian dog Maggie and her house dog, a German shepherd-Labrador retriever mix named Lola.
This beloved dog passed away on the alpaca farm this year. Owner Lori Lovely is hosting a memorial for all community members who lost pets in 2019. (Provided by Lori Lovely)
“It just ripped my heart out. Lola was my right hand, and Maggie was my heart,” she said, choking back tears. “I always like to commemorate life in some way by planting a tree or doing something, but I started seeing several of my friends post online that they had lost animals this year, too,” she said.
Seeing the heartfelt posts sparked an idea: to host a celebration of life animal memorial at the farm for community members who lost pets in 2019.
“When you lose a human family member, it is such a public thing. There are funerals and an obituary, but losing an animal, it’s a private thing,” said Lovely. “People need to grieve. They (pets) are important in our lives and often equally as important as people.”
During the first-time event, visitors will get a heart-shaped notepad to write a message about their pet to place into a small bonfire.
The group will read the Rainbow Bridge poem exchange pet memories.
“I thought it would be nice to give that closure and give everyone an occasion to get together,” she said.
Montrose Farms has also added more community events to the calendar this past year, including yoga, wine tastings and fiber-dying classes.
Lovely and her late husband Chris purchased the 10-acre farm and historic 1876 farmhouse in 2007 and renovated it. Since his death, Lovely has cared for about 30 alpacas on her own. She also sells soft alpaca fleece in the form of blankets, socks, teddy bears and dryer balls.
While the pet memorial has a somber theme, she hopes it will leave people feeling good about their loved animals.
“Come honor your special animal with us as we remember the joy they brought to our lives and the legacy they leave behind.”
Hot cider and tissues will be provided.
Celebration of Life: Animal Memorial
5- 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28,
Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch, 3750 N County Road 950 E, Brownsburg.
Cost: $5
Register on Montrose Farms Eventbrite link.
https://facebook.com/events/2418341195091811/?ti=icl