The animal of the day is... LLAMAS!

Perry, OH (AP) -- A northeast Ohio farmer who died of cancer has been laid to rest with the help of some of the llamas he raised on his farm. Two of Terry McCrone's llamas made up an honor guard at his funeral Friday at Perry Christian Church. Four others from a statewide drill team joined them, wearing purple ribbons as they lined up outside the church. The llamas also escorted a hearse to Perry Cemetery. The 61-year-old McCrone died Feb. 7. The Rev. Bob Ladygo of Bible Baptist Church says McCrone's llamas would visit him at his window after he became sick. The ribbons the llamas wore were given to McCrone's wife and daughter."

Go llamas.

This is a very inspiring story I must admit. It is not too far off from my dream of owning my own llama or alpaca farm like from I love alpacas

So majestic yet so wicked awesome.

here are five reasons to own llamas and/or alpacas:

1. Free clothes - Although coarser and heavier than alpaca fiber, there is a market for the fleece of both. Llama fleece is lightweight and warm and has little lanolin which means that it barely shrinks and is more hypoallergenic than sheep wool.

Think of all the money you'll save!

2.Brains as well as beauty - These animals are intelligent and easy to train. In just a few repetitions they pick up and retain many behaviors such as being led, loading in and out of a vehicle, pulling a cart/carrying a pack, practicing kung-fu, being ridden by children, rebuilding a 1967 mustang, or even go to trade shows.

Go llama!

3. The more the merrier - These cuddly creatures can live 3-4 on a single acre and require the same amount of food as a deer. Sociable and shy until they've had time to loosen up, they are the perfect party animal.

Sup dude, we brought brewskies!

4. homeland security - llamas are cheaper to maintain, larger and more intimidating to smaller animals, and they spit when they feel threatened.

LLAMAS! ATTACK!

5. more huggable than a teddy bear - I mean come on, how can you say no to this face

Don't make llama cry :(

but don't get mixed up with jello llamas either...

More llama/alpaca information:
ok state llama
fun facts