A disabled woman has contacted the Dumfries and Galloway Standard to offer a huge “thank you” to a Dumfriesshire business which has a special place in her heart.
Margaret Wood, who lives in Wigan, felt compelled to get in touch after reading the recent stories about Debbie Maxwell and her Nith Valley Alpacas at Keir Mill near Penpont.
Animal-lover Debbie is an expert on the shy but friendly native South American animals and she is never happier than when she is sharing her enthusiasm for her nine male alpacas with others.
She offers the opportunity for groups or individuals to get out and about in stunning countryside, leading her alpacas on treks and learning all about them in theprocess.
Debbie struggled through lockdown when her treks were shut down and took on a job with Crossroads Care to help with feeding and maintenance bills for Inca, Manny, Mars, Blue, Kai, Wee Bear, Kaspar, Finlay and Buddy.
She also embarked on a Greek mercy mission – in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic – to get a “street dog” called Keira to safety and a new forever home on the Capenoch Estate at the edge of the village.
Sharing a treasured picture of herself giving alpaca Buddy a piece of apple, Margaret says she couldn’t resist voicing her support for Debbie and her alpacas.
She said: “I am a wheelchair user and during the last two years have been to see Debbie and the boys at Nith Valley Alpacas.
“Each time I have been greeted like an old friend.
“I am unable to do the trekking but have done the meet and greet twice and have had the time of my life. It is the best thing I have ever done.”
“I dare anyone not to go and visit and not leave with a huge smile on their faces.”
