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The Birth of the Suri Llama Association
 By
Victoria Miller
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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