AUBURN, Wash. — The quickest way to a llama's heart is through carrots. That's just one of the things you learn when you visit Green Apple Alpacas in Auburn, a farm Kandi Dodrill started with her husband Mark five years ago.
"We love having visitors," Dodrill said. "We love sharing the animals with people. We're both lifelong learners and we love when we can share our dream with so many people."
These lifelong learners have figured out a few things about alpacas and llamas over the years.
"We've learned that they have very distinct personalities and that they're just fun to be around," Dodrill said. "People always think that alpacas and llamas are going to spit on you. They don't spit on you unless you're doing something to them. They're usually just spitting on each other."
"That's just how they communicate?" we asked. "That's the language of love here?"
"Yes," Dodrill laughed.
The farm is also home to a variety of birds. Some ducks. Some noisy geese and a few retired show chickens from one of the Dodrill daughter's 4-H projects.
"We've had so many positive reactions from so many people," Dodrill said. "We've had a lot of repeat visitors. We've had people ask if they can spend a day working on the farm."
The Dodrills received a grant during COVID to help boost agricultural tourism. They used the money to build a farm store where they sell alpaca-themed gifts like socks and yarn. Dodrill also teaches classes on soap making and wool painting.
In the back meadow, a shake of a big animal crackers jar brings sheep and goats trotting from below. The male alpacas also live here. At Green Apple Alpacas, you'll find plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
"This is a dream my husband and I had together," Dodrill said. "We get to work on this dream together and we love that we get to share it with so many people. It's a very happy life."
Green Apple Alpacas is located at 38609 200th Ave SE, Auburn, WA 98092. They're open to visitors seven days a week. There's a link online to set up a basic tour.
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