“The story just presented itself, and needed to be told,” said Miller.
The Millers have a farm, ”Purty Lil’ Suri Alpaca Farm LLC” near the Clark-Montgomery County line and sell alpaca products at the New Carlisle Farmers Market and other markets. Their six alpacas are the rare type of alpacas called Suri. According to Miller, there are only 7,000 Suris in the U.S.
The children’s picture book, “Saving Gideon, An Alpaca Story,” tells the story of Gideon the alpaca and his difficult entrance into the world.
According to Miller, Gideon had hypothermia, didn’t walk within the first six hours and could not take nourishment from his mother. All indications were that Gideon might not survive his first night, until faith and prayer turned it all around.
Miller relates Gideon’s story from the mother alpaca’s viewpoint. The baby alpaca’s first hours of life and the miraculous results of prayers are wonderfully illustrated by Janelle Vargo, a teacher in the Northridge school district.
Miller met Vargo at a Huber Heights Farmer’s Market and was “taken by her work.” The author and illustrator worked closely together and referred to photos taken the actual night that Gideon fought to stay alive.
“Saving Gideon” was published in November and is available at Faith Christian Bookstore in Fairborn and at the gift shop at the Purdy Lil Suri Alpaca Farm, where yarns, stuffed animals and other alpaca products are sold. The gift shop is open by arrangement by calling 937-233-3509.
The farm has a Facebook page “Purty Lil’ Suri Alpaca Farm LLC.” The farm is a member of the Western Clark County Business Coalition.
Those interested in visiting the farm at 9454 Taylorsville Rd. and purchasing a book may also call 937-233-3509 to arrange a visit.
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