Rocky eagerly approaches the Kerens Care Center, pulling a cart driven by Nancy Conner and Jimmie Spencer. Daily Sun photo/MICAH CHAPLIN

(Reprinted from Daily Sun - 12-22-03)

KERENS -- His full name is Rocky Road, but his friends just call him Rocky.

On Saturday, Rocky made some new friends at the Kerens Care Center, as he strolled up to the front of the building. Rocky was in the holiday spirit, decked out in the reds and greens of the season and pulling a cart decorated with garland and lights.

"Santa couldn't make it today, so he sent Mrs. Claus," said Jimmie Spencer, Rocky's owner.

Spencer's aunt, Nancy Conner played the role of Mrs. Claus, riding in the decorated cart, wearing a Santa hat and bearing gift bags put together by herself and Cecil Ann Spencer.

"And the reindeer are busy with another trip, so they sent the llama," Jimmie continued, gesturing to Rocky.

After Spencer told them a little bit about llamas, and specifically Rocky, the residents joined in on a round of "Jingle Bells." This version was customized, of course, eliminating the horse element and ending with "one llama open sleigh."

Jimmie and Cecil Ann began their llama ownership about three years ago after a trip to the Dallas Fair. They were walking around and saw llama breeders preparing for a show. After learning about llamas, Cecil Ann decided she had to have one.

"I went home that day and searched the Internet and found a breeder in Fredericksburg," Cecil Ann said.

A call to that breeder brought home four registered llamas. Since then, their collection has grown to nine, and they are expecting two baby llamas in the spring.

"Llamas are from the camel family. They are pack animals and can be used as guard animals," Jimmie said. "Spending time with them is a great way to relieve stress after work."

Both of the Spencers work at the Navarro County Sheriff's office.

Rocky is 3, and the Spencers have had him since he was just six months old. He is clearly their pride and joy.

In late November, the Spencers took Rocky to Georgia to study with Ron Shinnick, a specialist in training llamas to pull carts. Even with the number of llamas he sees, Shinnick admitted to the Spencers what they already knew -- Rocky is a special llama.

"The instructor was amazed at how quickly Rocky caught on," Jimmie said. "Not all llamas are suited to pull a cart. They have to have a low-key personality and a gentle nature. Rocky is all of that."

There are just 200 llamas in the United States that are trained to pull a cart. Now, Rocky has joined that elite number.

Rocky's debut venture was the Christmas parade on Dec. 6. The Spencers were curious about how Rocky would behave with the crowd and the different environment, and he surprised him.

"He did even better than we thought he would," Cecil Ann said. "Especially for his first time out."

The residents at Kerens Care Center adored Rocky and each took a turn petting him.

"He did good again today," Jimmie said. "I wasn't sure how he'd be around so many people, but he did fine."

The Spencers hope it will be just another of many ventures for Rocky as they enjoy sharing the gentle animals with the community, particularly with children.

"It's a great feeling to see a small child's face light up when he sees the llama," Jimmie said.

Micah Chaplin may be contacted via e-mail at mchaplin@corsicanadailysun.com