Sheriff is our 20+ year-old majestic llama, guardian of our Big Pasture, and longtime enforcer of a very firm three-foot personal bubble.

But this year, life has changed quite a bit for our Sheriff.  In March, Sheriff developed an ulcer in his left eye. Dr. Elizabeth performed a procedure that temporarily stitched his third eyelid closed, protecting the eye and allowing it to heal.

Then, in August, Sheriff developed an ulcer in his right eye and underwent the same procedure. That’s when we realized something we hadn’t known: Sheriff had completely lost his sight in his left eye.

The stitches have now been removed from his right eye, and thankfully, he does have some vision there. The difference was immediate—he was less confused, stopped bumping into things, and began navigating his world with more confidence again.  We even ordered him a service vest so our guests know to give him space.

But our old guy is now at least 75% blind.

So we’re learning right alongside him. We’re watching how he navigates his pasture, making adjustments to keep his world safe and familiar, and figuring out what this next chapter looks like for a very independent senior llama who has spent his life keeping an eye on everyone else.

Now it’s our turn to keep an eye on him.

Help Us Care for Sheriff

Sheriff’s recent eye procedures, follow-up care, and his changing needs are all part of the promise we made when he came to SAS: he is home, for life.

If Sheriff’s story speaks to you, please consider making a donation in his honor. Your gift helps us provide the veterinary care, medications, daily monitoring, pasture modifications, and everything else he may need as he learns to navigate his world with limited vision.

And if a donation isn’t possible, you can still help. Share Sheriff’s story, come visit our handsome old guy, and help us introduce more people to what lifelong sanctuary care really means.

Sheriff has spent years watching over his herd. We’re going to make sure he knows we’ve got him, too.