Alpacas are relatively simple to care for, Clark said, noting he tries to follow the same daily routine so the alpacas feel more comfortable. Each morning he goes to the barn at 8 a.m. and gives the alpacas hay and pellets. While they're eating, Clark begins taking care of the rabbits. He also tends to the chickens they keep for parasite control.

While all of this is happening, Janet comes to the barn to finish caring for the rabbits and to sweep the barn clean. At certain times of the year, Clark adds electrolytes to the animals' water.

"Whenever we have temperature extremes and the animals might be stressed because of heat or cold, we add electrolytes to their water," he said. "This time of year is the hardest time for alpacas and angoras because of the heat."

Alta Mist Alpacas is set up to cater to first-time alpaca buyers, as a source of information to instruct new owners in how to care for their animals, what to feed them and what they should know once they have the animals, Clark said.

Some alpaca owners like to take their animals to halter shows, where they show the animal itself. Clark and Janet participate in local halter shows but don't travel long distances in order to do so. However, they do attend three or four fleece shows a year.

The Otternesses are enjoying the opportunity to involve their grandchildren in the farm.

"Our grandchildren come down and help with the chores a couple times a week," Janet said. "They have breakfast and go out to the barn to sweep and rake the hay and fill the water buckets. They have chores. Both (Clark and I) ... think it's a really good basis for kids to have that."

Alta Mist Alpacas is located at 13892 S. 7300 West in Herriman. Anyone interested in finding out more information can contact Janet and Clark at 801-572-9831 or otterness@altamistalpacas.com or visit their Web site, www.altamistalpacas.com.

One of the benefits to having their farm is the lifestyle that goes with it, Janet said.

"If I had a stressful day teaching, I would come home and all I had to do was walk in the barn, and it's just gone," she said. "A lot of the lessons I learned about ways to approach animals work well with students such as calmness and not reacting."

Clark agrees.

"I think just the contentment of being around the animals (is nice)," he said. "It's just very relaxing and peaceful."

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com