Pet project a pet peeve for some

While the ranch is really just a personal hobby for the Bergmans, they have their fleece developed into material that makes soft, warm blankets, hats, sweaters and gloves. In association with a group of alpaca owners, they even sent alpaca socks to soldiers in Iraq, and have received great feedback.

"We want to get enough alpacas to get a fleece industry started in America," said Jill Bergman. "Right now it is just a cottage industry. But there are people talking now about really processing the fleece on a big scale."

In the meantime, Bergman will continue to attend shows across the country with her alpacas, including the National Alpaca Show, which will be in Sandy this May.

But most of all, Bergman is just happy to be at a time in her life where she can enjoy a hobby and friendship with the animals at her ranch.

"They all have names and they all have definite personalities," she said. "They are such sweet animals."

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E-mail: ethomas@desnews.com