'Therapy Llamas' Delight Pleasanton High School Students

PLEASANTON, CA — Hundreds of high school students in Pleasanton spent much of their Tuesday harnessing the power of “llama energy.” The Foothill High School Leadership class arranged to have four therapy llamas visit the campus to celebrate “Love Week.”

George Caldwell, owner of Llamas of Circle Home in Sonora, brought the soft, sweet creatures to spend the day visiting students and staff. It is something he has been doing for over three decades, Caldwell said.

The Ohio native owns 31 of the animals — officially known as South American camelids — and said the most common thing he hears from students who spend time with them is that “it was the best day ever.”

Caldwell said those who meet the domesticated creatures light up with a smile and leave with an entirely different outlook thanks to the power of “llama energy.”

“They are so easy to love,” Caldwell told Patch.

Caldwell believes the animals, who are docile and non-threatening, have the potential to help those suffering from certain mental health issues and can reduce stress. In the past, he has been asked to bring the llamas to visit Bay Area university students to help them de-stress during finals. He refers to their magic as “llama medicine.”

“The llamas were dreamed into existence by the ancient Andean people to communicate at the soul level as our speechless brothers,” Caldwell said.

Foothill students clearly felt the power of the “llama energy” as they eagerly took turns petting, hugging and talking to the animals throughout the day.

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Photos courtesy Autumn Johnson/ Patch