BIRCH HILL - Janet Ogilvie of Hamilton, Ont. never imagined in her wildest dreams that she would someday be farming 50 alpacas in rural P.E.I.
"This was never ever in my someday," Ogilvie said, as she walked across her 11-acre farm in Birch Hill.
Ogilvie's life was turned upside down when her oldest daughter passed away. After two of the most difficult years of her life, Ogilvie attempted to return to work.
"I couldn't do it, I simply couldn't do it," she explained with teary eyes.
Ogilvie knew she needed a fresh start, but didn't know where to turn until she met a man who vacationed on P.E.I.
"The way he spoke about the Island sounded like exactly what I was looking for," she said. "I sighed and thought that's how I want to live."
As a registered veterinary technician, Ogilvie always had affection for animals. Moving to P.E.I. was her opportunity to reconnect herself with her passion.
Ogilvie's determination to make the best of life and her courage to undertake challenges make her an inspiring role model.
She said taking a chance at owning her own alpaca farm was not worrisome to her.
"I thought to myself 'what's the worst thing that could happen?'" I've already been through the worst."
It has been nine months since she moved to the Island and she has accomplished what she set out to do and more. Ogilvie is now the proud owner of 50 alpacas, two llamas, an angora goat, a pot-bellied pig and one dog. She has come along way from the city.
"Things have really just fallen into place," said Ogilvie. "It was an extremely difficult journey, but I am happy to be where I am now."
Ogilvie now makes a living as an alpaca breeder and retailer for alpaca apparel.
She is inviting everyone to her farm, Green Gables Alpacas, this weekend for her grand opening and open house in conjunction with National Alpaca Farm Days. Ogilvie will conduct tours of her farm, people can visit and get photos with the animals, shop in a boutique filled with alpaca treasures and there will be spinning, weaving and hat making demonstrations along with a barbecue. Everyone is welcome between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
The farm can be found at 5627 Route 12 in Birch Hill.
