Periodically Saint Mary’s College offers some type of “pet” therapy for students to get up-close and personal exposure with a people-friendly animal.  In the past, dogs/puppies, bunnies, and even a horse were on hand to inject a little well-being and joy into the daily college grind.  On March 20, three llamas – Yachai (8), Munay (8), and Sami (7) – stood or sat docilely while students gently brushed their fleece.

    SMC Office Manager at Counseling and Psychological Services Heidi Tend explained, “We like to coordinate stress relief programs for the students.  We try to add different animals to our events.  The students really love it.”

    While identifying this reporter’s affiliation with Lamorinda Weekly, the llamas’ owner mistakenly asked, “There’s a newspaper called Llama Weekly?”  Apparently, I need to work on my enunciation skills.