AlpacaGram 12.41 | Cheryl Gehly Retirement Announcement

Cheryl Gehly Retirement Announcement

After much thought and review of her life responsibilities, Cheryl Gehly has decided to retire from the alpaca industry. Cheryl has served the industry with immense dedication, boundless energy, and a deep love for fleece. We will certainly miss her commitment and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Cheryl became an Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) Certified Fleece Judge in 2002, judging fleece shows and teaching seminars across North America and Europe. In addition to judging fleece shows, Cheryl has shared her knowledge with judges and apprentices as an Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) Certified Instructor at Judge Training and Certification Committee (JTCC) sponsored Judge Training Clinics, as well as being a Senior AOA Fleece Judge and an AOA Certified Fleece Judge Trainer.

Cheryl has dedicated countless hours volunteering with AOA. She has been a member and chairperson of both the JTCC and the AOA Judge Advisory Committee. Additionally, she has served as the fleece judge liaison to the Show Rules Committee and as a fleece show superintendent. It's truly safe to say that Cheryl has checked every box when it comes to anything fleece-related.

A message from Cheryl,

Wow!! What an amazing ride!!! The alpaca industry claimed my heart in 1997 and the transformation of my life has been profound. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Every seminar, every herd evaluation, every clinic, every colleague, every breeding discussion, every shearing opportunity, every show ring, every judging assignment, every person who has come and gone; you built my career, you helped me dive deep to learn every way and every day. The realm of alpaca fleece characteristics drove my enthusiasm in ways I never dreamed possible. I remember you even if you doubt it because our interaction was for just an instant. But as I continue to reflect on our time together, I see you and thank you for caring enough to share a part of your world with me!! The fleeces I have seen and touched would number in tens of thousands and that's just a quick blink. You brought them to me because we cared deeply and strove to learn more together. And your alpacas, my goodness, the love I have felt is beyond words and the images I have of your herd flood my senses. Please carry on!!!! The spirit of these animals is ancient and wise and will continue to teach us, if we but listen.