Move Over Therapy Dogs—This Nurse Uses Alpacas to Heal Burnt-Out Nurses
Interview with Kelly Raines, RN, conducted firsthand by Brandy Pinkerton,RN, NORG Contributor and Writer
After a demanding day on the nursing frontlines, Kelly Raines, RN, doesn’t just head home to relax. Instead, she changes into ranch attire and joins her four alpacas at Raines Alpaca Ranch in Braceville Township, Ohio. Together with her husband Fred, a Warren police officer, Kelly has transformed their property into a sanctuary that blends her nursing expertise with the calming presence of animals—a unique model for combating caregiver burnout.
As the interviewer, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Kelly about her journey via email, the therapeutic impact of alpacas, and her vision for the ranch. Here’s what she shared:
Brandy Pinkerton (NORG): Kelly, you’re an ER nurse, but you’ve also created something truly unique with Raines Alpaca Ranch in Braceville Township, Ohio. What inspired you to start the ranch, and how has it evolved?
Kelly Raines: “Many years ago, while driving through the countryside, I was mesmerized by a group of adorable alpacas. Their curious gazes and gentle demeanor brought an instant smile to my face, igniting a spark of fascination in my heart. However, I quickly discovered that owning these enchanting creatures was a costly dream—one that seemed forever out of reach.
Fast forward through my life, where I navigated the challenges of becoming a nurse amidst my personal struggles, including the diagnosis of Sjögren’s and multiple connective tissue disease. I was determined to provide compassionate care to those facing similar hurdles, and now, as an ER nurse married to a dedicated police officer, I found fulfillment in helping others.
Yet, life’s demands weighed heavily on us, especially after selling a rental property that brought more stress than relief. Just when we needed a silver lining, we stumbled upon Pure Passions Farm in Kent, Ohio, where alpacas were available for sale. My conversation with the farm's owner, Scott, opened my eyes to the incredible therapeutic benefits of these animals—especially in nursing facilities.
With renewed hope and excitement, my husband and I made the leap to invest in our own alpacas. We envisioned not only bringing joy to our family but also sharing their healing presence with the community.
In December 2024, our dream came to life with the arrival of our lovely alpaca girls at Raines Alpaca Ranch. This past spring, my husband and I poured our hearts into creating housing for them, installing fencing, and ensuring our property was welcoming for visitors.
We took to Facebook, sharing the charm of our new furry friends with friends and family, and after the interview with WKBN News, our little ranch began to buzz with excitement as our visitor numbers slowly increase! What started as a dream has blossomed into an incredible journey, and we're thrilled to share it with everyone around us.”
Brandy: Many healthcare workers struggle with burnout. Have you seen an increase in visitors from caregiving professions like nursing?
Kelly: “Absolutely! We’ve been thrilled to welcome law enforcement officials and healthcare workers to our ranch. In fact, we are working with one visitor who works with children with special needs to come and interact with our beloved alpacas.
So far, our charming Cotton Cande is the only one who has made the journey to medical facilities, while our other three girls are still in their first year. We’re currently training them to feel at ease on a lead, as these gentle creatures prefer to travel in pairs. As they adapt to their training and become more comfortable with travel, I can hardly contain my excitement at the thought of bringing them into medical settings. I know firsthand the joy and therapeutic benefits these alpacas can bring to residents, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience that magic!”
Brandy: There’s something calming about being around animals—what kind of therapeutic or emotional response do you see in guests after interacting with the alpacas?
Kelly: “There's something truly magical about the way animals can soothe the soul. When guests engage with our gentle alpacas, the transformation is often striking and happens in an instant! One visitor shared their personal struggles, even bringing them to tears upon arrival. But after spending time with the alpacas, we witnessed a beautiful shift in their mood. It's incredible to see so many guests leave with smiles that radiate joy and a warm sense of tranquility. It's moments like these that highlight the powerful bond between humans and animals!”
Brandy: What do alpacas teach us about slowing down, being present, or finding peace?
Kelly: “There’s something undeniably enchanting about meeting an alpaca. Their soothing presence seems to wrap around you like a warm blanket, encouraging you to pause, breathe, and truly soak in the moment. It’s as if the world slows down and your heart rate gently eases in their company. Many visitors have shared how they could spend hours simply admiring these gentle creatures, captivated by their serene nature. This has become my aspiration for future visits. After the initial bonding session with the girls, I hope to inspire visitors to book another private appointment, creating a space where they can relax and enjoy the therapeutic magic of spending time with alpacas. It’s a beautiful opportunity to find peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.”
Brandy: Do you offer any special events, private visits, or partnerships specifically for healthcare workers or groups seeking wellness retreats?
Kelly: “We have a flexible booking system on our website that allows individuals and families to visit for a low cost of five dollars per person to interact with the alpacas. During the initial visit, we introduce guests to the alpacas, explain their behavior, and provide educational information with the hope that visitors will feel comfortable returning to simply enjoy time with the girls.
Additionally, the ranch offers options for booking small parties and private events on-site, or we can bring alpacas to locations within 30 miles. We are also in the process of arranging yoga and art sessions that incorporate the alpacas. As we grow, we aim to create partnerships with healthcare workers and organizations to facilitate regular visits, both at our ranch and within their facilities. We welcome suggestions from our community and are ready to accommodate their needs.”
Brandy: What’s one unexpected thing about alpacas that surprises most visitors?
Kelly:“One delightful surprise that catches many visitors off guard is just how interactive and friendly alpacas can be. Often compared to dogs in their sociability, these charming creatures seem to thrive on human companionship. It’s a joy to see them eagerly approach, revealing their playful personalities and love for interaction!”
Brandy: If you could say one thing to nurses who are feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained, what would it be?
Kelly:“If there's one message I want to share with nurses who are feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained, it's this: You cannot pour from an empty cup!
Every shift, I meet patients who become anxious to leave before they're truly ready, often because they're worried about what awaits them at home. I always remind them, ‘You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others!’ Ironically, this same wisdom applies to nurses. So often, we throw ourselves into caring for others, sometimes at the expense of our own physical and mental health. This selflessness, combined with the relentless demands of the profession, can lead to burnout that feels insurmountable.
To my fellow nurses who are feeling the weight of it all, I want to stress the vital importance of self-care. Make time for those relaxing and therapeutic activities that can help restore your energy and spirit.
On a personal note, it was our own battles with stress and burnout that inspired us to create the Raines Alpaca Ranch. Our mission is to offer a sanctuary for stress relief through the joy of interacting with these gentle animals. We are thrilled to share this unique experience with our colleagues—nurses, law enforcement, first responders, and the broader community—and we warmly invite you to come visit the alpacas! Together, let’s make self-care a priority and support one another on this journey!”
Brandy: How can people find you to make reservations?
Kelly: “Reservations can be made by visiting www.rainesalpacas.com and secure your visit with ease. You can also find our contact details on the website if you prefer to reach out directly. Plus, you can follow us on Facebook at Raines Alpaca Ranch and IG here for the latest updates on the girls!.”
Healing Together: The Science and Community Behind Animal Therapy for Nurses
By embracing animal-assisted therapy and creating welcoming spaces like Raines Alpaca Ranch, nurses are doing more than just caring for others—they’re also nurturing their own wellbeing. This self-care is essential for sustaining a healthy, resilient workforce, especially in a profession where burnout and emotional exhaustion are all too common. Spending time in nature with animals is far more than a feel-good activity; it’s scientifically proven to be therapeutic. Research shows that animal interactions can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and boost oxytocin and other “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, all of which help counteract the effects of chronic stress.
For nurses, who routinely operate in high-pressure environments, spaces like Raines Alpaca Ranch offer a much-needed break—an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience genuine moments of joy and relaxation. Animal therapy provides a unique form of emotional support, helping nurses process the emotional labor and trauma exposure that come with their work. It also fosters a sense of community and shared healing, as nurses come together to support each other outside the hospital walls.
What makes Kelly and Cory’s endeavor even more compelling is the blend of their professions—nursing and law enforcement. Both fields require tremendous emotional labor and often involve exposure to trauma, making their commitment to creating a joyful, healing community space especially meaningful. By offering a sanctuary where nurses and other caregivers can unwind and recharge, Raines Alpaca Ranch is helping to strengthen the support systems that are vital for the wellbeing of the entire nursing community.
Animal therapy is not just a personal retreat; it’s a powerful tool for building resilience, reducing burnout, and fostering a sense of connection among healthcare workers. For nurses, who are so often focused on caring for others, this kind of support is a vital reminder that taking care of themselves is just as important as caring for their patients.
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