Tristen Brester, 6, leads the Rojo the therapy llama in the Junior Rose Parade in Portland on May 5, 2013. Rojo acted as the Grand Marshal for the parade. “It is a huge honor,” said Shannon Hendrickson, Rojo’s handler. Hendrickson has been raising him since he was 9 months old. Originally, Hendrickson and her mother, Lori Gregory, raised Rojo for a 4-H project, but for the last 6 years, Rojo has been a therapy llama. Rojo, now eleven, has made hundreds of visits to local children’s hospitals, senior communities, schools and to various facilities for children and adults with disabilities. This year is Rojo’s fifth appearance in the Junior Parade. “He just loves the attention,” said Hendrickson, “He really enjoys the parade.” This year will mark his 11th appearance in the Grand Floral Parade. (Brianna Loper/The Columbian)
Be First to Comment