baby alpaca at sunset — RBG Ruthie with her dam, Demi.

I always try to select a name that has meaning. Often times it reflects the dam or sires name, or another ancestor in their lineage. And with such a remarkable start like this, I wanted a name that helps tell her unique, uncommon and harrowing arrival.

In reflecting on the events of her birthday, I noticed a common thread.

From the moment I stood in the pasture watching Demi struggle, my heart was sick with the realization her needs were beyond my skill set, I phoned the vet and heard Rhonda’s calming voice telling me, if I could bring her in, she would be seen immediately.

Second contact was to Sara and Leah, two of my best girlfriends, who dropped everything to come out to the farm and help hoist her into the van.

Arriving at the clinic, Elly, the sweetest vet tech, helped me unload Demi. Once in their barn, Jody, another familiar and capable vet tech joined the effort. She was followed by the cheerful confidence of Dr. Danielle Carey, immediately putting me at ease.

Prepping for surgery brought the arrival of Dori, who helped us all keep Demi comfortable. With the c-section underway, Dr. Carey called for Linda, who helped extract the tangled baby and announced “it’s a girl!”

As the joy washed over me, not only over the successful surgery, but the arrival of a new girl, I looked around at the barn full of women who came together in such an astounding and collaborative way.

I knew right there, this cria needed a strong female name. And these last few days, with the continued help of girlfriends near and far, we tossed around Greek goddesses, good old fashioned names from yesteryear, and historical women from around the world.

Leah & Sara exclaimed nearly in unison “RBG!” ...after Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Supreme Court Justice, a strong leader of women’s rights...educated and tough.

An unafraid lady who faces the challenge head-on, unapologetically herself in every way. Baby Ruth?! Oh, yes!

As I drove back to the clinic to get more pain meds for Demi, I pondered... R.B.G...and it came almost immediately.

Raised By Girls. RBG “Ruthie”, welcome to the herd!