| Michigan reindeer always a big draw at holiday events |
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<b>By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN<br>
Michigan Correspondent</b> </p><p>
CLARE, Mich. – You know Dancer and Dasher and Prancer and Vixen, but do you know Blizzard and Daisy and Goose and Noel?
They may not be household names like Santa’s reindeer, but they are a popular attraction for Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farms in Clare.</p><p>
Dave Aldrich and his sons have raised reindeer on their Isabella County farm for 17 years. It started as a hobby, but now they make nearly 100 appearances each holiday season throughout Michigan and turn down about 100 other requests.</p><p>
“It’s a busy time for us,” Aldrich said. “It’s pretty much done in a seven-week period, but we enjoy it.”</p><p>
On the busiest days the family fans out to up to eight locations across the state.</p><p>
Aldrich started out raising fallow and sika – European and Asian deer – as a hobby. He eventually purchased a pair of reindeer from Alaska.</p><p>
“The reason we got reindeer is they’re very smart animals,” Aldrich said. “They can be taught things like horses. They learn their names and respond to voice commands.”</p><p>
Their intelligence and friendly behavior make them a natural for public appearances.</p><p>
“We started getting calls from businesses and such asking us if we could bring them to their locations for visits,” Aldrich said. “We used to have visitors to the farm, but that got to be too much. Then we started taking them out for appearances.”</p><p>
That was the start of the family’s business “and it has kind of blossomed from there,” Aldrich said.</p><p>
For about seven weeks during the holiday season, the Aldrich family hits the road, many days, making multiple appearances. Their reindeer are popular attractions at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids and Greenfield Village in Dearborn where they appear several times between Thanksgiving and Christmas. </p><p>
They also appear in Christmas parades, at malls, libraries, schools and other special events throughout the state.</p><p>
“They behave just like a well-trained dog would,” Aldrich said.
Aldrich starts the training process with his reindeer shortly after birth.</p><p>
Reindeer babies – or calves – are born in the spring.</p><p>
“I’m there at birth and spend the first hour with them,” Aldrich said. “They bond with humans right off the bat. I spend a lot of time playing with their feet, nose – desensitizing them. They have to be ready for all kinds of situations – dogs, traffic, fire engines.”</p><p>
The training process continues daily. Aldrich eventually takes them for walks near his home in Vernon Township, then harness-trains the young animals.</p><p>
“It’s something they never forget,” he said. </p><p>
Aldrich said that while the holiday season is busy, he and his family enjoy all of the people at various events.</p><p>
“People remember us,” Aldrich said. “They come back year after year. They remember the reindeer names. They remember that apples are a favorite treat for reindeer.”</p><p>
In addition to Michigan visits, the Aldrich family receives requests from out-of-state interests, too. But, due to animal health regulations, the reindeer cannot be transported outside of Michigan.</p><p>
“We get calls all the time from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky,” Aldrich said. “It could be a good opportunity for other people to get involved with.”</p><p>
As for this holiday season, the Aldrich family is winding down with their appearances. They have a full slate until Christmas, but look forward to spending the holiday at home.</p><p>
Plus, they’re still looking for a name for one of their calves. If you want to send Santa a suggestion, visit the farm’s website at http://rooftopreindeer.com/ and enter your suggestion. The winning name will be posted to the website on Christmas morning. |
| 12/18/2007 |
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