Most families have normal pets like cats, dogs, and maybe the occasional guinea pig.
Some people even branch out further with ferrets — like these two who are having the time of their lives in a box of packing peanuts!
Anything bigger or more exotic than that, however, and many people start to get a little nervous, which gives me that much more respect for the parents of this Australian teen.
Knowing that her son Matt was obsessed with alpacas, Somerset Park resident Grace decided to make his wildest dreams come true: She bought him one for Christmas!
Now named Chewy, the young male alpaca has become quite the celebrity in his suburban neighborhood. He attracts a crowd wherever he goes, and even has his own flourishing Instagram account!
If you love alpacas and dream of keeping one for your very own pet, prepare to be very jealous. Scroll through below to learn more about Chewy and the family who loves to take him on all kinds of adventures.
[H/T: AdelaideNow]
Meet Chewy, full name: Chew-Paca (get it?).
This is a picture of him shortly after he was purchased from Ambersun Alpacas in Mt. Compass as a Christmas present for Matt, then only 13 years old.
You might be surprised to know this, but Matt's parents actually saved Chewy's life.
AdelaideNow reports that "male alpacas are sold as guards for sheep or goats, but if no one buys them by the time they are two years old, they are killed for meat."
Luckily, Chewy found his way to a loving home instead.
Most of the time Chewy can be found doing normal, everyday alpaca stuff, like snoozing in the sun and munching on hay… or sometimes the occasional piece of patio furniture.
Other days are much more exciting — like when he gets to go for rides in the car with this family!
Hopefully someone remembered to put a blanket down on the seat first.
Chewy also loves it when Matt takes him for a jog alongside his skateboard.
It's hard to know if Matt is walking Chewy, or if it is the other way around!
Matt also says Chewy loves rolling in the sand and wading in the sea.
"He tries to drink the water sometimes — he watches the waves come over him," he told AdelaideNow.
Chewy is a major hit with the neighborhood kids, who love to come and feed him treats.
The family says Chewy is much easier to look after than a dog, but is not quite as affectionate — he spits smelly saliva at people who surprise or annoy him.
But when he's with his family, Chewy is nothing but a little love bug.
Follow along with more of Chewy's adventures on Instagram.
Have you ever had a pet that was out of the ordinary? Tell us about it in the comments.
Please SHARE with the alpaca-lovers in your life!
