Those wanting to get up close and personal with some of the country’s most unique farm animals will be in luck this weekend, as Dowagiac’s Alpacas of Chambana will host its annual farm days Saturday and Sunday.

The public is invited to stop by the farm, at 32488 Peavine St. in Pokagon Township, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. People will have a chance to meet the farm owners, Ruth and Chris Szakaly, and their animals, and to learn more about alpacas and their unique, hypoallergenic fleece that is used to create a variety of clothing, blankets, stuffed animals and other products.

Alpacas of Chambana will be one of many alpaca farms across the United States and Canada hosting open houses this weekend, in conjunction with the Alpaca Owners Association’s National Alpaca Farm Days event. This year will mark the third time the Dowagiac farm has participated in the event, which takes place every year in late September.

The Szakaly family opened their farm in late 2014 after moving to the area from California. The couple began raising alpacas in 2012 after they hopped off the “corporate treadmill” in order to transition to a slower, more relaxed lifestyle.

The fact that the fuzzy, gentle animals — a relative of camels and llamas — are “just so darn cute,” as Ruth describes them, may have also played a role in their decision, she said.

“Everyone said that when you buy alpacas, you are buying a lifestyle, and that is absolutely correct,” Ruth said. “They’re like big dogs. You have to take care of them every day.”

While they had to board their animals while still living on the West Coast, when the couple — who are originally from the South Bend area — decided to relocate to the Midwest in order to be closer to family, they looked for a farm that would allow them to raise their beloved alpacas on their property. A former horse ranch on Peavine Street turned out to be a perfect match, Ruth said.

Originally starting off with four animals, the alpaca farm now has 11 alpacas roaming the property, including two babies, known as crias, who were born earlier this summer.

“It’s so much fun having two baby alpacas on the farm,” Ruth said. “They love to run and play — and the other animals to try and keep up with them.”

Ruth said they will name the young alpacas during the farm days this weekend.

In addition to raising their animals, the couple runs a boutique on their property that sells products made from alpaca fleece, which is very soft and breathes very easy, Ruth said. Among the most popular items sold at the farm are alpaca-fleece socks, which are used by everyone from big game hunters to skiers for warmth and protection, Ruth said.

“One customer came in [the shop] and told us, ‘I think I found my new addiction,’” Ruth said.

The store will be open throughout the weekend.

Alpacas of Chambana is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit the business’ website, alpacasofchambana.com.