Dogs may be man's best friend, but llamas are clearly gunning for second place, at least with therapists. The camel-like creatures, who normally call the mountains of South America home, have suddenly become a popular remedy for combating stress and behavioral problems.

In Rupert, Idaho, a pilot project uses llamas to teach teen offenders to develop affection and concern for other creatures. Meanwhile, in White Rock, British Columbia, the Llama Therapeutic Group offers stress management sessions and plans to set up corporate accounts.

Then there's psychotherapist George Appenzeller, Ph.D., who in 1989 incorporated the mammals into his South Carolina practice to treat abused and neglected children, including those with attention deficit disorder. His program includes wilderness excursions in which each kid grooms, feeds, and hikes with a llama companion. Why llamas and not, say, wildebeests? "Llamas are very calm and accepting," says Appenzeller. "They stick together and take care of each other without giving up their individuality, so you could say they're good role models." And, he adds, they're well-mannered: "You have to push a llama pretty far before he'll spit on you."

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