Last weekend we attended a fundraiser for W.O.L.F., a sanctuary for wolves and wolf-dog mixes in the mountains about two hours away. The remarkable executive director, Shelley Coldiron, and her impressive staff explained the organization’s mission – rescue, sanctuary, and education – and gave us some insights into what W.O.L.F. does.
Approximately 100,000 – 200,000 wolf-dog mixes are bred in this country. When these animals reach adulthood, they are no longer suitable household pets. Almost all are eventually abandoned or euthanized. So one important mission is informing the public that breeding wolves and dogs is a very bad idea.
The sanctuary has room for 30 animals. Some are brought to W.O.L.F.; others are rescued by staff members who sometimes travel long distances to locate an animal.
Wolves and wolf-dogs are fed dry dog food with a fresh meat supplement every 2 – 3 days. Local supermarkets often donate meat, i.e. the wolves are not sent out to find their own.
We learned from Shelley that wolves, unlike dogs – surprise! – are not motivated to please humans. That does not mean they are vicious: Shelley has never experienced or heard of a wolf attack on a human.
Another principal goal is educating people about wolves. Well-trained and informed staff members take “ambassadors” to local schools. Children can see a wolf first-hand and hear about their lives and behavior. Travel is limited to an hour’s drive from the sanctuary; longer is too hard on the animal.
At dinner we met and petted a rescued wolf-dog puppy named Mona. I learned that wolves are naturally house-broken. That’s a good thing, since I can’t imagine how you would train a wolf. (No, no, we don’t do that…”) Mona may in time become a companion animal; but, if not, she has a home at the sanctuary for life.
What I saw and heard from director, staff, volunteers, and philanthropic supporters was an untiring devotion to the cause of wolf and wolf-dog rescue; a solid foundation of training, knowledge, and information; and a deep love and respect for the animals. Rescue and be rescued. Amen.
Sweet Planet Poems 
It’s true, Bluebee. Spending time with the wolves AND the people who care for them is very special. Their love, respect, and knowledge are impressive. Some are zoologists, some biologists, some just like being around wolves. All appreciate their essential wildness; yet these animals could not survive in the wild.
The W.O.L.F. volunteers show true benevolence in looking after these animals. The stories are heartbreaking.
Thank you, dear Andro. I’ll be back more.
I hope that you are very well and are enjoying a
fine week Monica 🙂 I have missed you my great friend 🙂
Andro xxxx
It is comforting, dear Andro. Thank you for your kind wishes.
She is lovely Monica 🙂
It is comforting knowing that
she has a home for life 🙂
Have a sweet weekend my great friend 🙂
Andro xxx
That lovely Bess — much missed.
Pen, that is just wonderful. I’m delighted, and I’m sure they are, too. Thank you.
many thanks for all your comments, lovely friend, I’ll be answering later today or tomorrow morning, .. It wasn’t ‘tl I saw them all after clicking on the lit up ‘yellow indicator thingy’ on the top black strip.. that I realised how many I’d posted… Wowwee, 😉 … ‘n Bess’s Anniversary gave me a jolt in that it still amazes how long it’s been, a hole in my life, but one which is filled with sweet memories… xxxxx,
I’ve put a link to W.O.L.F. on my site Monica, and using my Sis’s Paypal account I’ve donated too. .. (she did agree …. 😉 ) … I just feel if you don’t do anything, then it’s much like an uncaring shrug… and I can’t do that…. 🙂 hugs aplenty …. xPenx
Oh dear Laz, Thank you for visiting and commenting. I miss your blog and need to spend much more time with your wonderful poems.
Thank you, Monica
Amen
Yes, dear Pen, does the heart good to hear about and see such devotion. I hope to be able to be part of it. Different from working to protect wild wolves, but similar in the sense of educating people out of and around those dangerous myths.
Amen to that Monica, .. Rescue, Sanctuary and Education, definitely the right road to travel..And viewing the above photo’s of the gorgeous Mona, my heart simply melted…Good to read that she’s ok and has a future… It’s a heartening project my friend, and a much needed one.. hugs aplenty … xPenx