Sister of the Wolves

The True Meaning...

2011-12-20T22:49:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

Hope all is well and you are all enjoying the Holiday season. I love this time of year - the decorations, the holiday specials (I've watched The Christmas Carol at least 5 times), the food and spending time with family. It's also a time that makes you reflect on the year and what the following 12 months will bring.

This past year the sanctuary has been busy with fundraisers, tours and meeting some wonderful people. The Wolves, Tazlina, Lomasi and Anoki, have been through some minor changes due to flooding in the pens but are adjusting and back to their normal "Wolf" behavior. Their coats are so full now and it's a hint that we are in for a very cold Winter.

The Wolves teach us many things...One thing is the True Meaning of family...

When the Wolves had to be separated due to flooding it was obvious that they were upset that they couldn't see each other. Their moods changed and repairing the pen was on top of our priority list. Once the pen was complete and Lomasi and Anoki were moved back in - they all had smiles! The family/pack was back together...

When I saw them this past weekend...their moods were normal and preparing for Winter as Wolves do. It was proof that being apart was difficult for them. They need to interact and communicate all the time...Howling, running and playing, even watching each other catch mice.

I'm blessed to have a loving family that lives nearby and a Wolf family that I can spend time with...two-legged and four-legged. Watching and learning from the Wolves helps me to stay focused on the True Meaning all year long...

Have a Wonderful Holiday and a very Happy New Year!!

Wolf Facts: Each Wolf has their own unique howl, just like humans have unique voices. Wolves can recognize each other by their howls and communicate over long distances.

October Snow and Rememberance...

2011-10-30T21:14:00.002-04:00

Hi All!

Hope everyone affected by the October snow storm is doing well. It was a bit odd to have snow on the ground, at least 10”, and still have the leaves falling. The Wolves seemed to enjoy the snow.

Today is also a day of rememberance of a very special Wolf, Timber. It’s very hard to believe that it’s been a year since we said Goodbye. Timber still has a hold on all of our hearts and we miss him everyday. Tazlina and I howled for him this afternoon and she kept looking at the house as if she could see him. His presence is still very much at the sanctuary as is all of the other Wolves that have passed.

Remembering Timber is also a way for us to be grateful for Tazlina, Lomasi and Anoki. Our mission at the sanctuary continues, sometimes it’s difficult, but it is also very rewarding to be in the presence of animals that carry so much strength, courage and love.

They teach us so much and we do all we can to Thank them…everyday.

Seasons...

2011-10-13T22:10:00.000-04:00

Hi!!

The months are passing so quickly...the days are getting shorter and the colors of the leaves are amazing. This time of year is always my favorite. The world around us is changing to prepare for at least 5 months of snow and cold. The Wolves have begun their transition and it shows.

Wolves prepare for the long Winter months by eating more fat thus gaining more body weight and growing a very thick Winter coat. Even the fur around their paws grows longer to protect their pads. It's an amazing transformation.

Wolves also begin to think about producing pups, which they will only do if the food supply is abundant. Wolves will not have pups if they find herds or other food sources scarce. Another way that the Wolf cares for it's pack and family.

We have a lot to do at the sanctuary to prepare for the coming Winter months...let's hope we have a mild Winter!

Take care!!

Wolf Fact: Wolf litter sizes can range from 1-9 pups. The average is 4-6.

Food and Trust....

2011-09-22T22:37:00.000-04:00

Hi all!!
Hope everyone is enjoying the remainder of the Summer. Hard to believe that Summer ends tomorrow and the leaves have started to change. Autumn is my favorite season. The changes that nature goes through to prepare for the Winter months amazes me. The Wolves go through many changes physically and mentally. Wolves prepare by growing a new Winter coat, eating enough food to gain weight, and mentally preparing the pack for a possible litter later in the season. Food to a Wolf is survival as any animal but they have a structure in the pack that allows the Alpha's to eat first and thus be strong enough to lead.
Feeding time at the sanctuary is structured so Tazlina eats first and then Lomasi and Anoki together at the same time. Tazlina is the Alpha in the pack and we treat her that way to keep order, even though the Wolves are in separate pens. The intensity of feeding time is amazing. Lomasi and Anoki were never fed properly before they came to the sanctuary, so being able to eat raw meat and high quality kibble is a huge event. This event occurs quickly - we open the gate quickly, the buckets go in and immediately both Wolves dive in to eat. I usually close the gate and wait for them to finish. Feeding Tazlina is less intense but still requires caution. I recently have had the opportunities to feed her and the first time I was a bit nervous and she definitely knew I was. I've recently have been able to go into Taz's pen and she is very comfortable with me, which is wonderful. You still have to be aware at all times - she's still a Wolf.

Take care!!

Wolf Fact: Wolf packs can approach up to 10-12 deer/caribou before they are successful. Wolves will only hunt the weak, young or old, thus helping the herd maintain a healthy balance.

Thinking like a Wolf

2011-08-07T22:54:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe it's August already...where is the year going? Reminds me that it's been over a year now that Lomasi and Anoki came to the sanctuary and it has been amazing having them as part of the pack. Every time I visit them it's always something new that I learn either about Wolf behavior or myself...

Today I wore another board member's raincoat because the one I brought would of ended up being shredded. So I went in the pen as usual to change their water and of course, being Wolves, they had to smell my "new" coat. Wolves are highly sensitive to smell and they never miss anything. As I was changing water buckets, Lomasi found a pocket and "Oh" a plastic bag! I immediately grabbed it as did Anoki...Here I am pulling on this thin plastic bag with two Wolves on the other end. As my "Wolf" instinct kicked in...I growled and pulled...and won the tug of war. My deep sounding voice also proved to be "Alpha" and they both gave up...Whew! The last thing I wanted was for them to eat that bag...So the motherly instinct also played a large part... Good thing!! Next time I will check the pockets if I wear someone else's coat ...Always have to think like a Wolf...

After this challenge all things went back to normal. Anoki found a huge root to remove and Lomasi wanted a lot of attention. Tazlina led us all in howling and even though it was a dreary day...there was a lot of bonding.

Take care!!

Wolf Fact: Wolves can live in packs of 2-20, depending on the size of the available prey: deer, caribou, moose, etc.

A tour and a book...

2011-07-24T22:11:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone!!

The weekend here in Maine was hot and humid one day and the other day - wonderful. We had a very, special guest today - Alan E. Sparks, author - Dreaming of Wolves. He came to the sanctuary along with his brother to meet the Wolves and discuss his book. The Wolves were happy to have visitors. Tazlina seemed a little upset at first but remained settled for the remainder of the tour. We learned that Wolves in Europe are really not much different than here in the US. The only major difference is the "humans" view of the Wolf. Alan and his brother learned a lot about the unfortunate backgrounds of Anoki, Lomasi and Tazlina. All too common stories of Wolves in captivity...but their journeys brought them to the sanctuary where they are safe, loved, and happy.
We finished the tour discussing Alan's book and the wonderful 50% contribution of his book sales to the sanctuary - we are so Thankful for his generosity. We also noticed that there are colored photos as well to give you an even closer view of Alan's adventure in Romania and the Wolves he knew. I am actually starting my signed copy tonight...can't wait!!

It always amazes me the wonderful people we meet that have the same love for these incredible animals...and are part of the pack.

Take care!!

Magical Day

2011-07-12T22:57:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

What a great day!!! We were lucky today to have the rain hold off and the sun hide behind the clouds. It was still humid with plenty of bugs but we were able to still enjoy the afternoon.

I have had the honor of conducting many tours at the sanctuary. Every tour has given many an opportunity to meet the Wolves and interact with them. Many have said that they had a special feeling that they carried with them after the tour. Well, today's tour gave me that special feeling. The wonderful group of people we had from the Cancer Community Center brought a sense of calmness to the sanctuary. The Wolves were so happy to see all of them, even Tazlina came to the front of her pen, not bothered at all by our guests. The Wolves seemed to have an awareness that some have had difficult journeys. There was a silent bond between the Wolves and humans, a connection that combined strength and survival. The atmosphere during the tour was peaceful and at times humorous. There were plenty of Wolf kisses and we all learned from our new Wolf Fact cards.
After the tour we gave the Wolves ice cubes and they loved the cold treat. It was great way to complete the afternoon.

We hope to organize another tour later in the year when the bugs are fewer and the temperature is more mild. We look forward to seeing everyone again!!

Take care!!

Wolves and the Community

2011-07-12T08:22:00.000-04:00

Good morning!!
It's feeling like another day close to 90F...In Maine, we get a few days that are unbearable, like yesterday, 95F and then we go back to comfortable temperatures. It's Summer...and it doesn't last long...
Today is a really exciting day at the sanctuary. We are having a tour with the Cancer Community Center, Portland, ME. The group is expecting to be near 22 people. - Wow!! The Center is also a non-profit group that provides support to many individuals and their families. It's a wonderful place filled with very kind and caring people.
When I organized this tour the thought was to connect the Wolves with a community that wants to heal. Wolves have the ability to connect you back to nature and surround you with simplicity. They help you forget the world and for that moment forget anything ailing you.
Hopefully, the thunderstorms will hold off until the tour is complete. I will post photos later today and "maybe" have some video.
Have a great day!!!

The next day...

2011-07-07T20:19:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!!
I wanted to post some photos from the day after Kathy and I stayed in the pen. It was a quiet morning filled with lots of coffee and discussion. The afternoon was a little busier with chores, a picnic lunch near the pens and a tour. The Wolves were happy to see other board members arrive.
I hope everyone got to see the videos. I apologize for my repetitive phrases - there was no script and of course I was nervous. The idea of creating a short video about being an "alpha" came to mind. I want to be sure that there is no thought that the Wolves are our pets. They may be highly social but they are still wild. Kathy and I have definitely gained the alpha status and this makes the interaction with the Wolves seem more domestic. We are always watching body language and sounds that the Wolves make. Being around a wild animal is to respect them and understand them.
Here are the photos. Lomasi, Anoki and Tazlina had a treat of crunchy grass and later they had watermelon - those pics I will post later.
Take care!!

Evening With the Wolves

2011-07-04T21:55:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!!

Well, the Evening With the Wolves was a wonderful experience for Kathy and myself and Harvey, who stayed outside the pen. We learned a lot about Lomasi, Anoki, and Tazlina's behavior. We felt honored that they wanted to be near us in the beginning of the evening. They stayed with us for awhile during the howling sessions and then went to continue their evening elsewhere in the pen. We were surprised how they both came to check on us during the night....whining as they approached to make sure it was ok to come over. Tazlina was very aware of our presence and slept behind us in her pen. We felt that she was guarding us. The night was filled with a lot of trust and respect. This experience will be with us forever and made us feel even closer to all of them.

Here are the links to the videos...Part 1 and Part 2:

Click here for Part 1 video.

Click here for Part 2 video.

I will try to upload photos from the day of and after hopefully tomorrow. Enjoy!!

Big evening with the Wolves...

2011-07-02T09:07:00.001-04:00

Happy Saturday!!

The weather is going to be perfect today. We had some rain last night which is great since we have had forest fires in Maine and that is so scary....

So....tonight is a really special and exciting evening. Another board member, Kathy, and myself will be staying in Lomasi and Anoki's pen overnight creating a small documentary about the Wolves. The plan is to watch what the Wolves do during the night and how they react to us. We know that Wolves hunt at night but what does a Wolf in captivity do? They have a routine, but we have never watched the Wolves in the sanctuary all night. It will also be interesting to see how Tazlina reacts knowing we are in the pen next door.

We plan to sleep or rather rest in a separate area from their regular spot because we don't want to interfere with their regular cycle. They may sleep next to us or ignore the fact we are there....

I will have photos soon and in a couple days have the total documentary...

Until then - hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

Summer is here...

2011-05-30T16:48:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!
The weather here in Maine has been unusual. We had 2 weeks of rain...no sun at all and then "Wham!" over 80 degrees this week. The trees and plants are thriving now with plenty of water and the heat. Unfortunately, the Wolves are still carrying their Winter coats and makes them uncomfortable. Anoki started losing his coat earlier this month and still has some to lose. Lomasi and especially Tazlina are just starting. We were able to remove some of Lomasi's undercoat - she actually liked being combed, unlike Anoki who thought we had a new toy. It was decided that we should put their metal tubs back in the pens so they could cool off. This was a very Welcomed idea by Anoki...he was first to put his feet in and play. This makes the water dirty fast but at least they can be a little more comfortable. The pens have plenty of shade, which is great. Eventually, Anoki and Lomasi will have a larger house to keep cool in and away from the bugs, another thing the rain has brought :).
We had a very relaxing afternoon with the Wolves, even with the bugs, etc. We planted the remaining flowers from cleaning day and did daily chores. We even saw a happy snake looking for bugs! Go snake!! At least the snake knew not to go in the pens...
The time we spend with them is never long enough and I miss them so much during the week. The Wolves have a very special way of making you feel grounded and the ability to just be yourself. They accept you no matter what you are wearing or how you feel...never any judgement. All they want is your attention and love...and that is what we want to give them.
So let's hope that Lomasi and Tazlina can lose their winter coats soon so they can be more comfortable...It's looking like we are going to have a very warm Summer...
Enjoy!!

Wolf Fact: The Gray Wolf's coat can be any combination of gray, tan, red, white, or black fur. Coats will vary among packs and litter.

Snow, mud and more mud!

2011-04-24T22:02:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!!
Hope everyone is doing well! I can't believe it's been a month since my last post...the days are never long enough.
I've made comments on the sanctuary's FaceBook page about "Mud Season" and there have been questions of what this means. Well, in Maine, we usually get a good amount of snow during the months of January until mid-April. This year we have had many storms dumping at least a foot or more. So when the weather starts to get warmer during the day - the snow melts, we get rain storms and then we have mud. Also, the ground below the frost level is still frozen, so the rain will not be able to soak into the ground. And this relates to what we dealt with at the sanctuary last weekend. Poor Lomasi and Anoki's pen was nothing more than large puddles, thick mud and small streams. Their feet were soaked and there was very few areas that were dry. The board members decided that we needed to move them into the drier pen, Spirit's pen. We couldn't risk their health or having them in terrible living conditions. The plan was made and they were moved with hardly any complications. Anoki was a bit resistant to having a collar on but eventually we were able to convince him.
This weekend, they are much drier and adapting to their temporary home. Tazlina is still confused and misses seeing her pack next to her but hopefully in another week or so they can be moved back. This Mud Season was definitely one of the worst.
Spring is here!! Enjoy!

Wolf Fact: Wolves enjoy being around water. They use the water to cool themselves, drink and have been known to catch fish.

Speaking Wolf

2011-03-27T22:39:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!
The weekend is almost done and it was a busy one. At least the sun was shining and it didn't snow. I'm ready for Spring and I think the Wolves are as well. Today we had a tour at the sanctuary and what a great group of people. Everyone was so interested in the Wolves and asking great questions. Some were even brought to tears after meeting them and hearing them howl. There is definitely a special feeling that can be overwhelming when being in their presence, happens to me everytime.
The Wolves are starting to get Spring fever and be more vocal and playful. Lomasi was very vocal with all kinds of grunts and whining. She was so happy to have visitors. We felt bad because of the frozen mud on her belly, but this didn't seem to bother her at all. There is still confusion on how Anoki is able to stay clean and not be covered in mud - he must be jumping over the puddles...
I've mentioned in previous posts that I always make sure not to drop my gloves or hats while in the pens. Well, since gravity and I couldn't get along today - I dropped my glove right in front of Anoki. Yeup - and he was very quick to pick it up but I was faster to grab it and not let go. Ever play tug-a-war with a Wolf?...not easy. I was lucky that he listens to the word "No" and gave up, but then he decided "Why not try again!". This is where "Wolf language" was necessary. Since my hand was now in the glove I made sure he knew he couldn't have this new toy. I growled at him everytime he made an attempt - eventually he realized that I was in charge - Whew! It's always wise to make sure the Wolves know who the Alpha is and sometimes talking their language is the best choice. He's still a pup at heart and Wolves love to find toys to occupy their time. Later in the day my hat came off and we competed again but he knew the outcome so gave up quickly. He is very smart and very quick. I'm Thankful that I can speak "Wolf" correctly!!
Hope everyone has a great week!!

Wolf Fact: Wolves communicate with a variety of vocializations including: yipping, grunting, whining, growling and of course, howling. All of these sounds have individual meanings to the Wolves and allows them to understand each other, even over long distances.

Spring is here...

2011-03-20T22:00:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!
Happy Spring! It's supposed to snow tomorrow but be in the 40's for the remainder of the week and that means "Mud Season". It also means that the Wolves will be a bit messy for a while...but that's OK. They were all in good spirit today, we even howled together to welcome the warmer weather. It always amazes me how they adapt to any kind of weather condition. Their fur and body structure are suited to handle snow, heavy rain, mud and the heat. Poor Lomasi had a muddy belly but her outer coat kept her dry. Anoki seemed a little cleaner until he rolled on his back for a belly rub and rubbed his face in sawdust. He definitely is the comedian of the pack. Tazlina's pen is still packed snow so she's not as muddy, yet.
In the next coming weeks we should see their coats start to lose the down-like fur that keeps them warm. Then we know that Spring is really here!
Have a great week!

Wolf Fact: Wolves change their coats in Spring and Autumn. The undercoat protects them from harsh weather and helps maintain a healthy body temperature.

The Wolf and Human Spirit

2011-02-20T21:57:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!!
What a great weekend! The sanctuary had a large fundraiser and we did awesome. There were a lot of happy faces and a mutual feeling that we all accomplished something great - together. The Wolves at the sanctuary are so loved and we are so Thankful to all those who help support them. This weekend was a true example of how Wolves and humans are connected.
Everytime I go to the sanctuary, I feel complete again - like a piece of the puzzle is put back. Being with the Wolves allows anyone who visits to be themselves and be accepted. It's a very grounding experience.
Today I sat on the ground, very cold snow and straw, and it was amazing. Being on the same level and having Anoki sit on my lap made me feel like the world around us didn't exist. They lift up your spirit and make you live the moment. There is no tomorrow and yesterday doesn't matter...

I have mentioned before that Wolves have a very magical presence and they offer that to anyone that meets them. The sanctuary is a very healing place, for the Wolves and for the humans.
Have a great week!!

Wolf Fact: The average lifespan of a Wolf in the wild is 5-6 years, in captivity, a Wolf can live until 14 years.

Wolves and Trust

2011-02-13T21:25:00.001-05:00

Hi!
Hope the weather was pleasant for all of you this weekend. We finally had a break from the snow, which was nice. Today was an exceptional day at the sanctuary for many of us on the board. We had a wonderful board meeting, a lot was accomplished and there was of course an abundance of delicious food!
The day only got better when 4 of the board members, including myself, went into Tazlina's pen for the first time. Some might wonder why this is so unique...

Tazlina is a very special Wolf that has had her share of hardships and struggle. Her life is unfortunately, all too common when humans think Wolves can be pets. We stress at the sanctuary that even though we may get close to these Wolves, they are still unpredictable and wild. All the volunteers are trained and educated about Wolf ecology. Understanding a Wolf is more than getting kisses...it's respecting their intellingence and trust.
Trust was displayed today by Tazlina by not only letting us into her pen but also allowing us to touch her. If a Wolf feels threatened, they usually run and hide.
The feeling today of being close to Taz without the pen in between us is something that is difficult to put into words. You feel humble knowing that you earned a Wolf's trust and that trust is a gift. I wanted to hug her and never let go...
Hope everyone has a great week!

Wolf Fact: Wolves are one of the view mammals that mate for life. The Alpha male and female are the only pair in the pack that will mate. When the pups are born, all members of the pack take turns to teach and take care of the pups.

Wolves Love to Play

2011-01-30T21:24:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Hope you had a great weekend! The weather was nice...which was perfect to spend time with the Wolves. I feel so inferior because I have to wear 4 layers of clothes and the Wolves just run around completely unbothered.
Today's visit was filled with a lot of fun and happiness. Everytime I visit the sanctuary it helps me forget the world and makes me feel whole again. I can't explain the feeling of seeing the Wolves beimg so happy that you are there to see them. They aren't looking for a treat...just happy that you will be with them and give them attention. Simple and pure.
Lomasi, Anoki and Tazlina know when the people they love arrive at the sanctuary and never tire to give kisses and receive hugs. And of course belly rubs, which Anoki's favorite.
Today's visit was filled with a lot of kisses and plenty of play. Lomasi and Anoki never had an opportunity to run and chase each other before they came to the sanctuary and this is a very important part of a Wolf's behavior. Wolves need to have play time just as much as a nap. They thrive on interaction with the other Wolves because they are social. And it's not just chasing each other in play but also having toys. Both Lomasi and Anoki love to play with branches and anything else they can find. I definitely make sure not to drop my gloves!!
Wolves teach us to take time for each other and have fun!
Have a great week!!

Wolf fact: Wolves sense of smell is 100 times more sensitve than humans.

Devoted to the Wolves

2011-01-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Hope your weekends were good! I know the weekends for me are never long enough...but that's OK.
Today we had our monthly sanctuary board meeting and it was over 4 hours. The room was filled with a lot of devoted and caring people. We discussed many future fundraisers for this Winter and the Spring. It's so exciting to work with others that have the same goals - Take care of the Wolves, keep them healthy, happy and of course spoiled! All the money we raise goes towards food, vet bills and any other needs to run the sanctuary.
I did get a chance to visit the Wolves and walk in the new snow with them. They are all so happy!
Hope everyone has a great week!

Wolf Fact: Wolves walk on their toes, their heels never touch the ground. Their wide, large paws provide support and stability as they run through the snow.

Howling

2011-01-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Happy New Year!! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and beginning of the new year. Today was a beautiful day. The weather was mild and perfect for the tour we had with the Wolves. Our tour included a wonderful group of people that were so happy to meet the Wolves and learn about them. There are so many interesting facts about these incredible animals, you can learn something new all the time. In fact, today at the end of the tour, Brenda got her flute and played a song that the Wolves actually created. I went into Lomasi and Anoki's pen to help get the howling started. After a few minutes, Taz jumped on her house and started to sing. With a little hesitation, Anoki started to sing and this time he was really howling, not yapping. I noticed as Brenda moved further from Taz's pen, Taz started to come to the front of her pen and included some barking with her howling, which is unusual. Wolves howl for different reasons: ward off other packs, communicate to other members in their pack and territorial reasons, which is what Taz displayed. She knew that the people from the tour were still around, even out of sight and she wanted them to know that this is her territory. It was a wonderful moment...another lesson from the Wolf.
Have a great week!!!

The Holiday season is here...

2010-12-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!
The season for celebrating and reminiscing is here. We finally have snow on the ground and the Winter solstice has arrived. I love this time year. Even though this past year was difficult, it was a year of growth and bonding. All of us at the sanctuary feel blessed to have known all the animals that have passed and we carry them in our hearts everyday. We're also so grateful to have each other to lean on during the tough times and laugh together while we work or have a meal together. The Wolves bring out the best in all of us.

We were donated a truckload of wood chips yesterday and we had a great time. It was hard work but being in Lomasi and Anoki's pen was so relaxing. The Wolves have a way of letting you forget the world around you, it's something one has to experience to understand. It's so hard to describe. To me, it's because they accept you no matter how you look or feel. There is no judgement. Just unconditional love...

Wishing all of you a peaceful and joyous Holiday season!

Tough year...

2010-12-10T19:08:00.001-05:00

Hi all!
This time of year is a very special time, but this year has been difficult and I guess that life doesn't always allow for a break. I am determined to enjoy the coming months but lately my heart has been so broken by the losses we have experienced at the sanctuary. A month to the day that we lost our sweet Timber, Spirit decided that it was her time to join her soulmate Denali.

The idea of a soulmate to some may seem silly, but to a Wolf it's part of their existence and how they maintain the strength of their kind. A soulmate is the other half of their being and what gives them strength. Wolves are amazing animals. They have a magical, secret side that only can be seen by those they let get close to them. The day that Timber left us, he and Spirit had a conversation that was touching and obviously had more meaning then we knew. We do believe that Spirit told Timber to wait for her and that she would be joining him and Denali soon. I believe that she knew one day her and Denali would be together again and she would make the best of her time with us.

Spirit was a lively, special Wolf that never let anything bother her. She was a pillar of strength, even at her age of 14. She loved having visitors in her pen. The chance to give kisses, get a neck rub were all important parts of her day. My favorite times were sitting on the straw in front of her house and watching her. She watched over the sanctuary and didn't miss anything. Especially when it was time for treats...she knew it was time before we did!

We knew that one day she would be with Denali again and now they can run free, without boundaries and have the warmth of the sun whereever they go...

Spirit and Denali...We Love You....

This past year has brought a lot of sorrow but in all of this sadness we have to look at how we are so fortunate to have known these amazing animals and the gifts they have given us. I feel blessed that they accepted me into their pack. I hope someday to be able to howl with them again...

I want to Thank all of you that read my blog...I wanted this blog to introduce these wonderful animals and unfortunately life isn't always what you expect. But I feel that sharing even the difficult times is all part of the life that we share with Wolves. I plan for future postings to talk more about the Wolf and their very unique social structure and of course talk about our pack.

Take care everyone!!

Another Winter...

2010-11-28T22:02:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,
Hope your weekends were great. We had some small snow squalls yesterday that left us with a coating of snow. It was like having small snowstorms...which I didn't care - I had a glass of wine and was all cozy. But it was a reminder that Winter has begun.

I went to see the Wolves today and get my fill of kisses. The ground wasn't completely covered but it was still pretty. The Wolves did not seem to mind at all. Tazlina's coat is so full and smells like the outdoors...I wanted to bury my face in her fur...I'm sure she wouldn't mind, for a few minutes. Spirit was happy and cozy in her little house. I'm thinking that at her age the wind can bother her but the thickness of her fur proves that she is ready for the cold. She's a tough girl!

Lomasi and Anoki are in their glory with this cold weather. They were so happy to have me visit them...and I was just as happy! When I first walk into the pen, Anoki jumps up and almost knocks me over...which is why I just keep walking and putting my arms up to keep them off. Wolves can only express themselves by body language or verbal noises, which is why they jump and try to get your attention. After I have ignored their attempts, they both go back to the front of the pen until they see me turnaround and then they come back more submissive and calm, usually Anoki is first. This is how an Alpha Wolf acts with the pack. It's also a lot safer for me to respond to their attention after they are calm. I've gotten hit in the jaw, lip and on the back, but none of these were intentional or meant to hurt me. The best part after they calm down is to feel their fur and look into their beautiful eyes. Both have the clean smell of the outdoors and their fur is so thick and warm. My hands were cold even with gloves but after petting them - I was toasty!! Anoki did his usual flopping to the ground on his back for his belly to be rubbed. Total submission...Lomasi waits until Anoki has had his fill and then she comes over to me with her head lowered and tail wagging, she's so pretty. It was a great day of bonding, howling and adapting to the cold weather.

So as another Winter begins and the snow starts to pile on the ground, I know that the Wolves are ready. To them this is just the cycle of life, the rotation of the seasons.

Hope all of you have a great week!!

Timber - More than a Wolf

2010-11-17T22:31:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all having a good week. It's been over a month since I have posted and I apologize. We had a few weeks in October that were very traumatic and so much going on before that. But the healing process for all of us at the sanctuary is a slow process and will take time. And finally, I feel that I am ready to share...

If you have seen the sanctuary's web site you know that we lost a very precious animal that held so many hearts. His name was Timber...

I want to celebrate his life in this posting and try to explain the many reasons why everyone loved him. I have introduced Timber before in another posting but I want to take you a step further into his life looking through his eyes.

Timber's life started out more as a domestic dog that lived inside rather than running free as a Wolf. There were several times before he came to the sanctuary that he escaped to taste freedom. He was a large, over 100lb, Wolf that wanted nothing more but to be loved, and he found just that at the sanctuary. Being at the sanctuary allowed him to be around other Wolves or hybrids, which meant he was now part of a pack. He could speak their language and belong.
But Timber was not an ordinary Wolf...

The sanctaury tried introducing Timber to living in one of the pens outside so he could be in the wilderness and enjoy the pack's company. Timber had different ideas...He attempted to escape the pen as well, which is dangerous. It was decided that he would live in the house with the sanctuary's owner. He was used to being indoors and probably felt more secure, which is very unusual.

Life for Timber was casual and full of people that thought the world of him. Everytime someone came to the sanctuary there was Timber's ears and eyes checking out who was visiting. I guess you could say that he had a very large social calendar. He greeted you at the door with the sweetest look of gratitude that you came to see him and if you were lucky, you got a kiss from him. He was very selective who received kisses. He also acted like a Wolf by greeting you and then going back to what he was doing before - unless he needed to go out. Timber loved to go out, on a strong leash, he would sniff the ground, visit the other Wolves and definitely have to lay in the grass soaking up the sun. Many belly rubs were given while he felt the warm ground beneath him. When he wasn't outside you could find him in one of his favorite spots in the living room, which was either his bed or the couch. The couch was the ultimate place if he was allowed, many times asking with his eyes if he could stay there...How do you say no?

Timber was a gentle soul that gave love and acceptance to those he felt comfortable with. He had the ability to sense those that where true and real. Like most Wolves, he could read a person's body language and would be cautious, even if they had a treat. We always knew to trust his instinct and learn. He taught all of us many things, many things that we forget with our busy lives.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him and his soft, warm amber eyes. His eyes spoke more words to us than most people can say. He always let you know what he was thinking and never hesitated if he wanted your attention. His eyes always lite up whenever I brought a toy for him. The toy wasn't out of the bag and he knew it was his. Of course, you have to understand that he was still a Wolf and his instinct was to tear apart the toy. The pride on his face was priceless after he pulled out all the stuffing.

There were so many things that Timber offered to those that loved him. He loved life and enjoyed it with ease. He was happiest lounging on the floor surrounded by all of his human pack members and ignoring his buddy Scout.

Timber was a Wolf. A Wolf that carried wisdom, honesty, and love. But he was more than a Wolf by living in the house, being close to those that meant a lot to him and watching over them.

Timber's spirit will always be at the sanctuary. Everytime the pack howls, we know that Timber is howling with us. He will continue to watch over us, his family, his pack.

We love you Timber...

Sister of the Wolves

The True Meaning...

October Snow and Rememberance...

Seasons...

Food and Trust....

Thinking like a Wolf

A tour and a book...

Magical Day

Wolves and the Community

The next day...

Evening With the Wolves

Big evening with the Wolves...

Summer is here...

Snow, mud and more mud!

Speaking Wolf

Spring is here...

The Wolf and Human Spirit

Wolves and Trust

More Wolf videos...

Wolves Love to Play

Devoted to the Wolves

Howling

The Holiday season is here...

Tough year...

Another Winter...

Timber - More than a Wolf