Atlantis

sex: male
born: 12 January 1999~
birth place: Wisconsin

given sanctuary: 01 June 2006

 

Atlantis' Story

No one knows how old he is, or much else about his history. That information went with the previous owner when she died unexpectedly in May of 2006. Atlantis, at least we think that is his name, was not alone. There were twenty additional wolf-dogs living on chains in intolerable con­ditions. They were breeding stock for a backyard breeder. As time went on, the circumstances grew worse. No one, it seems, realized that their owner was ill for several weeks before her passing. As the days passed, the water ran out, there was no food and the animals’ situation deteriorated.

This was all taking place in Wisconsin. Finally, a friend of the breeder's’ arrived to check on her when he couldn’t reach her by phone. What he found when he arrived was horrendous. His friend was close to death. The wolf-dogs were dehydrated and malnourished. Several of the animals were also close to dying. The small Wisconsin town rushed emergency service to help her, but was ill-equipped to handle the rescue of that many animals. It was at this point the Animal Humane Society (AHS), from a neighboring town in Minnesota, was asked to help with the wolf-dogs. Their “owner” did not survive her illness, Sosity died from starvation, and Trekker and Lance were so ill from dehydration and malnutrition it became necessary for the AHS to euthanize them. In addition to all this horror, Happy, the youngest of the wolf-dogs, was missing.

Wolf received a call from the AHS to ask if we could take the wolf-dogs, and the WideAwake Rescue began. Atlantis was one of eighteen who would make the long trip to Colorado from Minnesota. Unfortunately, even rescue would be a horrible experience for them. During the catch-up of the animals, the transport people found it necessary to use a catch pole noose on all the animals. We were also told that the animals would be transported in an air-conditioned trailer and that a vet tech would accompany the animals to care for them in the event of an emergency. None of this occurred. They were packed in a horse trailer so tight not even water could not be given to them.

Furious about the way these animals had been treated on their trip, Wolf volunteers immediately started to unload them and place them safely in their new home. Atlantis and the others would never have to worry about food, water or being on a chain again. They had room, trees, and each other. Physically, they would all have a comfortable place to live.

Atlantis recovered relatively well from his ordeal, and was soon paired with a female named JJ after his neuter. They steadily became healthier in their temporary homes. Originally, Atlantis would approach a lucky few of his caretakers for attention. That stopped suddenly one day for no apparent reason. The pair continued their physical and emotional recovery together.

In October of 2008, horrible circumstances forced Wolf to evacuate the remaining 6 animals from the temporary location at WideAwake. JJ and Atlantis finally came to full size enclosures at the main facility. General exams and vaccinations were performed before release. To our wonderful surprise, Atlantis is extremely healthy now. His blood work is near perfect, his weight is good, and he looks visually better than when rescued. He loves his new habitat and the calmer atmosphere of the sanctuary. Although still afraid of most humans, Atlantis is very curious of the human activities and other sanctuary residents.

 

 

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