Wolf Stories, Beowulf

Our knowledge of Frackette’s and Beowulf’s story begins in March of 2002. Wolf was asked to help with a situation in Concho, Arizona, trying to help save 14 animals, where the owner was being evicted from the property and the animals had no where to go. It was indicated there had already been twenty-some wolf-dogs killed at this site by animal control, however they perceived the remaining 14 to be pure wolves and were not sure of their legal authority to kill these as well. Frackette and Beowulf were members of this pack.

In the middle of our attempts to help, an individual named Rae Ott from another supposed sanctuary in Texas jumped in and indicated that she did not need any help except money. We were relieved to know they would be saved and sent out a plea to our mailing list soliciting help for their rescue. We were notified as to the results of the rescue, indicating there had been a new litter of pups born just before the rescue team got there to move all of the animals. The entire litter died, however 14 animals were moved successfully to their new home in Texas.

In October of 2002 Wolf received an impassioned plea for help from the sanctuary in Texas. Some sort of disease had broken out and animals were sick and dying. We tried to discern what was happening and what sort of help was needed, again all we were asked for was money. It became apparent there was serious problems with the integrity of this “sanctuary” -- the animals were dying of distemper. Distemper is a preventable disease -- what was going on here?

Through November, December and January, reports of more dead animals, accusations of fraud and questions about what was being done for the animals, or what should be done, were rampant through the rescue/sanctuary community. By the end of January 2003, it became apparent that emergency life-saving measures were required to save what animals were left. The sanctuary operators had failed to show up at three eviction hearings. They were evicted from the property where the facility was located and the animals had been put in the custody of a third party. The third party was having trouble providing the medical attention needed by the animals and asked for help. Wolf quickly assembled an emergency team, information about the remaining animals, all of the supplies necessary and were on the road to Texas by January 30. Seven days later they dragged themselves back to Colorado with horror stories about what they had seen, experienced and received reports about. (this story can be read on-line at: News, Winter 2002-03)

Out of 75 animals that had been reportedly rescued by this sanctuary, only 43 could be tracked, leaving 32 missing without a trace. From the 43, reportedly 18 died from distemper, 20 were still alive at the facility, two had been placed at a small sanctuary, three which had escaped had been recaptured and placed at another small sanctuary. The remaining 20 were now treated and required a recovery and isolation period before they could be moved to new homes. Frackette and Beowulf were among the survivors and the only remaining members of their pack of 14.

Another trip was made by Wolf to Texas, from March 27th through the 30th, to provide additional medical treatment for the animals and to move them all out of the old facility. Eight were moved to temporary containment, ten to permanent homes and Frackette and Beowulf to Colorado. (this portion of the Texas Rescue can be read on-line at: News, Spring 2003)

Wolf volunteers had built a three-quarter acre enclosure for their new home at a foster location, northwest of Fort Collins. Their release was amazing to watch and a life changing experience for those who had worked so hard to save their lives. Their rescue was featured and aired on the “Jeff Corwin Experience” on Animal Planet. A copy of that video tape is available for viewing (click here for details).