Jazmine

sex: female
born: February 1994
birth place: Colorado
died: 30 March 2005

given sanctuary: 15 July 1995

 

 

 

Jazzy's Memorial
see Newsletter - Spring 05 (click)


Jazzy's Story

Jazzy arrived at the Wolf sanctuary under circumstances that almost caused her to be euthanized. A family in Lakewood, Colorado, purchased Jazmine or Jazzy, as she is now known, when she was 3 ½ weeks old. She was an adorable puppy, and actually was for the 16-year-old boy in the family whom we will call Jack. Jacks’ 6-year-old sister and mother already had pets of their own: a poodle and a cocker spaniel, respectively.

Jazzy was raised in this loving family of people and animals. The humans in this family tried to do everything right for her. She was not abused or starved, as many wolf-dogs are - she was loved. Unfortunately, when Jazzy was approximately 1½ years old, she escaped her enclosure, and her instincts took over when she came across the little poodle in the front yard. Jack’s sister was playing with her poodle and some of her friends. Unfortunately, Jazzy did not understand that her instincts to kill the poodle would devastate this small family. Jazzy was only doing what comes naturally. She was hunting.

Unable to comprehend why his beloved Jazzy would kill his sister’s poodle, Jack’s first reaction was anger. Jazzy was locked in her enclosure and ignored. No one was allowed to visit or play with her. Jazzy was as confused as her owner. Where was her pack?

Jack’s mother contacted Wolf, and arrangements were made for Jazzy to be brought to the facility. The people who were at the facility the day Jazzy arrived with her family were extremely distressed to watch this family in their grief. These well-meaning and caring people were grieving for the loss of not one pet, but two. We recommended that they seek counseling at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, for grief caused by pet loss.

Jazzy was introduced to Ghost, her new companion, and the two hit it off immediately. Jazzy is a very energetic female, at about 95 lbs., and has bonded tightly with Ghost. Although Ghost weighs in at about 155 lbs., Jazzy is boss. Most of the time, she allows him to have his way, but there is no mistaking who has the ultimate control.

Jazzy has hunted again, and will occasionally catch a bird or small animal, such as a chipmunk or squirrel. This is a natural thing for her to do, but what a difficult lesson for her human family.

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