Lance

sex: male
born: 26 November 1999~
birth place: Wisconsin

given sanctuary: 01 June 2006

 

Lance's Story

 

No one knows how old he really is, or anything else about his history. That information went with the previous “owner” when she died unexpectedly in May of 2006. And Seltcha was not alone; there were twenty-one 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 knew 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 rural Wisconsin. Eventually 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 the human, but was ill-equipped to handle the rescue of that many animals. So the Animal Humane Soci­ety (AHS) from a neighboring town in Minnesota assisted to help the wolf-dogs. The breeder did not survive her illness. Of the animals, 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. Lena was one of eighteen who would make the long trip to Colorado from Minnesota. Unfortunately, even rescue would be a horrible experience for the animals. During the catch-up, the transport people found it necessary to use catch pole nooses on them. We can only imagine the terror and pain they experienced. The animals were suppose to be transported in an air-conditioned trailer with a vet tech to care for them in the event of an emergency. None of this occurred. They arrived jammed 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 homes. They would never have to worry about food, water or being on a chain again. Their new temporary home at WideAwake had room, trees, abundant food and each other. Physically, they would all have a comfortable place to live. Emotionally, they would need years to heal

Upon releasing the animals into their new temporary enclosures, it was apparent the kennels were not labeled appropriately. Some listed as males were actually females, and vice versa. Most of the names were also incorrect. It took months to sort out who was really who, and who should really be paired. Seltcha was actually Lance, but we were told Lance was euthanized. Although we never fully determined what happened to Seltcha, Lance was at least safe.

Lance was soon paired with Luna, who was originally called Skitty, which we did not like the connotation of. The two are a great pair, but were the most high stress of all the animals, especially being in the end enclosure closest to the volunteer work area. After all the males were neutered, we were able to pair the rest of the animals up. This allowed us to move Lance and Luna into a middle enclosure and give them more space. The move had an immediately effect on their stress level, although they still are not found of people.

In October of 2008, it became necessary for the WideAwake facility to be evacuated. The last six animals, including Lance and Luna, were moved to Wolf in a massive effort to save them from another bad situation. They were examined and released into new, 1/2 acre enclosures. Initially, the animals were frightened by the move. Once they learned the daily routines of the main facility, they became very comfortable and began protecting their new territories.

Lance is doing great in his new home. He is still shy of humans, but no longer paces when they are near. His enclosure is so large, there is no reason for him to be afraid anymore. On meat day, he comes within 10 feet of the volunteers to get the best piece before Luna can. We are amazed and humbled by the difference in him. He no longer even resembles the scared animal we rescued. We are sure he is happy here too.

 

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