Lena

sex: female
born: 10 October 1995~
birth place: Wisconsin

given sanctuary: 01 June 2006

 

Lena's Story

No one knows how old she really is, or anything else about her history. That information went with her previous “owner” when she died unexpectedly in May of 2006. And Lena 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

Lena was initially alone at WideAwake while they were being treated for various infections, including heartworms. We also needed to neuter all the males before putting them into compatible groups. Unfortunately, we ended up with 3 more females than males, who were all left alone.

Thankfully, Lena did well by herself, eating all the meat she could, and becoming physically healthier by the day. She remained fearful of humans, pacing anytime they entered her enclosure. After Love Girl passed away in February of 2007, Boots was left alone. Boots is extremely fearful of humans as well, so we decided to try them together.

We are not sure if this pair could be any better. Boots and Lena have bonded very well, and the companionship has helped both recover emotionally. You can barely recognize them from the photos of when they first arrived. Boots is a little slower than Lena though, so she usually ends up with more goodies than he.

After room at the Sanctuary became available, Boots and Lena where chosen as the first WideAwake pair to join the main pack. They were caught up and released into their new 1/2 acre enclosure on September 4, 2008. Initially, they were stressed about the move, but Lena quickly figured out the routine and how to get extra treats.

Both animals are doing great now. Lena has become very brave with her daily caretakers now that she has enough room to escape if need be. If another animal is walked on a leash in front of their enclosure, Lena charges the fence and goes into stalk mode. She lets everyone know when a coyote is around by screaming her head off.

It is wonderful to see her in an appropriate, healthy situation where she can behave like what she really is, a wolf. We believe Lena enjoys it here, and hope the emotional trauma will be healed someday soon.

 

 

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