Nanook

sex: male
born: May 1993
birth place: Colorado
died: 20 December 2005

given sanctuary: February 1995

 

 

 

 

Nanook's Memorial
see Newsletter - Winter 2005/06 (click)

Nanook's Story

In February of 1995, Frank and Pat Wendland of Wolf received a phone call from a panicked breeder in Boulder, Colorado. She needed a refuge for a seventy pound, year and a half old hybrid that had become a fugitive from the animal control system. Placed in a Denver home at six weeks of age, this supposedly 68 percent timber wolf, 32 percent malamute wolf-dog behaved as a typical family pet, until he began to reach maturity. As so often is the case, it was at that time that he began to practice the art of escape, beginning with his backyard enclosure. Unfortunately, during one of his excursions on “the outside”, he killed a neighbor’s cat, a serious wolf-dog infraction, punishable by lethal injection in Jefferson County. No appeals. The owner returned Nanook to his breeder in an effort to save him from an untimely death, and the mission was a success, but only temporarily. Nanook was just beginning to adapt to his new home with the breeder when an unfortunate, but predictable, urge to run wild and free landed him once again on the wrong side of the fence and, consequently, the wrong side of the law, when he killed another neighbor’s cat. Now a repeat offender, Wolf was his only hope.

Faced with yet another new environment, Nanook’s ability to adapt was strained. He was tolerant and well behaved, but grieving the loss of two homes and, perhaps in his eyes, two packs. Although he was given the option to sleep indoors with the rest of the “house pack”, he chose to sleep outside alone. He played if the other animals initiated it, but did not initiate playtime himself. He took rest periods off by himself, instead of resting with the group. Fortunately, time does heal and, with the passing of several months, Nanook let the flood gates open to reveal a pent up wall of playfulness and a harmless penchant for human buttocks. If he had not been named Nanook, “Pokey” or “Nipper” would have sufficed. Indeed, he did earn several nicknames, one of them being “BB”, short for butt-biter.

Nanook has become an integral part of Wolf, acting as ambassador for educational programs and providing his noble likeness for the sanctuary’s logo.

His position over the years has increased, earning him the “alpha male” role within the house pack. Nanook is very cognizant of his position, and has little humility when asking for what he feels he deserves. He will raise his leg next to anyone who is stationary, scaring newcomers to death, even though he is just requesting that the royal thigh be scratched. He will poke at anyone sitting at the table to eat, demanding that he receive his portion first. His favorites are egg salad and marshmallows. When he occupies the bed or sofa, it must be only him. He will chastise any two or four-legged intruder with growly-talking that makes his communication very clear. During most activities, however, he is very accommodating. He seems to understand the responsibilities that “Royalty” must maintain. He poses for cameras with elegance and, while visiting his subjects at educational outings, refuses to eat, drink or relieve his bodily functions. This trait has earned him another nickname that fits him well, “Mr. Hollywood”. His traveling companions to programs are Mesa (who has become his favorite playmate) and Shaman (who imitates his every move).

Although he will still spend some nights out under the stars in solitude, he spends more time in the house at night, and has claimed the bed and bedroom as his throne and throne-room. Nanook now enjoys a strong bond with both humans and animals, and has left a beautiful and indelible paw print on all of the individuals who are blessed with his friendship.

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