Webster

sex: male
born: 03 October 1998~
birth place: Wisconsin

given sanctuary: 01 June 2006

 

Webster's Story

No one knows how old he is, or much else about his history. That information went with the previous owner when she died unexpectedly in May of 2006. Webster, at least we think that is his name, was not alone. There were twenty 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, it seems, realized that 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 Wisconsin. Finally, 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 her, but was ill-equipped to handle the rescue of that many animals. It was at this point the Animal Humane Society (AHS), from a neighboring town in Minnesota, was asked to help with the wolf-dogs. Their “owner” did not survive her illness, 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. Webster was one of eighteen who would make the long trip to Colorado from Minnesota. Unfortunately, even rescue would be a horrible experience for them. During the catch-up of the animals, the transport people found it necessary to use a catch pole noose on all the animals. We were also told that the animals would be transported in an air-conditioned trailer and that a vet tech would accompany the animals to care for them in the event of an emergency. None of this occurred. They were packed in a horse trailer so tight 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 home. Webster and the others would never have to worry about food, water or being on a chain again. They had room, trees, and each other. Physically, they would all have a comfortable place to live.

Webster was paired with Menemith soon after his neuter. The two were great together, until Menemith broke her leg and had to move to the main facility. Webster had to wait a few months until space allowed him to move to Wolf as well. Once she recovered, they were moved to a larger enclosure, and continued their emotional and physical recovery.

Unfortunately, Menemith passed away in August of 2008 due to complications from her spay. Webster was left heart broken and alone. We respected his grieving period for a few weeks, and then decided to pair him with Isis, the female in an adjoining enclosure. The move went better than anticipated. The two became immediate buds. It is wonderful to see Webster running around the enclosure, playing, and fence fighting again. He has become very curious about people, and no longer passes when they come in the enclosure. Some he actually yells at, defending his territory, a very healthy behavior. He is a totally different animal from the fearful boy he was when rescued.

 

Become A Member of Wolf