In September I received a wonderful gift that recharged my spirit and motivation. It reaffirmed my path and makes all of the trials and tribulations seem trivial. It was such an amazing experience that I feel compelled to share it with whom ever will listen. I’m sure the retelling is not nearly as important to those who hear as it is for me to relive it as often as possible.

While on a trip I had an opportunity to visit Yellowstone for three days and, of course, do some wolf-watching. I joined approximately a dozen or so other insane humans, standing in the cold with spotting scopes, looking across the Lamar Valley hoping to see members of the Druid Peak Pack. Cold, because the best viewing times are at dawn and again at dusk. The Druid Pack had established a rendezvous site that was the most easy to observe, even though it was approximately two to three miles across the valley.

The first day it was so foggy that by the time the fog lifted at 10 a.m. we caught only a quick glimpse of the alpha female (#42) leaving the rendezvous site. She was the first wild, free-ranging wolf I had ever seen. She was a magnificent black phase who was helping to rewrite the books on wolf biology. Her pack had gone through some amazing transformations that have astounded the experts. In the spring of 1999, #42 was not the alpha female and when she produced a litter of pups they were all killed by, the then alpha female, #40. In the spring of 2000, #40 had a litter, #42 had a litter and another female had a litter. In total 21 pups were born to this pack. This is unheard of. The popular belief is that, again #40 tried to kill the pups from #42, but #42 would have none of it and ended up killing #40. #42 then took over the alpha position and the raising of not only her own pups but those of #40 as well.

That evening there were no sightings. The same held true for both viewing times the next day. On the third day I was back again before dawn waiting for the light to hopefully illuminate our subjects. As the faint images grew more definite we could see a number of the pack members coming out of the woods to the southeast of the rendezvous site heading toward their meeting area. This was spectacular, the count grew and leveled out at three adults and ten pups. The next 45 minutes seemed to fly by, watching the greetings as each member arrived and as small groups played and finally began settling down. One last pup was not ready for his nap and was on expedition, trying a little mousing, stalking geese, and generally putting on a show. Suddenly, as he made another attempt at the geese, Rick McIntyre (a naturalist for the Park Service) announced another group coming out of the woods from the northwest. Everyone’s scopes turned and began watching. The count reached three adults and ten pups again, as they made their way toward the rendezvous site. They were approximately a half-mile away, with a leisurely determination and little breaks for some play.

Then it happened, both groups sensed the closeness of the other and took off at a full run towards each other. This was exhilarating. No one was talking. I’m not sure I was even breathing. How could it get better than this? It did! When both groups collided, it turned into a seething, boiling mass of wolf parts. All occurring in a 15 to 20 foot diameter. Twenty-six wolves of all sizes and colors, jumping in the air, rolling on the ground, exuberant licking, and scent-rubbing extraordinaire. I could not believe my eyes and the feelings that welled-up inside can only be described as an emotional orgasm. Something from deep within me was in the middle of this pure demonstration of emotional elation.

It was over too soon (probably about ten to fifteen minutes) and the pack moved off into the forest for their nap. Everyone at the observation area remained motionless. If they were like me they were basking in the afterglow and rethinking their definitions of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. As the last silhouettes settled into the shadows of the trees, observers slowly drifted back to their vehicles and their normal lives. I wasn’t ready to leave. Before I knew it there was only Mr. McIntyre and myself. My legs and arms were shaky from maintaining the same position too long. I packed up and headed to the car.

I have seen and been involved in smaller demonstrations of this nature with many animals at the sanctuary. However, there was something slightly different. Something I thought about for a long time and can only describe as the difference between ‘wild’ and ‘captive’. The sense of security at the sanctuary must also lessen the exuberance and elation for being alive. How far man has removed himself from this realm, that not only has he lost this emotion but he searches for it in the lives of wild creatures. As he brings them into his environment, he unwittingly insures that they loose that extra measure of life as well.

On October 15, 2000 a thank you picnic was held for the volunteers of Wolf. In attendance were approximately 60 wonderful people who not only help with the running of the facility all year but those who put out the extra effort to help with the evacuation of the animals during the two fires that threatened the sanctuary this past spring.

Dennis Daugherty was kind enough to be our cook, barbecuing enough hamburgers and hot dogs to feed a small army. Gaye Millar brought her wonderful macaroni salad and of course Frank made his now world famous baked beans.

Although this was a picnic to thank our volunteers, we also felt that it was a good opportunity to speak with the Larimer County Commissioner candidates about Wolf and the difficulties the facility has encountered in the special review process. Therefore, in the spirit of cooperation, Tom Bender, Debby Morgan, and Glen Gibson, the major county commissioner candidates were invited to come to the picnic in order to have open discussion with the founders and supporters of Wolf. Although all of the candidates accepted the invitation, only Tom Bender and Glen Gibson actually attended.

Wolf has been involved with the Larimer County Commissioners regarding its right to exist. A little known and seldom-enforced ordinance restricting the number of dogs and/or cats a residence can maintain to three without Commissioner approval was enforced on Wolf. After hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars were spent on technical reports by Wolf that proved the facility was not a nuisance to surrounding property owners, Wolf was granted a variance to that ordinance. The catch being that the Commissioners want to restrict the number of animals at the sanctuary to thirty. This in effect would require the euthanization of twelve of the animals already living at the rescue. No facts were presented that proved there were legitimate nuisances from the facility, or that limiting the number of animals would eliminate any perceived nuisances. Wolf could not standby and let twelve animals be euthanized and now has a lawsuit pending against Larimer County and the Commissioners to reverse that condition of the variance.

The candidates were very attentive and asked poignant questions on all of the topics. Although they were responsible enough not to promise anything, they were sensitive to the apparent injustices. Both Tom Bender and Glen Gibson have publicly voiced their opposition to excessive government and the restrictive type of ordinances contained in the Larimer County Land Use Code.

Wolf has tried very hard to stay out of the political arena. We believed strongly that proven facts would outweigh unsubstantiated concerns and the irrational fears of a few individuals. We were wrong and now believe we must stay involved and fight for the freedoms upon which we were taught this country was founded. While still hesitant to provide an absolute endorsement of Tom Bender and Glen Gibson, Wolf believes that the honesty, integrity and similar values of both men would serve the interests of American Freedoms and the rights of Wolf to exist.

A quote from an Indian Inspector made in 1877, most closely sums up our beliefs about this situation.

“Rules are made to keep us safe and honest and well-organized…but many of them become more important than the purpose for which they were written. We have a tendency to make rules only to fall under the power of them. If rules and laws are made and have governed us for any length of time, it is generally thought that there can be no exceptions…even to the point of being ridiculous. When a rule becomes so binding that it will not allow common sense and honest action to help the people to do the right thing, it is time to make a change. Rules are made to help us do our best, or ‘I da tli ni gu si’, in Cherokee. Rules are made to serve human beings…not human beings made to serve the rules. We need the rules, but wisdom as well.

Everyone in attendance enjoyed both the barbecue and speaking with the candidates. Tom Bender and Glen Gibson were both voted into office as County Commissioners in the recent election. We are reserving judgment, but wish both Commissioners success in their new positions.

The Wolf educational team just finished doing several programs for the Defenders of Wildlife at the Carnivores 2000 conference in Denver.

We realize that there are some of you who may not know that it is possible to have the wolves visit your school, church, business, organization, etc. Wolf offers a variety of programs to accommodate the needs of all age groups. The programs can be done with or without slides, includes a talk, and of course the Ambassador Wolves attend the programs for people to see and touch. This is truly an amazing experience. The fee for the programs is very reasonable.

For further information contact Pat at (970)-416-9531.

The list seems to grow every time we publish a newsletter. If you know of any sources for these items that can be contributed or acquired at a significant discount, please contact us. Thanks to all those who have helped eliminate items from this list.

Labor/Services

Bookkeeper (to help with data entry)
Fundraiser (to help initiate and organize events)
Water-Well Drilling
Land Surveyor

Materials

Travel Kennels (Large/Extra Large)
Horse Leads (to be used as leashes)
Motor Home Tires (so we can use it for programs)
6 Sets - Walkie-talkies(for emergency communications)
Pickup Truck-4x4 (in good working condition)
Digital or Video Camera
Photo Scanner (IBM compatible)
Zip Drive (IBM compatible)
Generator (the bigger the better)
Water Transfer Pump
New Storage Shed 120 Sq. Ft (or materials to build one)
ATV - (Four or Six wheel drive)

Or

Benevolent Multimillionaire(in which case skip all of the above)

 

Time flies when you’re havin’ fun! As we approach the end of the year we wonder where it went. Some spring chores on our list continue to require our attention. This business certainly keeps the adrenaline pumping and is anything but boring.

As we caught our breath from the forest fire in spring and took our last newsletter to the printer, we were faced with another forest fire threatening the sanctuary (see Evac II). As we finished repairing the dam on the pond from the flood of 1999 and began filling it with water, we discovered a leak in an area that was not affected by the flooding. As we initiated the task of finishing repairs to the road and installing a culvert in a critical area, the backhoe broke. As the lawyer for the county was talking settlement on our suit, the county commissioners became difficult and refused to negotiate. As we were attempting to build a fence and new gate between us and our closest neighbor, we discovered that the neighbor had built his dam on our property. When it looked like the insurance companies’ attorneys were going to settle the road access issue, the owners of that property put new restrictions on their demands. A settlement conference was held on the personal injury lawsuit and it appeared that the plaintiffs realized they did not have much of a case. We were optimistic about a settlement, however their demands continued to be outrageous. Needless to say the roller-coaster ride continues to give us our share of ups, downs, nausea, and exhilaration. The words that continue to ring in our ears are, “nobody ever said it would be easy”.

We believe that the leak was finally fixed after weeks of deliberation on exactly how the repair should occur. Unfortunately we have not had enough precipitation to fill the pond to a level that would indicate whether or not we still have a problem. We finally had the backhoe repaired to the tune of $6,000, but of course it has been too cold to accomplish the road repairs planned. The county law suit continues to follow its course. No trial date has been set and we are in the process of seeking an injunction to prevent a condition of our zoning variance (to reduce the number of animals to 30 by December 13th) from being enforced. We also have requested an extension of time on another of the conditions (a public survey of the sanctuary by December 13th) until next spring. With all of the other unexpected expenses we have incurred this year the approximate cost of a survey ($5,000) was nowhere to be found. It appears that the dam encroachment issue may end up in ligation. Our lawyers are working on that issue. The road access issue continues to plod along and there is no resolution in sight. The personal injury case is scheduled for trial at the end of this month.

In July, a suitable companion animal for Bear was in need of sanctuary. It was a young female that had been free-ranging in Alaska and had a collar that was imbedded ¾ of an inch into her neck. The associate director of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance became this animal’s champion. She spent weeks trying to lure her into a captive situation and ended up having to dart her. After surgery, she was transferred to a caring spirit in San Francisco to recuperate. It became necessary for Pat to fly to San Francisco in order to pick up Kiki. We are happy to report that she is doing wonderfully and has adapted to her new situation with Bear very well.

In August we sponsored another free concert in old town square. The performers included Sunny Waters (www.sunnywaters.com), Danny Many Horses, Melanie Trondson and an impromptu visit by the ‘Cute Little Devils’, who were extremely well received by the crowds. We are very grateful to the artists who performed and the supporters who donated to the Kasha surgery fund. Everybody had a great time.

I must apologize here to Ralph Thekwane Rivera who performed in the free concert in May and got edited out of the story that ran in our last newsletter. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the concert as someone always has to be at the sanctuary. I also ended up doing the editing in order to make stories fit our newsletter and missed the fact that Ralph’s name was omitted. We did appreciate his help and hope he is not too mad at us.

The surgery on Kasha (see Kasha’s Bionic Leg) caused an increase in chores to be accomplished by the volunteers with whom he was most comfortable. In order to keep his stress level low we cut down on visits to the facility. He has a long way to go in his recovery and we are guardedly optimistic that everything is going to progress according to plan.

As usual I am ending my letter and have run out of room to give the kind of thanks that we wish we could to all of the individuals who have been instrumental in furthering the accomplishments of Wolf, both by volunteering and through donations. We realize that words are insufficient and no amount of praise would accurately express our gratitude. We hope you all understand and are comfortable with ‘wolf-spit’ kisses and the inner satisfaction of knowing that many of these animals would be dead if it were not for your efforts and dedication. Thank you.

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