News, Fall 2001, page 2

Kasha - Here We Go Again

Six and a half months after Kasha had the apparatus removed from his right leg, on July 12, 2001, he again made the trip to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This time Dr. Randy Fitch was operating to correct the deformity in Kasha's left leg.

We arrived at the hospital at 9:00 a.m. Kasha was intubated immediately upon arrival as he had been sedated before leaving the sanctuary. After being intubated he was taken to x-ray, where technicians took several views of each of Kasha's legs. Dr. Fitch explained to us that Kasha's right leg was doing very well. Kasha's body was "laying down bone" which would keep the leg strong. He also informed us that if the surgery had not been preformed he would be dead due to the severity of the problem.

After reviewing the x-rays, the Doctor had Kasha taken to the operating room. It was now 10:00 a.m. This time Dr. Fitch allowed two of us to observe the entire surgery (Donna Nayduch and myself). We had to go through the scrub-up procedures, put on hospital garb including caps, booties and masks. We were allowed to bring cameras into the surgical suite but even those would need to be wiped down.

The surgery began immediately and continued until 6:00 p.m. There were a few tense moments when approximately half way through the surgery Kasha started to wake up from the anesthesia. Dr. Fitch was amazing and instructed everyone in the room to stay perfectly still as Dr. Jamie Gaynor the head anesthesiologist was called. Dr. Gaynor quickly prepared an injection and within seconds Kasha was again deeply under the effects of anesthesia.

I must tell you that watching Dr. Fitch and his team for eight hours, never leaving their patient, I have developed a new respect for what they actually do. I personally could not stand for that length of time, not eating, drinking or even taking a bathroom break. These are truly dedicated and skilled people and I thank them all.

After the surgery Kasha was again taken to x-ray where still more views were taken of his leg. Dr. Fitch was very pleased with the results.

Kasha has done extremely well with this surgery. His healing process seems to have been quicker than the last surgery. His personality even went back to the sweet Kasha we knew as a puppy. He enjoyed running and playing with the other wolves, especially Shaman. All of this even though his left leg was in the external fixator.

On September 20th our vet, Priscilla, came up and did an x-ray on his leg and removed two of the pins that had been put in an uncomfortable place for his mobility. We anticipated that this would increase his use of the leg, however, it had the reverse effect. For some unknown reason he used it less and it seemed to bother him more.

Finally the fixator was removed on October 31st and he is slowly using his leg more and more. Likewise, he is again running and playing more and is more social with the humans at the facility.

Although not totally straight or normal, we are very optimistic that his quality of life and longevity will be greatly enhanced because of these surgeries.

People have asked us why? Why would you spend so much money on one animal? The reason of course is because Kasha along with all of the animals at Wolf, are not "just animals". They are sentient beings and deserve to have a chance at as normal a life as possible, as would any human. This seems to be, for me, the theme in this newsletter, (See Chana's Memorial). Kasha and his kind are a different species. In light of the happenings on September 11, 2001, it would seem to me that we as a species should respect the lives of all living creatures. A quote from The Dalai Lama seems to fit our beliefs the best.

"Life is as dear
to a mute creature
as it is to a man.
Just as one wants happiness
and fears pain,
just as one wants to live
and not die,
so do other creatures."

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

We will keep you posted on Kasha's recovery.

Letter From the President

We again must apologize for missing our summer issue of the newsletter. As we try to prioritize the tasks that must be accomplished we are obligated to make sure the animals are always our number one. This in no way diminishes our appreciation for all of the support we receive from you or our desire to keep you informed about the organization.

The events that shocked the world on September 11th likewise have taken their toll on us. We, I am sure like the rest of the country, could not tear ourselves away from the breaking coverage and horror of the situation. Luckily our loved ones who live and work in that area were not among the injured or killed. Our thoughts, prayers and energy go out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy and pray that our leaders can focus on solutions to the cause rather than vengeance.

Although our beliefs and values are not necessarily the most popular within our society, we deal with these types of emotions daily. We believe strongly that wolves and wolf-dogs are sentient beings and that their lives and the lives of all animals have value. Unfortunately, we encounter numerous situations daily, where they are mistreated, injured or killed, in horrible circumstances, through no fault of their own. We hope, pray, and believe that some day the brutalization of all beings in this world will cease.

We have continued to be challenged by our county officials (see County), the pond, fund-raising and trying to accomplish all of the projects that are season sensitive.

The pond continues to leak even after hundreds of hours of work to seal it. We are at a total loss to figure out just what is going on. The ducks don't seem to mind however as a hen laid, hatched and raised a clutch of nine in and around the pond this year.

Fund raising has always been a difficult and labor-intensive situation and has become even more difficult as the focus of donation dollars in this country has shifted. We encourage all of you to do what you can, in your hearts, to help our cause. Thank You.

Our education team, headed by Pat, has given 14 Educational Programs and attended 10 Public Events, since our last newsletter. A major fundraiser that we initiated this year and plan to continue annually, the Howl-O-Ween Run, was a major energy drain. We had close to 400 runners and walkers and many more spectators show up and participate. From all indications the event, with trick-or-treat stations on the route, the pumpkin patch, the entertainment and donated gift bags, was a huge success. Although it did not generate significant net dollars, we believe it will grow and we will get more efficient each year. We must acknowledge here, Mickey McNeal, who first suggested this event and was extraordinarily instrumental in the logistics and leg work involved putting it together. Thank You Mickey. (see Quick Pix)

Our warm weather tasks included the pond, road work, cleaning out debris at the front of all of the enclosures, treating the wood shelters, posts and house/decks with water-proofing and brush and tree thinning for fire mitigation purposes. We also have installed new computers and software in order to help make our bookkeeping, web site and supporter communications more efficient. Here we must acknowledge the extensive donation of equipment and labor by Jim Mittl. Without his ability and commitment all of the computer related tasks would not have occurred. Thank You Jim.

We also continue to provide extensive communication and support to individuals who are looking to place animals. We turn away dozens of animals monthly and try to help their current caretakers find alternatives to death. This monumental task is headed up by Gaye Millar and we thank her from the bottom of our souls for her unparalleled persistence, patience and dedication to saving as many animals as possible.

Thank you to all of the individuals who help the Wolf mission be successful. We wish we could acknowledge all of you, but you know who you are and please know that your efforts are appreciated.

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