Why does this one matter? Why spend so much time and money to save it? There are so many that are being killed, why bother?

We are constantly asked these questions. Deep in our souls the answer is clear, however, putting it into words is not very easy. They are ALL special! We would save them all if we could.

We believe that the more important questions are the ones we ask ourselves when we look into their eyes; "How can anyone kill this being? Why are humans so selfish and irresponsible that this individual has ended up here? How can we NOT try to save it?"

We are painfully aware that we cannot save them all. The fact is that we lose many more than we save! Last year we turned away over 1200. It has reached the point where we can visualize each animal's eyes without ever having seen them. When we acknowledge that we cannot save one the pain and anger is intense. Indeed there are times when frustration reaches a level of despair and we have to slap ourselves and just remember to celebrate the successes, 'One At A Time'.

This article was initiated to be upbeat and celebrate some of those recent successes.

Since our county has imposed numerical restrictions on the sanctuary we have struggled with our mission to save these beings. In the past several months we have begun a new program to place animals that are in imminent danger of being killed, in foster homes. Although this is much more expensive, labor intensive and less predictable, we had to do something.

In our fall issue we told you the story of four animals from Arkansas that were abandoned and were going to be used as target practice by the local sheriff. They are doing great at their foster home in Fort Collins. We have yet to find them a permanent home.

While the last newsletter was being printed, Wolf sent two volunteers to meet up, in Nevada, with Yolo County Animal Control from California. A very young female was abandoned at a once homeless camp on the outskirts of Sacramento. The Sheriff's Department had broken up the camp and she was one of three canines that was left behind. Her days were numbered and we put on the full court press to find her a foster home. She has received the name Miska from her new caretaker and is also doing well. She loves romping with a male malamute at that home and has already established herself as the dominant animal.

Our thanks go out to Vicky Fletcher from Yolo County Animal Control for being her champion and Di Campalong and Steve Wolfsong (Wolf volunteers), for going to pick her up.

Shortly after this rescue, two animals that we had been trying to find suitable homes for reached the end of their road. Five animals, in all, had been confiscated for abuse and neglect by Jefferson County Animal Control. Three had been placed but the remaining two, who were not social, were left. We had a vet examine and treat them for upper respiratory infections and were searching for a place to put them.

Once again the full court press was put into play, and a rescue/shelter in Southern Colorado agreed to take them. Due to a snow storm the rescue had to postpone their trip to get them. Wolf quickly arranged to pick them up and deliver them. Unfortunately, the shelter that they were at had some sort of miscommunication and the small female was killed. The black male, now named El Noche, was saved and made the eight hour trip without incident. From all reports he has adjusted very well.

Our thanks to Christine Brooks from Jefferson County Animal Control who championed his cause, Cheryl Budler and Eric Epperson (Wolf volunteers) who drove him and Wolf Mountain Rescue for accepting him.

In mid December we were doing it again. Jefferson County Animal Control had picked up a free ranging, very high-percentage, young male. They had been involved with trying to capture him for several weeks and had determined where he came from. He was an escape artist and his owners no longer wanted him. Animal control believed him to be of such high content that they only felt comfortable placing him at a sanctuary. This is the animal pictured on the cover of this newsletter.

Again we were faced with where to put him. He needed a large enclosure with 8'-10' chain link fencing. Hours were spent figuring out how to save him. That was just the beginning. We worked out a situation with one of Wolf's volunteers to build an enclosure at his acreage in the mountains.

The real work began on December 30th to build an almost half acre enclosure at 9,000 feet above sea level. Not exactly what most people do on their weekends in winter. The response from our volunteers was outstanding and we thank them from the depths of our heart. Tom Nayduch, Steve Singleton, Eric Epperson, Steve Wolfsong, Pat Piscani and Jim Mittl all showed up at the crack of dawn, 4 degrees Fahrenheit, and made it happen. After two days of dawn to dusk, frozen toes and aching muscles it was ready. The young male would be saved.

He received the name Archimedes (Arcs for short) from his new caretaker and most of the individuals who helped build his enclosure arrived to see his release into his new home. This is the part that makes it all worthwhile.

A very reluctant, scared and skittish spirit was gently coaxed toward the gate of his new home. He did not understand what was going on, who he should trust or what maladies life now had in store for him. As he entered the gate he must have sensed something special was about to happen and made a lunge to free himself from his leash. His 200 lb. plus handler was face-planted and dragged 3-4 feet. A quick recovery and a quick release sent Arcs on his new adventure.

At first, just checking everything out and then reveling in this natural setting. He was doing what we call the 'Heisman'. We call it that because as the animals bounce in the air they turn their heads and bodies slightly so they sort of look like the Heisman Trophy.

It was emotionally and spiritually exhilarating to watch. Inside there is a knowing, an understanding that they do matter. Everyone of them is special, important and worth all the time, labor and money necessary to save them. This is what it is all about! This is why we save every one we can! 'One At A Time'.

More to Save!

As I write this story we continue to get phone calls and e-mails about animals that need help.

Alaska has just passed a new law that prohibits the ownership and trade of wolves and wolf-dogs. Although our mission does not involve the political or ethical aspects of legislation on the ownership of these animals, we do get involved with the ramifications of legislation.

In this case the existing animals will be allowed to live out their lives through a grandfather clause. However, that implies that the current owners want them. A large breeder, who has basically been put out of business by this law, no longer wants their animals. There are estimates that they have somewhere around 40 animals. Some of these animals are pregnant and, by all accounts, most have been tethered to short chains attached to a dog house their entire lives.

An unethical facility in Oregon is being shut down and there are 30 some animals in trouble there.

An unethical facility in Colorado who has had over 60 animals confiscated and destroyed, in the past, again is out of control and has somewhere around 40 animals. They, legally, can only have a maximum of 14 and none of them can be intact sexually. It is reported that at least two females are pregnant.

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