Another question we are frequently asked: "Why don't you get grants from foundations or government programs?"

The foundation arena is very complex. Understanding more of how it works will make you truly appreciate how special you are to Wolf.

The first thing we learned is that by far and away, the majority of foundations only fund human related projects. When we analyze the remaining foundations that do fund animal welfare projects, you discover that they fall into two categories: pet related & wildlife related.

Analyzing the pet related foundation's requirements for funding, we soon realized that awards are primarily based on a numbers game. The more animals you process through your doors and either adopt out or euthanize the more likely you are to get funded. Indeed, what we learned to our horror is that most pet related foundations allow, and in some cases encourage, wolves and wolf-dogs to be destroyed because they classify them as not adoptable.

Our shock was magnified even more when we researched the so called 'No Kill' pet related foundations. These organizations profess to be seeking a solution to the millions of pet animals that are killed every year in the United States. Unfortunately it appears to us that, although the intentions are good, the 'No Kill' phrase is simply a good marketing ploy.

Don't get us wrong, we do believe they are having a positive impact and indeed helping to save more animals. However, they allow the killing of any animal that a shelter deems as not adoptable. That does not sound like No Kill to us. In fact setting up that loop hole has actually provided an answer to some unscrupulous shelters to classify anything that slightly resembles a wolf-dog as not adoptable. Unfortunately we have seen German Shepherds, Malamutes, Huskies, Samoyeds, etc. classified as wolf-dogs. These animals then can be killed and the shelter does not have to worry about adopting them or being concerned about their 'No Kill' status. Ultimately, we do not fit very well into the pet related foundation's profile.

The wild animal related foundations are primarily concerned about preservation of wild populations. It appears that the only time they get involved with captive wildlife is when endangered species require captive breeding programs to survive or rehabilitation is followed by release. Unfortunately because all of the animals that we deal with are breed in captivity to be pets, they can never be released and because their lineage cannot be validated they can never be used for any breeding programs.

The long and the short of it is that the sanctuary movement is a fairly new concept. Foundations have not caught up to the needs involved with this approach to animal welfare. There are a few that do fund sanctuaries, however they are bombarded with applications. To be successful getting funded through them requires a long term concerted effort building a relationship with the funding source.

As I sit down to write this letter, I am amazed at how time flies. It seems that we just mailed out the last newsletter.

We are recharged by the many wonderful holiday greetings we received and thank all of you. We wish we could take the time to thank you individually, but other priorities always seem to get in the way. Although there never seems to be enough money to get everything done we would like, we continue to pay the bills required to take care of the animals.

Kasha is doing great! The last leg that was operated on looks almost normal. The first leg that was operated on still has a slight bend to it, however he runs well and plays like a normal young wolf.

C.C. has adjusted well to being tailless and although slightly bothered by her arthritis seems to do well on glucosamine and an occasional Rimadyl for pain.

For some unknown reason the pond has been rising. We are not sure what is going on and we don't know if it is just some sort of winter related anomaly that will go away in the spring. We will enjoy it while it lasts.

We have added another volunteer to help Eric schedule volunteers at the facility. Cheryl Budler does a much better job with phone than Eric, (must be some kind of gender thing). Eric is still doing the initial training of volunteers and some scheduling, however call Cheryl first to schedule your time at the facility.

Our lawyer has been dealing with the county's lawyer. The situation as it currently stands is yet unresolved. As reported in the last newsletter, there exists two sections of the county code that conflict with each other. The new ordinance which does not place an arbitrary figure on the number of animals an individual can possess and an old zoning code from the 1960's that places a limit at 3.

Our contention is that the new code supercedes the old code. The county attorney's contention is that the old code clarifies the new code. Sounds a little like putting the cart before the horse to us. It has also been the belief of animal control for Larimer County that they were to follow the new code. It is also our contention that, for some reason, Wolf is being singled out and held accountable to a higher standard than others in the county. When our lawyer asked for copies of other violations where individuals were being held accountable to the old code, only one incident was given to us. Evidently it was the only violation they could find. As we analyzed that violation it became quite obvious that this violation would still be a violation under the new code as well. Not a very good example, and being that it was the only one they had we believe it further substantiates our belief.

After researching the meetings where the new code was passed and where it was initiated, it is also very apparent that the intent of the new code was to replace the old code. Why then this obvious departure from what was intended and what is being used with the rest of the county? We have asked these questions of the county attorney and will keep you informed as we get answers from them.

We are still without resolution on the legal issues involved with the access road to our facility. The landowner who is questioning our right seems to run hot and cold and we aren't sure how it will end.

Our Program Team headed by Pat still is burning the candle at both ends. As we continue to grow in our outreach program, it has finally become imperative that we have more than one team giving presentations. Pat is in the process of formalizing all that she has put together in order to begin training of individuals interested in being a part of the educational aspects of Wolf. If you have an interest please contact Pat at 970-416-9531 or pwendland@wolfsanctuary.net

Last but not least. Please don't forget to renew your Membership to Wolf. With so many charitable donations being funneled towards the victims of 9-11, Wolf is left somewhat in the lurch. We appreciate all of the help you have provided in the past and we are confident that we can accomplish even more in the future.

 

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