News, Winter 2002-2003, page 4

I will never forget the first time I met Bacchus. He was approximately 1½ years old and already weighed more than 100 lbs. Eventually he would become the largest animal to ever live at Wolf weighing in at 167 lbs. Bacchus was in the back of the pickup in the largest travel kennel made for canines, yet it was too small for him. He was hunched over and looking terribly frightened and at the same time, frightening. Bacchus had third eyelid disease which made his inner eyelids bright red. Unknown to me, he had earlier that day growled at anyone who approached him, including Frank. People thought he was dangerous. Between his eyes and the fact that he had come to Wolf because, as is often the case, he had been placed in a situation not suitable for a wolf dog. Bacchus had killed the pet cat of his owners' roommate. As is the case with wolf dogs, he was scheduled to be euthanized. One hour before his euthanization another roommate took pity on him, bailed him out and turned him over to Wolf.

You see Bacchus arrived at Wolf on an emergency basis and we had no open enclosures. Frank, Pat and a volunteer, Lea Carroll spent all afternoon and all night building an enclosure for him. The snow started falling and I realized Bacchus must be cold; I retrieved blankets from the house and covered the kennel so he would be warm while we continued to build his new home. It would be 2 a.m. before we could complete his enclosure.

This is how I came to be standing in front of this magnificent animal during a blizzard in November of 1995. I didn't know people had considered him dangerous and as I stood there I realized he was scared and so I just reached into the kennel to pet and reassure him. Frank was mortified, thinking I was going to be bit, but Bacchus snuggled into my hands and we became the best of friends. In fact it would take 3 ½ months for Bacchus to befriend another human. When new volunteers would meet Bacchus for the first time they were startled by both his size and his red eyes. They would soon learn that he was just a gentle giant that loved attention.

Bacchus passed away on February 20, 2003 after a short illness. He was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia probably caused by some type of cancer. The illness was very sudden; blood work had been performed 3 days prior to the onset as part of a general check up. All of his test results were normal. As part of the diagnostic procedure repeat blood tests were performed again at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The results were drastically different, something was terribly wrong. Bacchus was given fluids, medications and finally a blood transfusion. Unfortunately nothing helped; his body was actually destroying his blood cells and his body could not replace them with healthy cells. Even the blood he had received in the transfusion was destroyed by his own immune system. After lengthy conversations with his doctors it was decided to bring Bacchus home to say goodbye. He spent several hours with his companion, Peter and numerous volunteers who made the trip to say farewell to our wonderful friend. We will all miss you Bacchus.

Wolf feels very blessed to receive the donations that allow us to continue helping more animals. Although, it is difficult to demonstrate the depth of our thanks and to acknowledge everyone who has helped, we would like to list some of the individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in helping the animals.

Every year, in January, we also try to recognize a few of our supporters that have gone extraordinarily above and beyond to help the cause during the previous year. The plaque that we present to them has been named the "Spirit of Wolf" Award (pun intended). The animal's photo in the plaque is Spirit. This year we have presented it to the following individuals or organizations for the reasons detailed.

Wal-Mart Distribution Center
The Seeley Foundation
Fentiman's
Clear Channel Communications
DVM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
King Soopers - West Elizabeth
James Mittl
Anne Rice

Rick Berry
Nestle Pet Care Company
Overland Foods
Wildlife Legacy Trust
Community Foundation Serving Boulder County
Animal Health Options
Purcell's Buffalo Acres
Gail Daugherty
Steve/Mimi Henneman
Deborah Doverspike
Marie Kiang
Colorado Hauling, Inc.
Helene Harrison
Journey Books & Gifts
Bar Fly 2000
Donna Nayduch
Susan Flint
Kinko's - Harmony
Denese Baca
Time-Warner Cable
John/Katherin Yochum

Gazell's
Nickie Koeller
Judy Gould
Petco
Lori/Darren Hebert
Tyler/Sharon Allen
Lois Lichtfuss
Hatcher Fleet Service
Jill/Tom Pleban
Dave Stock
Arly Miner
Russ/Jeanne Sanford
Steven Wolfsong
Marla Morine & Larry Bolt
Holly Bartges
Boxer Ranch
Penny Prichard
Stephen Dewesse
North Star Veterinary Clinic
Yvonne Montoya
Primear Tire Terminal
Pat/Auriel Piscani
Estes Park News
Barbara/Keith Hardes
Audrey Urbano
Jay Newberg
Leighton/Gaye Millar
Shiras Shine
Dwyane/Gail Geist
Cheryl Lang
Lanteri Insurance Agency
Melodie/Edward Oliver
Alex Radich
Agnes Richards
James Simonds