Newsletter - Fall 2006
(click to link to pdf download)

Sanctuary Update

Fall came a little early this year and then quickly turned into Winter, just as quickly went back to Summer, then on again to Fall and hopefully will stay mild enough for us to finish all of our Summer projects. Of course each of these swings, in the weather, presented us with their own specific beauties and challenges.

The Fall colors were outstanding and cooler temperatures were enjoyed by all the wolves. An early snow quickly removed all the leaves from the trees, but was outstandingly beautiful and again, enjoyed by all the wolves. The sunrises, this time of year, are also just spectacular and although maybe not quite as enjoyable to the wolves, definitely enjoyed by the early-rising humans.

WideAwake received 18” of snow in mid-October, requiring that we escalate our plans for providing the tools necessary to care for the animals (see WideAwake-The Never-Ending Challenge). This requirement, unfortunately caused us to have to cancel a major volunteer event, called ‘Make A Difference Week’. We had scheduled over 130 volunteers, who had signed up to help with projects at the Sanctuary. Obviously, they were very disappointed, just as we were, and of course the projects were not completed. The plan was to get several outbuildings and two small cabins painted, and get two new isolation enclosures built. We then would have moved on to the next project of building two new regular enclosures.

The deep snow also resulted in an emergency situation with Menemith, from the Wide­Awake Pack. Somehow she broke her leg in the deep snow. Although recovering very nicely, this event not only impacted the start of the planned projects, but also the budget for those projects. The preliminary costs on her surgery and recovery have already reached $3,500 (see WideAwake~The Never-Ending Challenge).

Although the extra effort and expense associated with the WideAwake animals has been extremely challenging, we have seen tremendous strides in their physical and emotional health. Several of the pairs have been observed actually playing with each other and four to five of the animals are now approaching humans for attention. Your support is paying off with huge dividends.

On another positive note, our 2007 calendar has come back from the printer and is now available (see FREE Calendar Offer). Likewise the Howl-O-Ween Run, on October 29th, went off without a hitch and was enjoyed by all (see Howl-O-Ween Run). Although our attendance was down somewhat from last year, we were thrilled that it was not down to the levels other charitable runs experienced this year.

Most of the animals are doing very well. Kiki and Shadow Hawk are getting to know each other much better and Kiki was actually seen trying to play with Shadow Hawk. He was not real thrilled by this, but did not take exception to it either.

Isabeau (Squeak), has been growing like a weed (see Squeak-Pups Grow Quick). She is a typical little terror, trying to steal anything she can, jump on anyone she can, bite anything she can (in play - of course), shred anything she can, and last but certainly not least -- eat anything she can. She has gained approximately 30 lbs since arriving at Wolf on September 2nd. This is almost a doubling of her weight, in just two months.

Ashley and Jasmine (the ‘Ancient Ones’ -- now working on their 19th year) have given us a few scares.

On October 1st, Ashley suffered some sort of small stroke or seizure. She was found in the morning laying in an unusual location and appeared not to be able to move anything except her head. Frank sat and comforted her, trying to get a feeling for what was going on.
As he did, she quickly let him know that she was still very alert by snapping at him. She got her point across quite nicely -- she still had attitude and wasn’t going anywhere. Within an hour she was up and moving around her enclosure again. Although very weak in the back legs, she was getting around just fine and has steadily improved since then.

Jasmine, who is totally blind, had something of a similar situation occur about a week later. It appeared that she may have slipped off a log, sliding into an awkward position, which she could not get out of by herself. With a little help and a little time to gather her composure, she likewise, was up and going again. Both ladies continue to amaze us with their determination and zest for life.

As we near the holiday season and the end of the year, we reflect on all of the blessings your concern and support has made possible. We celebrate these accomplishments and wish for you:
The Happiest of Holidays & A Joyous New Year