News, Summer 2007, page 3

20 August – Isabeau Surgery Day

It was finally time for Isabeau’s spay. Yea! We were seriously hoping this might help calm her down somewhat. The vet arrived and we actually started with Matoskah, who did not react to the tranquilizer in December. This time, when he was darted, the tranquilizer did its job and his procedures went without a hitch. Isabeau would be hand injected with the drug, as she was much more social than Matoskah. It was a three person job to get this done though, as one person would keep her head busy while the second person protected the vet, who gave her the shot. The process worked flawlessly and Isabeau actually thought that a fly or bee had stung her and focused her anger on the flying critters that were close to her. We then allowed her to calm down and find a quiet place to rest for about 20 minutes. We monitor the animal during this time frame, but try not to stimulate them whatsoever. This approach allows the drug to be the most effective. About 15 minutes into this process it became apparent Isabeau was reacting very strongly to the drug. Her respiration was shallow and labored, so we decided to immediately get her into the mobile surgical van. This would allow us to get vital signs in order to determine what was really going on. Steve and Frank quickly lifted Isabeau to carry her to the van and had only taken a few steps when she partially or reactively awakened, in fear, just enough to latch onto Steve’s hand with her teeth. Even though receiving several good punctures, Steve proceeded with getting her safely into the van. Dr. Sunken and the vet tech (Tanja Dunn), quickly hooked her up to the necessary equipment. Indeed, she was going a lot deeper than was safe and she was medicated to stabilize her heart rate. Obviously, everyone was very attentive and concerned about this reaction, but the additional medication began working very quickly and all of her vital signs returned to much more normal levels. Steve left the action to receive first aid on his hand.





The surgical team proceeded with all of their preparations and Isabeau was moved into the operating area. The surgical procedures were performed without incident and without any more unexpected reactions, until they were starting to suture the incision. Again, her vital signs started dropping – the stabilizing drug must have worn off. Quickly, Dr. Sunken began the reversal of the tranquilizing drug and finished suturing the incision. Isabeau was moved to a shady and cool location within the enclosed area of the Sanctuary. Dr. Sunken continued monitoring her vital signs. She was doing great now and even lifted her head to see what was going on. After about 15 minutes, she very drowsily got to her feet and meandered off to a resting place. Although pain medications had been administered, it was obvious that she was a hurting unit. She was monitored throughout the day and did not seem to have any lingering affects of the tranquilizers. The following day she was still very sore and very tentative with her movements, although she was giving kisses again. Within three days she was back to ‘normal’ – “darn, when would we see her start to calm down?” Just teasing -- as we do love her very much and indeed respect her exuberance for life.

30 August – Representative John Kefalas Visits Wolf - Ž

While at the Jane Goodall lecture in April (see Spring Newsletter), one of our outstanding supporters initiated contact with the state representative for Fort Collins and continued communicating with him. It was an educational interchange, which Rep. Kefalas was very inquisitive about. One of the founders of Wolf became involved in the educational process also, and eventually Rep. Kefalas was invited to see what it was all about. Although his visit was short, he received the full dump on the issues surrounding wild and captive wolves and was very open about his respect and interest in wildlife. He was also ‘somewhat’ open to receiving kisses from Tunyan. We are confident he left with a much truer representation of what wolves are really all about.

04 September – Preparations for the Hearing

We were fast approaching the hearing date and there were a number of details that still needed to be finalized. A few more documents were requested by the Planning Dept., press releases and alerts to our supporters needed to be drafted and sent, post cards created and sent, press interviews accommodated and we were all running around like crazies. There would be no second chances, so it all needed to get done in a timely manner.

05 September – Arkte Two Months Later

Arkte was doing great. She was back to her old feisty self and was gaining some needed weight, which was very encouraging. Rachane was just plain glad to have her back to her playful nature, even though he was no longer getting all the great treats she did not want.

06 September – Kiki Three Months Later - Œ

After Kiki’s ordeal during her periodic exam and vaccinations, (see Spring Newsletter) she was monitored very closely and was doing great also. It took her some time to return to her normal approach to humans, but seemed no worse for the wear.

10 September – Our Feral Cat

Several years ago, a feral cat showed up at the Sanctuary. Although we made a number of phone calls to determine if she was missing from any of our neighbors, it became obvious she was supposed to be here. Over time she adjusted very nicely to the happenings at the facility and became much calmer about being scratched and of course, begging for food. She was an excellent mouser and made herself right to home in our shed and wood pile. She was also a great distraction for Isabeau who would, we think, try to play with her at the front gate. She had been named F.K. when we decided to catch her up and have her spayed and vaccinated about a year and a half ago. Although only weighing in at about five pounds, she put the fear of God into all of the staff at the Sanctuary. We joke about it now as the visual of all these folks, who have wolves sit in their laps, jumping back in fear of this little feline, but it was not so funny at the time. Long story, short – it was time to give booster shots and Kiley was elected to be sacrificed to F.K. The vet arrived and Kiley attempted to scruff her and was immediately heading for the house, dripping blood and seeking first aid attention. F.K.’s shots will have to wait for another day.

14 September – Exams & Vaccinations for Foster Animals - •

It was past due for two fostered animals to receive their periodic exams and scheduled vaccinations. This had been a tough one to arrange as they were located about two and half hours from the Sanctuary. Finally all of the schedules came together and the procedures were accomplished. Of course, not without the usual trials and tribulations of trying to dart a moving target. Steve and Dr. Sunken did an outstanding job. While in the neighborhood, Steve headed for WideAwake. Yes, we had been postponing a bunch of smaller repairs that had been needed at that facility. By dark, Steve was heading back to the Sanctuary -- exhausted but relieved to have both goals accomplished.

19 September – Planning Commission Public Hearing - Œ

(see Public Hearings). [