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WideAwake - Their Care-Givers
| We are again focusing our attentions, with the cover story, on the wolves at WideAwake. This is because our challenges to get them moved to the Sanctuary are HUGE and we are not there yet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| This time however, we are, very appropriately, trying to give you a much better idea on how difficult it has been for both staff and volunteers to care for the wolves at their current location. The level of commitment, dedication and hard work has been above extraordinary and we have pushed many wonderful people over the edge. Although the care they have provided the wolves has been beyond reproach, we continue to ask ourselves how long we can demand this level of commitment. Some of the original volunteers have accepted the challenge and indeed even picked up some of the days other volunteers have vacated. This only intensifies the burn-out factor even more and concerns us for the well-being of the humans involved and then the wolves as a result. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The job they have performed is spectacular and very evident when viewing the difference in the wolves now versus when they arrived at WideAwake. All of the wolves are much healthier and happier because of their hard work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| At 10,000 feet above sea level, WideAwake winters are extreme and last year’s winter was more severe than usual (see Winter Newsletter). The wolves are naturally equipped to handle the weather, but the humans suffer immensely. Water buckets freeze solid every night and getting fresh, liquid water to the animals is not a fun or dry job. Trying to feed each animal four to five pounds of meat per day, when the temperatures fall below freezing or even zero, is enough to scare off even the most robust of humans. Then there are the medicated meat-balls, which must be prepared and animals coaxed. Just trying to access the WideAwake facility, when there has been snow and strong winds, can not only be challenging, but dangerous as well. Many volunteers made the three mile trek, to WideAwake from the main road, in two plus feet of snow, on foot in order to care for the wolves. Throw on top of all this, they still have to work their normal for-pay jobs dealing with the weather. You have a significant burden, which most people would not accept, let alone welcome. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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We are very thankful for their efforts, but we would really like to make sure that we do not kill them. We do realize that they receive a great deal of personal satisfaction and spiritual rewards, as they connect with the wolves and assist their healing, however how long can we ask this of them? |
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This Month's Centerfold |
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Lucan (at WideAwake) |
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© 2000-2008, WOLF - a nonprofit corporation, All Rights Reserved
WOLF, Post Office Box 1544, La Porte, CO 80535 - USA
WOLF, Post Office Box 1544, La Porte, CO 80535 - USA