Lakota 'Boy' & Cancer

Lakota (aka Lakota Boy), has been a favorite of all who visit the Sanctuary for years. Everyone enjoys his puppy-like antics and constant need for a good butt scratch. He has one of the fastest tongues at the Sanctuary, and will get it in your mouth when you least expect it. Many people earn their “I Swapped Spit With a Wolf” button because of him. He also gives people hickies on there neck when he gets really excited. In 2003, Lakota and one of his pack mates, Samantha, began their careers as Ambassador Animals. Starting with the Howl-O-Ween Run, they began attending all of our public events and educational programs. Lakota greatly enjoys meeting new people and getting all the attention. He has helped educate hundreds of adults and children about the plight of captive wolves and wolf-dogs, while being a joy to all those lucky enough to meet him.

A few months ago, Lakota started becoming a bit more reluctant to leash, harness, and load in the suburban for programs. After finally getting him out to an event one day, a volunteer noticed a rather small growth on the rear of his lower jaw. It did not appear to be painful for him, but we kept a close eye on it. A couple months later, it was obviously growing and seemed to be getting painful. We immediately started him on antibiotics and made an appointment with our wonderful dentist, Dr. Peter Emily. Pat, one of the cofounders, and Christina, an excellent volunteer and human doctor, made the long trip with Lakota. Upon arrival, he was anesthetized and prepared for surgery. Sadly, it was quickly apparent that something more serious was going on. As the mass was removed, the doctors started to fear it could be cancer. They had to remove part of the jaw bone, and were having difficulty getting the area to stop bleeding. After finishing the procedure, new x-rays showed more of the mass deeper in the jaw. They were forced to go back in and remove more tissue. Fortunately, Lakota recovered well from the anesthesia, and was very excited, albeit groggy, to return to his enclosure. We would have to wait 4-6 days for the pathology report and the final diagnosis.

7th Annual Howl-O-Ween Run

The Run for the Wolves took place on October 28th in City Park, Fort Collins. Our wonderful volunteers braved the 6:00 am cold to help set up and prepare for the event in the dark. They had everything ready to rock before the participants began showing up. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful by the start of the race, and a good time was had by all the runners, walkers, dogs, and volunteers. Two of our Ambassador Animals, Samantha and Merlin, made it to the park just in time to walk the course, and then mingle with everyone after the race. Everyone enjoyed the goody bags, entertainment, refreshments, and pumpkin patch provided by our excellent sponsors.

Although participation was lower than usual, the event was still a successful fund raiser for all the animals who call the Sanctuary home. Most importantly, everyone had fun while helping Wolf . Awards and prizes were given to the top three runners in each category. The top three dogs across the finish line also received a ribbon and chew toy.

And the winners were: