I’ve been volunteering at Wolf for nearly two years. I discovered them shortly after I moved from Dallas to Fort Collins in the summer of 2006, and I’ve been visiting the Sanctuary nearly every week since. I don’t recall now how I initially learned of Wolf, but when I looked them up and found out what they did, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

Prior to my first visit, I knew next to nothing about the Sanctuary itself, aside from their purpose and their goals. In my mind I had envisioned a facility that was much more modern and equipped in a manner similar to your local zoo or humane society. I had no idea that this was something built from scratch out of the bare determination of two individuals with a dream. I was completely unprepared to find that the primary structure on the property was a tiny house smaller than my apartment that had to generate its own electricity and pump its own water. I should clarify, however, that this should not be interpreted as a lack of professionalism. These are sacrifices made on the part of the founders and staff so that the animals in their care can enjoy the utmost quality of life, with access to the highest level of medical care and vast, open enclosures in which to spend their days.

My first encounter with a wolf was at the start of my first visit to the Sanctuary, when I was greeted at the house’s main gate by a handful of animals. Shaman was the first one to catch my eye because of his pure white coat, and obvious stature over the other animals. At the time I couldn’t believe that I was standing literally inches away from a real, live wolf, (and unlike some of the wolf-dogs, one that was unmistakably a wolf) with no barriers between us. I was filled with feelings of awe, intimidation, and curiosity, as Shaman was, and still is a beautiful yet imposing creature. Even today, I get a tremendous thrill whenever he rubs against me out of affection or scratches at me to pet him.

Kenai Update

In our Spring Newsletter, we reported that Kenai managed to pull through a very serious illness. Wolf is ecstatic to inform you that he has made a complete recovery and is doing fabulous! His lungs sound great, and most of his fur has returned on the shaved patches. Likewise, his larger than life appetite has returned, so any weight lost during his illness has surely returned. Even with a few extra pounds, Kenai is still running up and down the mountain like a youngling, and verifying all the other animals remember that he is king.

It seems he knows how close he was to the end, as Kenai has developed a true renewed zest for life. He greets visitors at the gate, and often will not wait for you to sit down before beginning his infamous scent-rubbing. More than a few people have had to hold onto the fence until he has had his way with them, all while laughing hysterically at this goofy, but very affectionate animal. The only bad part to this zest is that his world-renowned head bites do seem to be a little harder. Once he has satisfied his scent-rubbing desires, Kenai plops down and demands scratches until your arm is about to fall off.

8th Annual - Run With The Wolves

NEW PLACE!
CSU Oval, Fort Collins

FOR MORE INFO!
Contact Kiley - 970.416.9531
kmcgowen@wolfsanctuary.net

for more details/link to sponsors - click

to download registration details/form (pdf)- click