News, Fall 2008, page 2

Small Miracles -- McKinley

Running a Sanctuary is not easy. We are busy to the point that we do not take the time to celebrate all the good things (aka small miracles), that do happen. It is high time for that to change. As we near 14 years of saving lives, we were humbled when we stopped to realize that we have helped, in one way or another, to rescue over 7,500 animals in addition to those we have provided sanctuary. Our most recent rescue occurred October 14th. A high percentage or possibly pure 3 year old wolf was dumped at the Larimer County Humane Society. Her name is McKinley, and we would like to share her story with you.

McKinley’s previous owners were going through a divorce and selling their house. Instead of bothering to even try finding her a new home, they left it up to their realtor, who knew nothing about wolf-dogs. The short time frame only allowed the realtor to surrender her to the Humane Society; she probably didn’t know Humane Societies consider wolves and wolf-dogs non-adoptable and euthanize them. Fortunately a small miracle occurred; the Humane Society contacted Wolf for placement. Unfortunately, they wanted her out that day and we were in the middle of the WideAwake mess. After pleading and arguing with their operations manager, another small miracle, they agreed to keep McKinley until the following week when Wolf could transport her.

Then she bit a staff member. We later learned the bite was most likely provoked, and very minor, but now the HS wanted her out immediately. This conveniently occurred while we were at WideAwake. More arguing, as the HS wanted to euthanize her, then another small miracle, they gave her until Tuesday. Frank and Christina, a Wolf volunteer, left Tuesday morning to pick her up. We had arranged for her to temporarily stay at another shelter until her permanent placement at Mission: Wolf was ready. Finding an appropriate facility that would take her permanently and one that would accept her temporarily were also miracles. Getting her into a kennel was not easy – we needed another.

Initially, the HS demanded the use of animal control officers and 2 catchpoles. Frank was not about to let that happen. More arguing ensued and yes another small miracle, they would let us attempt it our way. Christina and a female staff member went into the run with a kennel, and managed to lure McKinley into it with chicken. However, the door was not shut fast enough, and she escaped. On to Plan B. At WideAwake, we started herding the fear-biter animals into kennels using blankets and lots of people. This tactic was tried with her, and worked after several tries. The Animal Control Officers even complimented Wolf on a job well done after she was loaded up. They now have a more humane method for catching up animals.

She freaked initially in the car, but soon calmed down. Upon arrival at the temporary shelter, she settled into her new home well. Shelter workers steadily gained her trust. McKinley was eating from their hands, rolling on her back for belly rubs, and walking on a leash. They brought her out daily to spend time in the outdoor kennel. She stayed there for a few weeks without incident before her new guardians were able to pick her up.

McKinley is doing extremely well at her new home. She has claimed her territory, and is social with women. Men are still a little scary, but she is warming up to a few. She will be introduced to a pack soon, after it is determined which group will be the best fit.

We hope you find this story as heartwarming as we did. Not only was McKinley rescued, many people also learned some important lessons along the way. These include: the value of a single animal’s life, more humane ways to kennel a scared animal, one bite does not mean the animal is aggressive and needs to be destroyed, and the joy of saving an animal. Life is all about the small miracles that add up to big change. Greater understanding and more compassion towards these misunderstood animals is a change in perception and truly a miracle.

Payroll Deductions Don't Need To Be Big

As we approach the end of the year, we would also like to acknowledge all of our supporters who donate to Wolf through payroll deduction plans. Over the years, Wolf has been blessed to be part of Community Shares of Colorado.

Workplace Giving campaigns provide employees and managers an opportunity to work together in a major charitable campaign. The campaigns are fun and spirited, with employees from many levels of the company forming a committee and working toward a common goal. The nonprofit organizations you help support can speak to your employees about their programs and the critical role employee donations have to people in their community. Federations like Community Shares can provide a lot of help in running a campaign.

Studies show that giving through Payroll Contribution is three times more effective than simply writing a check.

Payroll deductions or automatic monthly donations are what is known as incremental giving. The power of incremental giving cannot be underestimated. Small donations, even $1 from each paycheck, add up to a lot of help for Wolf. Here are a few examples of what incremental giving can do:

$/week	provides
1.00	treats and enrichment for 1 rescued wolf for 1 year
5.00	medication and supplements for 1 rescued wolf for 1 year
10.00	resources necessary to spread our educational mission about the value of wild wolves and why wolves and wolf-dogs do not make good pets
15.00	veterinary care for 1 rescued wolf for 1 year

For more information on Community Shares of Colorado:

cshares@cshares.org phone: 303.861.7507

www.cshares.org toll-free phone: 800.808.4038

Continued -> ->

Become A Member of Wolf