News, Summer 2009, page 2

Cover Story - The Power of Our Supporters

Sanctuary Update

There never seems to be enough room in our newsletters to bring you all the details from the previous season. We pray for the day when things will calm down a bit and there will be very little to report.

Your dedication to our mission has been phenomenal and rewards us emotionally as well (see Letter from the President).

No sooner did we send out our request for you to visualize snow, we began getting it. Within the week we received 35”. We passed this off, certainly you could not have even received the newsletter yet. Then on April 17 thru 19, FOUR FEET of snow (see Cover Story - The Power of Our Supporters).

After having Nashoba neutered on Mar 19, he and Shaman were still getting into it and decisions needed to be made (see Pack Dynamics - Chapter 2).

The ‘official’ start of Spring at the Sanctuary is when the hummingbirds return. This year was the earliest on record -- April 23rd. Yeah, hummers!

On May 12th, Lakota again needed surgery to remove a spindle cell sarcoma from his right jaw. Although a very slow growing tumor, it was again giving him problems. The surgery, performed by Dr. Peter Emily, went without a hitch and Lakota is doing great again (see TWAS update).

On May 13th, we had a strange abscess on Gina’s right check cleaned and examined by one of our vets, Priscilla Dressen. After a general exam, other tests and a course of antibiotics, she seemed to be doing great again.

On May 23rd, we were called TWAS to check on Nugget, who was very lethargic and had labored breathing. She was rushed to the vet hospital and diagnosed with an hemangiosarcoma in the heart. (see In Memory of Nugget).

On Jun 8th, Tunyan figured out how to catch a hawk that was pilfering her meat. Kiley hearing the commotion next to the offices, shrieked when she looked out the window, causing Tunyan to back off (see The Wolf & The Hawk).

The months leading up to our largest fund-raiser of the year, the Waltz on Jun 27th, are exceedingly hectic. This year was no different, but we decided to throw the building of a 2000’ long fire road into the equation as well (see Cover Story). This, along with all of the unforeseen situations, just about crushed our crew. However, through the dedication, perseverance and hard work of the staff and volunteers the event was spectacular (see Waltz for the Wolves 2009).

After the Waltz, we thought we would be able to take a breath -- NOT! Gina was found in her dog house, very lethargic and in obvious distress on Jun 29th. She was rushed to the vet hospital and diagnosed with pyometra (severe infection in the uterus). Being approximately 12 years old, we deliberated and had our animal communicator help. She was strong and was a fighter. Emergency surgery was performed and she came home on the 30th to recuperate in the house. She did outstandingly well, even though she had to mark her territory. She was put back with Hammer on Jul 5th.

The Wolf & The Hawk

On Jun 8, a strange noise was heard by Kiley coming from the habitat next to the Wolf offices. Looking out the window quickly, she saw Tunyan with a hawk in her mouth. Kiley shrieked, “She’s Got The Hawk!”, and everyone ran for the gate. The shriek scared Tunyan and she dropped the bird.

Having volunteered for a raptor rehab facility in the past, Frank caught the hawk and Kiley and Michelle quickly transported her to the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program in Fort Collins. The hawk had some potentially serious injuries, but was a fighter, and was treated and ready for release on Jul 1. However, she needed to be released somewhere other than the Sanctuary. A Wolf Advisory Board Member owns a large property about 4 miles from Wolf -- The Stove Prairie Ranch (Morgan Horses).

Gail Bratz readily agreed to allow the release on her property and Kiley released the beautiful red tail hawk. It was a magnificent event and the hawk flew away with ease.

Waltz for the Wolves 2009

Every year, the Waltz gets bigger, better and much more fun! This year was no exception, and was dedicated to Kenai and all of the loved ones who have passed. It was truly a celebration of their amazing spirits. Over 230 people came out for the evenings festivities. Everyone in attendance had a great time in the beautiful new ballroom at the Embassy Suites. Sigmund and Merlin came down to greet guests as they arrived, everyone enjoyed an excellent meal and outstanding deals on auction items! The wine ran out quickly, but the keg donated by Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing got all of us through the night. We continued our new tradition of pie throwing at the end of the evening, this year getting Kiley, Brandy, Michelle and Frank. We are happy to report that Frank did not duck this year!

Entertainment was supplied by Billy Henson on the Native American Flute, Violet as our spectacular DJ and the Rocky Mountain Belly Dance Company. All of them donated their talents to the cause and were absolutely marvelous. If you would like their contact info please give us a call at 970.416.9531

Wolf is extremely happy with the growth of the event this year despite the economy. Although auction items went for less money than in previous years, the event was still a great success for the animals. Thank you to everyone who came out and did what you could to help Wolf through these tough economic times! This event would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers: THANK YOU! Of course, it would also not be possible without all of you wonderful supporters, and all the fantastic people that donated items for the event too! We feel very blessed to share our passion for the wolves with all of you. Planning has already begun for the 2010 Waltz for the Wolves. Please plan on attending next year to help Wolf celebrate our 15 Year Anniversary! We will let you know the date as soon as it is set, and promise to have more complimentary wine available for everyone. Thanks again to all involved for helping Wolf pull off the biggest event in our history, and we can’t wait to see you again next year!

A Few of Our Outstanding Waltz Sponsors!

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