‘W’ is for….. (Mute Monday)
posted by: Vixen
*All these photos are my own. I apologize for the quality. Some of them are quite a bit older.*
Taboo
Taboo, River, Mishka
Mariah
Mariah
Amani
Nakita
Sandye
Tundra
Topanga and River
Topanga
Ne-hiya
Aleka
Aleka- Christmas ’08
“Wolf ‘hybrids’ are a cross between a Wolf and a domestic dog.
However, in 1992, scientists reclassified dogs and Wolves as the same
species making the term “hybrid” obsolete. Wolf content, the number of
generations removed from a pure Wolf and the type of dog used in each
cross must be considered when defining a Wolfdog. Because of random
genetics inherited from both the dog and the Wolf, the looks and/or
behavior can vary.”
I ran a wolf hybrid rescue for over ten years, beginning in ’93. Mainly we took in unwanted wolves and wolf hybrids. At one point we were housing over 25 wolves and wolf hybrids. I couldn’t tell you the total number we cared for over the years. Uneducated people who thought it would be ‘cool’ to have a REAL LIFE WOLF <<insert sarcasm>>, would bring them into their lives thinking they were ‘dogs’ that looked like wolves. Not realizing that these animals are *not* like puppies or dogs. While a ‘puppy’ may eat an occasional shoe, a wolf hybrid cub will eat your couch. They require an incredible amount of socialization and time and love. And with out these things they can become destructive, out of control, afraid, sometimes aggressive, a menace to their caretakers and society. And these same people panic and want to get rid of these beautiful creatures as soon as they possibly can. They developed a bad reputation in the ’90s. Shelters would take them in only to euthanize them immediately with out ever giving them a second chance. People were turning them loose bc they couldn’t keep them but nor could they find homes for them. So we took them in. Helped other wolf hybrid rescues both in and out of the state. I helped with an education program in our state…to help educate the general public as well as legislation that was trying to pass very unfair and rigid laws against these incredible, helpless animals. I also wrote articles for a Wolf Education periodical.
I was able to place a few of them in new homes with people who understood them and loved them. But most of them remained with me. They are *marvelous* animals with breathtaking beauty and an intelligence that is awe-inspiring. The era of ‘wolf popularity’ has died down, which is IMO, for the best. It takes a special and committed person to bring one of these animals into your life. They are truly life partners to the right person/home. Over the years, the wolves I had taken in have passed away and my last wolf is an old girl now, 13 years (Aleka). She has little control of her back hips and legs but has an amazing amount of spunk and despite her aged appearance, continues to have quality of life. I will be very sad to see her go when her time comes.
http://www.wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org/
http://wolfhaven.org/
http://www.wolfsanctuary.net/
******
Kiddos go back to school. I can honestly say I am a bit saddened to have them go back. The two week break that I was actually kind of dreading a bit, flew by and I’m now a bit melancholy to have it end. I think the realization that the Holidays are over now is making me a bit melancholy as well. I really do love them. The other thing I have loved about the little break is the lazy
mornings of waking up when the kids and I rolled out of bed, enjoying
my coffee and MacBook with out having to watch the clock…. *sigh*
But I suppose now I have Spring to look forward to and we all know how much I *LOOOOOOVE* Spring! (Which brings us a step closer to SUMMER, lol)
Ok something GOOD about January is a bunch of totally kick ass shows come back! LOST!!! The L Word!!! Nip/Tuck!!!
Oh well. Back to the grind.
Happy Monday!
~xo
Beautiful Dreamer
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January 4th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Thanks for sharing that information about the Wolf hybrids. I work in veterinary medicine and it’s sad when someone comes in with an 8-12 month old pup wanting it euthanized because its “bad”. Time & love are definitely required. :)
osbassoJanuary 5th, 2009 at 12:10 am
I had no idea! Very cool!
GypsyJanuary 5th, 2009 at 2:34 am
You are awesome for rescuing these beautiful animals. Well done Vixen and Happy MM.
VicJanuary 5th, 2009 at 4:43 am
How cool! My father took a wolf hybrid pup someone was getting rid of when I was 18. She was tearing things up. We named her Princess. She was my best friend, and left home with me when I moved on my own. She was the most lovable thing, and yes, required a lot of attention. She stayed outside during the day, while I was at work, in a fenced in yard, but slept with me at night. One day I came home from work and she was gone. I truly think someone took her, she was so beautiful. It still breaks my heart.
You learn the coolest things about people.
BearJanuary 5th, 2009 at 6:02 am
I must admit that the last pic caught my eye… it’s a pity she doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve.
Happy MM.
Chef TrollJanuary 5th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Outstanding pictures and I’m really glad you weren’t mute on this one. The text was great too.
People who buy the wrong type of dog because it’s “trendy” should be shot!
Is Sandye part Akita?
ReeJanuary 5th, 2009 at 6:51 am
I didn’t think wolves and vixens got along very well. ;-)
Happy Mute Monday!
Nolens VolensJanuary 5th, 2009 at 7:27 am
That’s something new I learned about you, regarding the wolves. I also empathize with you – I have to get up early because school resumes tomorrow around here.
PCJanuary 5th, 2009 at 8:00 am
It is a little sad that vacation is over. Then again, it’ll be nice to get back into our routine too.
MariposaJanuary 5th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Wow..you never stop to amaze me!
Anyway, I picked you as one of my gift recipient, yes I know I’m late…but well…LOL
moiJanuary 5th, 2009 at 8:18 am
As someone who has spent her life advocating for a misunderstood breed, I commend you in your efforts to shelter these wonderful animals and educate the public about their care. Right. On.
VixenJanuary 5th, 2009 at 8:24 am
BD- I was a vet tech for numerous years as well and saw the same thing. Very sad.
Big ShamuJanuary 5th, 2009 at 8:24 am
I’m glad to hear the drive to produce wolfdogs has fallen off. The canine world has so many problems, it’s nice to know that perhaps this one won’t evolve into the all out slaughter that pit bulls have experienced.
VixenIt was an incredible responsibility you took on with your rescue work and I commend you for it.
Thanks so much for sharing your great work.
Happy Mute Monday
January 5th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Vic- :( I’m so sorry, but she sounded like a wonderful friend to you…..
VixenJanuary 5th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Chef Troll- agreed. I’m seeing a similar ‘issue’ in our area now in regards to Pit Bulls. When we adopted our kitties before Christmas, 85% of the dogs in there were Pit Bulls. :(
Sandye actually had a tiny bit of Mastiff in her. Go figure. She was also mixed with Timber/Artic wolf and Malamute.
sparringk9January 5th, 2009 at 10:13 am
OMG! hands down the coolest MM of all time. a thousand blessings on you. i had a watered down wolf hybrid…..the mother was 1/4 wolf…that was my dog phaedra and what a dog she was. she carried me through my 20′s. amazing photos aleka is so so beautiful. i can see the love you have for them in these photos. wolves are patron saints of mystery and wildness and beauty; their call of the wild resonates in the wild part of us all. happy MM and thank you.
BiscuitJanuary 5th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I am SO excited about LOST and Nip/Tuck! Big Love, as well, but I know that one isn’t wildly popular.
I’m usually the mom who is happy to see her children go off to school. The only reason I dreaded it today is that I know how lonely my son feels during the day and it breaks my heart.
BunnyJanuary 5th, 2009 at 11:48 am
What beautiful “woofs” (as my daughter calls them). I hate when people get animals because they are trendy and then complain when they act like the animals that they are! Hello people – you got a wolfdog/dalmation/alligator/whatever – learn to deal with the animals’ natural instincts, don’t expect it to conform to you!! Aaackk!
My son goes back to school tomorrow and I can’t wait! He’s been a real handful for the whole winter break, including dropping our foster guinea pig and breaking his top teeth so that I have to hand feed him until they grow back. The pig is his classroom’s pet, but I think the teacher will ask me to keep him until he can eat on his own. I doubt the teacher wants to feed him six hand-fed meals a day or have the special ed students do it. :(
SageJanuary 5th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Pretty dogs. I wonder what would happen if you crossed them with a hunting dog like an American Foxhound?
ElisaHmmmmmmmm
January 5th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Aww you never fail to surprise me. What a brave girl you are! I have heard of these wolf dogs. I’m not a dog lover at all though. I was bitten by my IL’s Australian Shepherd about 8 years ago and ever since (didn’t do any really bad damage but scared the shit out of me) I’ve developed a fear of them in general.
American HoneyJanuary 6th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
What beautiful pictures – I love to look at wolves and wolf-hybrids. We have a rescue close to where I live and I’ve never gone but people have told me the babies are just gorgeous. We swear our golden mix is part wolf – looks, acts and howls like one but has the color of a golden. Go figure!