Wolves

Me with Segoni

I just want to share with you a little about wolves. They are amazing creatures. They are predators, like us. However, despite popular beliefs, we are not their prey. They prefer the same type of creatures that humans have always enjoyed hunting and eating, which is why they have been persecuted by our species. Wolves have intricate social interactions. They work together, as a pack (a family) to survive in the wild. They are not dogs, nor do the have the same requirements as dogs. They're not meant to be pets, as they are not domesticated. This doesn't mean that they aren't bred with dogs. I used to have a dog, Jake, who was 1/4 wolf. He was a brilliant creature, very wise, whom I loved for the entire time that we were together. He was so smart and at times very moody. He didn't bark like dogs do, unnecessarily. He only barked when there was a reason. This is a very wolf-like trait. Wolves mature, like people, whereas most dogs don't mature past what we'd consider a teenage mentality. Wolves require all the bones, organs, etc, of their prey. They can't survive on dog food, or just beef, or just meat of any kind. They need the bones, etc, to help their digestion. They need pack life to feel complete. Anything else would make them less than what they are meant to be.

When I visited the Wolf Mountain Sanctuary the first time, I was brought into the main wolf compound with the woman who runs this non-profit wolf rescue site. She told everyone who was visiting that the wolves needed to be introduced to us by her. She's considered part of the pack, and only when she brings people in, are they considered "okay" by the pack. Then each of the wolves greets us, starting with the Alpha, and working their way down the pecking order. Dakota and Durango were the male and female Alphas, and they each had to sniff each person. If they liked you a lot, they would rub themselves against you, getting your scent on them, and theirs on you. When the wolf in question weighs around 150-200 pounds, this can be quite an experience!

Tanya and Dakota

Wolves are really misunderstood creatures. You really understand that when you visit and spend a day with the wolves, which I've been blessed to have done twice now. The second time I visited, it was really interesting because the wolves I had met the first time all remembered me by scent! They gave me a cursory welcome, and then were immediately comfortable around me. I was allowed to be in the compound without Tanya, the care-giver, along with others who had visited before. It was wonderful! The wolves each have very distinctive personalities and quirks. Istas was just a puppy the first time I met him, and he was very mischievous and funny. The next time I met him, he was older, but just as mischievous and with the same sense of humor as before! It's really amazing!

If you are ever in Southern California, near Lucerne Valley, you should call up the sanctuary, and schedule a visit. They ask for donations in order to go in and see the wolves, as they need the money. They don't get any money from our government for caring for these wolves. Some of the wolves were rescued from drug dealers, who were using them as guard dogs. They were in sad shape! Tanya brought them back to health, and introduced them to the other wolves, helping them to find their place in a pack, and become healthy wolves again. Once you go, you'll want to return. Being around the wolves is a real spiritual experience that I think everyone should feel at least once in their lives. It will connect you to the universe in a new and special way. Believe me.