April 2011 Newsletter from Jean

Our beloved Lobo made his transition into Light on March 25th. He was approximately sixteen – a great age. He will be sadly missed. He died in my arms, surrounded and gently stroked by five of his special friends. Others came when they heard the news. His ashes will be joined with Bianca and will be placed in the planned Memorial Garden in due course.

We are in the process of taking a new addition – TRACKER. Tracker was sold (?) as full-blooded wolf. Although I can see a lot of “wolf”, I suspect he is also part Siberian – based on my experience with Beau. Having been “around animals” most of my life, I tend to use my intuition. Yes, I have a background in Logic and Semantics, pastoral counseling, death/dying – heaven & hell (eschatology).

We receive many calls a day – asking can we take … cats, dogs, birds, opossums, squirrels, etc. Sadly, we cannot. We do our best to offer alternatives (referrals). Much is traumatic, as many animals need help. Thus, a bit of light relief is very welcome. I call the following story (a true one!) “The Great Conspiracy.”

I received a phone call – not unusual, but this was different. A young man wanted to propose to his girlfriend. She loves wolves and would it be possible to propose here at the Wolf (and Wolfdogs, of course) Sanctuary. Thus began the great conspiracy! He came out so that we could consider how to carry this out. He wanted it to be very traditional (with wolves?).

We picked an open space by the enclosures with a beautiful view. He would bring her out to see the wolves, perhaps help. Volunteer conspirators would do the usual routine until he took her to the place he had chosen. Our friend and photographer, Tyler, just “happened” to be there. Maggie just “happened” to have Koa on a leash, with an odd box attached to his collar. Pat and I just “happened” to be driving by in the golf cart. Yeah! The scene was set.

Escorting his girlfriend, he took her to Koa and (somehow!) we were all there as she was encouraged to take the packet. Somewhat confused and not amused, she opened the bag and found a small box. It was empty, except for a note, “Please will you marry me.” A little lost for words (she did not know any of us very well), she nodded.

Cheered on by Pat (who was being hushed by me), he dropped to one knee and placed the ring on her finger. We all provided the smiles, the bride-to-be added a few tears and the groom-to-be held her hand.

IT WAS SUCH A HAPPY & SPONTANEOUS event – all put together in a few hours and using volunteers who were there on their routine. Perhaps they will allow us to include a photo.

I truly enjoy working, but have been swamped with “work”. Now I am trying to prioritize and there may be some ideas and surprises.
Love, Blessings and Gratitutde