2013 SFWS Calendar
2012 is half over already! We hope everyone is enjoying the SFWS calendar.
This year we would like to include photos taken by visitors. If you are interested in submitting pictures email them to calendarcontest@wolvesofsaintfrancis.org
Particulars:
Unedited/uncropped, full size, high resolution jpg of wolves & wolfdogs only. No human creatures, please.
By submitting the files you are giving SFWS permission to use your photos. Include your name, phone# & email address.
No prizes will be awarded, but your name will be listed in the credits on the calendar.
Deadline for submission is August 31, 2012 at 12:00 midnight CDT.
New Arrival in February
My name is Olowan. It is a native American word that means "song" or "hymn". But my beloved friend and companion - Matt - mostly called me Baby Girl. It came as shock to learn that he was no longer able to keep me. His reasons were very valid, and I tried to understand. The day came and I was put into a very large cage, and then in the back of his truck. If you do not believe a wolf can cry tears, then you have never been with one who is grieving. We arrived at our destination, and to my surprise, I found many others already settled there. One in particular was jumping up and down with excitement.
Matt climbed into the cage with me, and I could feel his grief too. Rather to my surprise, another human crawled in too. She sat,quite still close by the door. Slowly she edged closer, and I could sense her love, and lack of fear. She gently spoke to me, using my special name that I thought only Matt knew - Baby Girl. The new human put her hand in that of Matt, and together they stroked me. I knew I had arrived at my new home.
All the wolves were calling out to me, but one in particular. One was leaping about with sheer delight, and I knew he was destined to be my new companion, with whom I would share an enclosure, similar to the one in which I had previously lived. I have never been trained to a leash, but Matt carried me in his arms, accompanied by my new human friend, whom he called 'Jean'. There were other humans too, and I sensed that they were all here to welcome me to my new home. I was nervous, and they seemed to understand, they did not try to touch me, just radiated their love. Of course it is not the same, but I know my beloved Matt did his very best, and that he will always have a place in his heart for me, as will I for him.
My new friend is called Luke. He is friendly and welcomed me to my new home that we would share. We have a nice little wood house, with room for us both. and a large enclosure. There is even a bath. There are other wolf neighbors around us, and I am getting to know them. Jean comes early every morning and I am happy to take snacks from her. Our main meal is served about 3p.m. and I meet new human friends, including the ones who were here to welcome me when I arrived. This is a GOOD place to be. I already feel loved and wanted. Come and see me, though at present I still tend to be rather nervous of humans, and slightly puzzled by so many other wolf companions. They are teaching me to sing! It will take time for me to adjust, but I know I am loved ... and safe. Olowan/ Baby Girl.
Lola
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sadly, I must inform everyone that dear Lola passed away this morning. It was noticed that she was not well yesterday morning and she was taken to the vet at that time. Her breathing was labored, gums pale, and her movement was not normal.
The vet felt sure as soon as she saw Lola that she had Immuno-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, a condition not totally uncommon in canines where basically the body's own blood cells attack and destroy its own blood cells. Blood tests soon confirmed the diagnosis and she was found to have extremely low white and red blood cell counts.
However, the vet felt that since Lola had no heart murmur, there might be a chance to turn her condition around. Because red blood cells carry oxygen througout the body and she had so few of them, this was why her breathing was so labored. She was also dehydrated. She was given IV fluids in the office and an injection of time-released steroids to try to ease her breathing and build her up to try to turn the condition around.
Her condition was discussed with the vet and it was determined that she deserved a chance to go home and see if her condition could be improved with the medication over the next 24-48 hours. It was also agreed that Luke and her needed the chance to say goodbye if need be and that we should not just take her away never to return.
Lola seemed to improve slightly overnight and drank a good amount of water when offered it by Jean this morning. We thought this to be a good sign. Jean checked on her again just before church; she was resting and seemed about the same. When Jean returned from church, Lola had passed. So she went fairly quickly and Jean's impression when she found her was that she had not struggled, but simply passed on.
We are truly sad at her passing but glad that we gave her the chance to be at home with her Luke when she went. We will miss her but can be content in knowing that she was very happy during the last year or so of her life and knew love from us and love and joy from Luke.
Janet
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
Thanks SO much to all who participated in the 2011 annual raffle.
1st Prize Handcrafter Wolf Quilt by Barbara Sommers goes to ELIZABETH LUSTER of Malibu, CA
2nd Prize Wolf Park 4-piece Mirror Set goes to BARBARA ROBERTSON of Willis, TX
3rd Prize Polar Fleece Reversible Wolf Throw goes to ANITA & ANTHONY McMULLEN of Spring, TX
4th Prize A $350.00 VISA/MC Gift Card goes to WALTER & VICKI BRUMBULLS of Big Spring, TX
Prizes will be mailed to winners soon.
1st Prize Handcrafter Wolf Quilt by Barbara Sommers goes to ELIZABETH LUSTER of Malibu, CA
2nd Prize Wolf Park 4-piece Mirror Set goes to BARBARA ROBERTSON of Willis, TX
3rd Prize Polar Fleece Reversible Wolf Throw goes to ANITA & ANTHONY McMULLEN of Spring, TX
4th Prize A $350.00 VISA/MC Gift Card goes to WALTER & VICKI BRUMBULLS of Big Spring, TX
Prizes will be mailed to winners soon.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SATURDAY, NOV 12 2011, 11AM-4PM?
Joni Maley, a long-time volunteer at SFWS is organizing a blood/platelet drive for MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER BLOOD BANK in memory of her brother, Jimmy Jones. It will be held at St. John's Retreat Center 2615 St. Beulah Chapel Rd. next door to SFWS. Contact Joni at 936-521-9055 for more information.
2011 SFWS Raffle
Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary is holding its annual fundraising raffle with several wolf-themed items for prizes as well as a MC/VISA gift card.
Tickets can be purchased at the Sanctuary Gift Shop or by sending an email to raffletickets@wolvesofsaintfrancis.org
Ticket Prices:
1 ticket - $ 5.00
5 tickets - $20.00
15 tickets - $50.00
Prizes are:
1st Handcrafted Rustic Wolf Quilt made especially for SFWS by Barbara Sommers. This year's pattern is called "Tree of Life". Size = 84"x84"
2nd A 4-piece Wall Mirror Set with a wolf pack in the night wilderness scene silk screened on it. Size = 4'x4' with frame & hardward included.
3rd Polar fleece reversible throw with gray/white/black shades running wolves scene on each side of the top and solid black on the back. Size = 4'x4'. Made in USA.
4th A $350.00 MC/Visa Gift Card
The drawing will be held December 3, 2011 at 11:00a.m. CST
Need not be present to win.
Thanks for your generous support and GOOD LUCK!
Tickets can be purchased at the Sanctuary Gift Shop or by sending an email to raffletickets@wolvesofsaintfrancis.org
Ticket Prices:
1 ticket - $ 5.00
5 tickets - $20.00
15 tickets - $50.00
Prizes are:
1st Handcrafted Rustic Wolf Quilt made especially for SFWS by Barbara Sommers. This year's pattern is called "Tree of Life". Size = 84"x84"
2nd A 4-piece Wall Mirror Set with a wolf pack in the night wilderness scene silk screened on it. Size = 4'x4' with frame & hardward included.
3rd Polar fleece reversible throw with gray/white/black shades running wolves scene on each side of the top and solid black on the back. Size = 4'x4'. Made in USA.
4th A $350.00 MC/Visa Gift Card
The drawing will be held December 3, 2011 at 11:00a.m. CST
Need not be present to win.
Thanks for your generous support and GOOD LUCK!
PetFest at Old Town Spring October 22-23, 2011
Come out for a great event supporting rescues & sanctuaries of every kind as well as an abundance of interesting vendors and activities.
http://www.petfestoldtownspring.com/
Be sure to stop and visit us at the SFWS tent. We will again be joined by PAW (Protect America's Wolves) with activity booklets for the kids & other surprise thank you gifts for donations made to SFWS.
The newest version of the SFWS Wolf Tales booklet, SFWS greeting cards & the 2012 SFWS Calendar featuring many beautiful photographs of the SFWS wolves & wolf-dogs will also be for sale.
And there will be plenty of tickets available for the SFWS Annual Raffle. This year's prizes include a wolf-themed hand-made quilt, a polar fleece blanket with wolves pictured on it, a 4-panel wall mirror with wolf scenes and a $350.00 MC/VISA gift card. Drawing will be held on December 3, 2011.
http://www.petfestoldtownspring.com/
Be sure to stop and visit us at the SFWS tent. We will again be joined by PAW (Protect America's Wolves) with activity booklets for the kids & other surprise thank you gifts for donations made to SFWS.
The newest version of the SFWS Wolf Tales booklet, SFWS greeting cards & the 2012 SFWS Calendar featuring many beautiful photographs of the SFWS wolves & wolf-dogs will also be for sale.
And there will be plenty of tickets available for the SFWS Annual Raffle. This year's prizes include a wolf-themed hand-made quilt, a polar fleece blanket with wolves pictured on it, a 4-panel wall mirror with wolf scenes and a $350.00 MC/VISA gift card. Drawing will be held on December 3, 2011.
October 2011 Newsletter from Jean
Dear Friends:
I want to take a moment to say thank you for the many generous donations that continue to benefit the wolves and wolf-dogs as well as to update you regarding the exciting events at Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary! I also want to thank everyone for his/her support, prayers and concerns during the recent wildfires in our area. The outpouring of offers to help was inspiring! We were blessed with safety during the wildfires and did not have to evacuate from the sanctuary. The close call, did however, allow us to fine tune our procedures with the local animal control who generously offered to assist should any emergency occur. We are truly grateful for the love and generosity of all. It is with your generous gifts of prayers, donations, time and energy that Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary continues to prosper and allow our wolves to touch so many hearts!
On October 1, 2011, we held our 6th Annual Festival of the Wolves and Open Day! We had a wonderful turnout on a beautiful autumn day. It was great to see the children run around the open land and play our festival games. The local scout troops were a great help this year! The boy scouts were able to direct traffic and parking while the girl scouts held down several booths including a cake walk, games for youngsters, snacks and face painting. It was nice to see the youth of our community so actively engaged in leadership roles. Our festival was truly a success for all ages.
As part of the festival, our wolf ambassadors quite honestly, stole the show! Our wonderful new addition, Tracker, was an absolute star! Hopefully, he will not secure an agent and demand star treatment! While other ambassadors, Tala and Koa, mingled with the crowd, it was Tracker that really looked forward to charming the crowd. Many visitors were able to get pictures with him and even a few wolf kisses.
As I type this letter, the wolves are singing down at the sanctuary. The cooler temperatures are well received by everyone, humans and wolves! All seem more energized and excited to romp around and enjoy the beautiful days. Amazing what difference cooler weather can have on us and our animal friends.
The cooler weather also entices visitors to come out and spend time with the wolves. Generally, we are averaging from 50 – 75 visitors per week! The sanctuary also accommodates larger groups from scouts to retirement communities. It is inspiring to see the difference our wolves and wolf-dogs make in the lives of the visitors. At times, we are privileged to entertain children removed from the custody of their parents. It is touching to watch their response to the wolves after learning the abusive histories of some of the wolves. It is truly a gift to see the resiliency of the wolves inspire the children!
It is by the generosity of people like you, this work is possible and for that, I am truly grateful!
With warm regards
I want to take a moment to say thank you for the many generous donations that continue to benefit the wolves and wolf-dogs as well as to update you regarding the exciting events at Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary! I also want to thank everyone for his/her support, prayers and concerns during the recent wildfires in our area. The outpouring of offers to help was inspiring! We were blessed with safety during the wildfires and did not have to evacuate from the sanctuary. The close call, did however, allow us to fine tune our procedures with the local animal control who generously offered to assist should any emergency occur. We are truly grateful for the love and generosity of all. It is with your generous gifts of prayers, donations, time and energy that Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary continues to prosper and allow our wolves to touch so many hearts!
On October 1, 2011, we held our 6th Annual Festival of the Wolves and Open Day! We had a wonderful turnout on a beautiful autumn day. It was great to see the children run around the open land and play our festival games. The local scout troops were a great help this year! The boy scouts were able to direct traffic and parking while the girl scouts held down several booths including a cake walk, games for youngsters, snacks and face painting. It was nice to see the youth of our community so actively engaged in leadership roles. Our festival was truly a success for all ages.
As part of the festival, our wolf ambassadors quite honestly, stole the show! Our wonderful new addition, Tracker, was an absolute star! Hopefully, he will not secure an agent and demand star treatment! While other ambassadors, Tala and Koa, mingled with the crowd, it was Tracker that really looked forward to charming the crowd. Many visitors were able to get pictures with him and even a few wolf kisses.
As I type this letter, the wolves are singing down at the sanctuary. The cooler temperatures are well received by everyone, humans and wolves! All seem more energized and excited to romp around and enjoy the beautiful days. Amazing what difference cooler weather can have on us and our animal friends.
The cooler weather also entices visitors to come out and spend time with the wolves. Generally, we are averaging from 50 – 75 visitors per week! The sanctuary also accommodates larger groups from scouts to retirement communities. It is inspiring to see the difference our wolves and wolf-dogs make in the lives of the visitors. At times, we are privileged to entertain children removed from the custody of their parents. It is touching to watch their response to the wolves after learning the abusive histories of some of the wolves. It is truly a gift to see the resiliency of the wolves inspire the children!
It is by the generosity of people like you, this work is possible and for that, I am truly grateful!
With warm regards
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
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
Lobo
Some of you may already be aware, but for those of you who are not - we are once again saddened to relay the passing of one of our wolf friends. Lobo finally let us know Friday morning that he was tired and was ready to move on to the next life.
His readiness was apparent, but just as the vet came to ease his way, he became quite insistent and made it very apparent that he wished for his last memory to be of a walk with his Sable. So Mandy and Navy Pat were kind enough to grant his last wish and took him and Sable for a short walk. This made Lobo very happy as he shakily, but majestically took his last stroll. When he came back, he basically collapsed in Cody's arms (the wonderful vet tech who came with Dr. Buchannan) and was quite ready to go. His passing was extremely quick and peaceful in Jean's arms with a few of his volunteer friends sitting around and stroking him.
We are positive that Lobo is now being joyfully greeted by his beloved Bianca, who has been waiting years for the opportunity to throw him the biggest welcoming party she can manage!
Jean and Lobo shared the most special bond of all, but it was also a pleasure and an honor for us to have known and been loved by Lobo. He was one of the most magnificent beings and he will be missed terribly.
We know that Lobo is now smiling his biggest wolfie smile at the thought that he can now take as many long walks as he wants to - as often as he likes!
Raffle Winners
The SFWS 2010 Raffle winners were drawn Saturday, December 11.
Prizes were awarded as follows:
Wolf Quilt: Cassie Hughes, Grand Prairie TX
Wolf Wall Plaque: Thomas & Kathryn Langlois, Montgomery TX
Wolf/SFWS Design Pysanky Egg: Jeanne Duggar, Arlington TX
Native American Themed Oil Painting: Dana Hanley, Windham ME
$350 MC/VISA Gift Card: Helen Cunningham, The Woodlands TX
Big thanks to all who purchased tickets in support of the wolves & wolf dogs at SFWS.
Prizes were awarded as follows:
Wolf Quilt: Cassie Hughes, Grand Prairie TX
Wolf Wall Plaque: Thomas & Kathryn Langlois, Montgomery TX
Wolf/SFWS Design Pysanky Egg: Jeanne Duggar, Arlington TX
Native American Themed Oil Painting: Dana Hanley, Windham ME
$350 MC/VISA Gift Card: Helen Cunningham, The Woodlands TX
Big thanks to all who purchased tickets in support of the wolves & wolf dogs at SFWS.
PetFest 2010 October 23-24
Old Town Spring will be going to the dogs...and cats and ferrets and parrots and lots of other homeless pets available for adoption.
Check it out at http://www.petfestoldtownspring.com/ and stop by to visit the SFWS tent.
SFWS will be there to share information about wolves and wolf dogs.
We will have SFWS 2011 calendars, SFWS note cards, Wolf Tales books and tickets for the 2010 fundraising raffle available for purchase.
We will have a silent auction for a Walden Country Club Golf package for four including 2 golf carts. This is a $400.00 value...opening minimum bid is $100.00.
Heart of Texas Dock Dogs will be performing, there will be microchipping, free training seminars, a costume contest and lots of vendors. It's going to be a lot of fun, so come out & join the festivities!
Check it out at http://www.petfestoldtownspring.com/ and stop by to visit the SFWS tent.
SFWS will be there to share information about wolves and wolf dogs.
We will have SFWS 2011 calendars, SFWS note cards, Wolf Tales books and tickets for the 2010 fundraising raffle available for purchase.
We will have a silent auction for a Walden Country Club Golf package for four including 2 golf carts. This is a $400.00 value...opening minimum bid is $100.00.
Heart of Texas Dock Dogs will be performing, there will be microchipping, free training seminars, a costume contest and lots of vendors. It's going to be a lot of fun, so come out & join the festivities!
WHAT A GREAT DAY: 5th Annual Festival of the Wolves & Open Day
It was a HOWLING success!
Thanks to all of the visitors who came out to the event and were so generous with their donations for the wolves. The weather was beautiful...the kind we always hope for but are not always so lucky to have (like last year).
It goes without saying that the great SFWS volunteers did a super job with all the tasks getting ready for Open Day, guiding visitors and answering all their questions about the SFWS wolves as well as wolves in general, running games for the kids, selling items from the Wolf Shop.
Special thanks to the Boy Scouts who handled the parking, the Girl Scouts who painted faces, the students from the Vet Tech Institute of Houston who did anything and everything as needed, to PAW (Protect America's Wolves) for the great donation they raised, and especially to Montgomery Fire Dept. 51 for visiting and giving tours of the firetruck.
Be sure to check out the video clips in the Movie Gallery & watch for pictures.
Thanks again to all!
Thanks to all of the visitors who came out to the event and were so generous with their donations for the wolves. The weather was beautiful...the kind we always hope for but are not always so lucky to have (like last year).
It goes without saying that the great SFWS volunteers did a super job with all the tasks getting ready for Open Day, guiding visitors and answering all their questions about the SFWS wolves as well as wolves in general, running games for the kids, selling items from the Wolf Shop.
Special thanks to the Boy Scouts who handled the parking, the Girl Scouts who painted faces, the students from the Vet Tech Institute of Houston who did anything and everything as needed, to PAW (Protect America's Wolves) for the great donation they raised, and especially to Montgomery Fire Dept. 51 for visiting and giving tours of the firetruck.
Be sure to check out the video clips in the Movie Gallery & watch for pictures.
Thanks again to all!
Sad News
 |
| A young Spirit & her longtime companion Yukon, together again. |
Dear Friends,
For those of you who don't already know, it is with great sadness and grief that I bring you news of our little Spirit's passing. She had a very long life and, as best we can guess, she had to be at least 15 years old, if not a little older.
I know she was one of the sweetest and wisest animals I have ever had the privilege of having in my life. Spirit was aptly named as she possessed such a wonderful one. You could look into her eyes and get lost as she looked right back into you, and you could feel her reaching to the very depths of your soul and she knew you. And what's more, with all the faults she must have seen, she loved you. Her spirit reminded me very much of Grandmother's (Timbre's) - for those of you who knew her.
I know that we shall feel her presence for a long time to come as I am also sure she will continue to watch over her Luke. I went to visit him after Spirit's passing last night and he welcomed some petting and consoling, and then just leaned against me for about ten minutes - asking for some hugging and loving - needed a little reassurance I'm sure. But, as we've learned with these magnificent creatures, he will grieve for awhile - and needs to be allowed to - and then he will be all right.
Though my heart aches, I am consoled by the knowledge that Spirit is now frolicking, leaping and trotting along with her beloved Yukon - with clean ears and bright, clear eyes, while sporting a wonderfully fluffy fur coat that covers her entire body! :) I am also sure she is being welcomed by all the others that have gone befor her: Timbre, Wacipi, Bianca, and of course, Khan. Just think of all of them together - what a magnificent pack!
For any of you who would like to visit her, Spirit has been laid to rest near her long-time companion, Yukon, and Grandmother. I will cherish my memories of her along with the others that have passed on, and I will miss her terribly as we all will.
With love and sympathies overflowing to you all for this loss to the sanctuary and to us all,
Janet
Summer 2010 Newsletter from Jean
Our very dear Friends,
Your help - be it physical, spiritual or financial, means more than you know. I was introduced to my first wolf in the 1970s. The Grand Mother of the Seneca Wolf Clan was Twylah Nitsch - a dear friend and mentor. She had a large white wolf in the house - White Tornado. Having spent much of my life with German Shepherds, this seemed perfectly normal. Little did I know where this would lead! The sixteen animals in our care, and EVERY ONE of them who has gone onwards and upwards, have a place in our hearts, as well as our lives.
Over the years, we have come to know the difference between a dog and a wolf. There are some similarities; both respond to love and kindness - as do most animals, be they two legged or four. In the Native American tradition (and those of other cultures) they are the Teachers. We must enter their world, and not expect them to like the one in which WE live! You have only to watch the news to understand that the wolves have a valid point! They are rarely aggressive; they take care of their own families; they have their own language. Scientists are said to have now isolated more than fifty sounds which are actual WORDS in Wolf Tongue. I believe this to be true. Mwitu is a very good example - she SAYS she knows several hundred, but she is inclined to exaggerate!
Some of you may remember that Mwitu came here when she was about twelve weeks old. I put her in an enclosure, but gave up after realizing that she knew more ways to get out than I could find to keep her in. I told her that the house would be for a SHORT period of time - and placed her in the care of my beloved Beau. They convinced me that they can, and do, communicate. Both she and Beau were only in the house as a ‘temporary’ period - to allow Beau to recover from his injuries (to mind and body) and for Mwitu to be large enough to be contained in an enclosure. Sadly, Beau lived only a year before dying of cancer. Mwitu had settled well with my dogs ... and is still here. She lives in the house and sleeps on my bed ... together with our Shiloh Shepherd.
Our new arrivals are doing well. Most of you know about the ‘Pups’ - Tala, Romulus and Remus - the latter are twins. I wrote about them in my last letter? The two new arrivals are full blooded Timber Wolves - Apache and Lakota, eleven years old - and partially socialized. They are from another sanctuary, in which they were well loved and received good care. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond their control, new homes were NEEDED - urgently. “Coincidently” (I do not actually believe in ‘coincidence’, but rather see it as a situation in which God chooses to remain anonymous!) we had room, thanks to the refurbishing - by the Scouts - of one of the enclosures. We moved Luke and Spirit to the new pen and put the arrivals in the corner enclosure. It worked well for all of them. Luke was never very happy to have the corner pen; too many people coming and going.
I continue to be in awe at the ‘miracles’ the wolves help to manifest : abused children; the elderly; disabled; lonely, AND the kind and caring people who enable them to do their job!
With much love, deep gratitude and BLESSINGS from us all - two legged and four
Your help - be it physical, spiritual or financial, means more than you know. I was introduced to my first wolf in the 1970s. The Grand Mother of the Seneca Wolf Clan was Twylah Nitsch - a dear friend and mentor. She had a large white wolf in the house - White Tornado. Having spent much of my life with German Shepherds, this seemed perfectly normal. Little did I know where this would lead! The sixteen animals in our care, and EVERY ONE of them who has gone onwards and upwards, have a place in our hearts, as well as our lives.
Over the years, we have come to know the difference between a dog and a wolf. There are some similarities; both respond to love and kindness - as do most animals, be they two legged or four. In the Native American tradition (and those of other cultures) they are the Teachers. We must enter their world, and not expect them to like the one in which WE live! You have only to watch the news to understand that the wolves have a valid point! They are rarely aggressive; they take care of their own families; they have their own language. Scientists are said to have now isolated more than fifty sounds which are actual WORDS in Wolf Tongue. I believe this to be true. Mwitu is a very good example - she SAYS she knows several hundred, but she is inclined to exaggerate!
Some of you may remember that Mwitu came here when she was about twelve weeks old. I put her in an enclosure, but gave up after realizing that she knew more ways to get out than I could find to keep her in. I told her that the house would be for a SHORT period of time - and placed her in the care of my beloved Beau. They convinced me that they can, and do, communicate. Both she and Beau were only in the house as a ‘temporary’ period - to allow Beau to recover from his injuries (to mind and body) and for Mwitu to be large enough to be contained in an enclosure. Sadly, Beau lived only a year before dying of cancer. Mwitu had settled well with my dogs ... and is still here. She lives in the house and sleeps on my bed ... together with our Shiloh Shepherd.
Our new arrivals are doing well. Most of you know about the ‘Pups’ - Tala, Romulus and Remus - the latter are twins. I wrote about them in my last letter? The two new arrivals are full blooded Timber Wolves - Apache and Lakota, eleven years old - and partially socialized. They are from another sanctuary, in which they were well loved and received good care. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond their control, new homes were NEEDED - urgently. “Coincidently” (I do not actually believe in ‘coincidence’, but rather see it as a situation in which God chooses to remain anonymous!) we had room, thanks to the refurbishing - by the Scouts - of one of the enclosures. We moved Luke and Spirit to the new pen and put the arrivals in the corner enclosure. It worked well for all of them. Luke was never very happy to have the corner pen; too many people coming and going.
I continue to be in awe at the ‘miracles’ the wolves help to manifest : abused children; the elderly; disabled; lonely, AND the kind and caring people who enable them to do their job!
With much love, deep gratitude and BLESSINGS from us all - two legged and four
TWDPC Spring Bark!!
Well the 2010 Spring Bark!! event hosted by The Woodlands Dog Park Club was a howling success for all.
After their 2009 Paws with Claus event was first frozen-out, then rained-out, luck shined on Spring Bark!! with a typical Texas spring day that started off cool & overcast threatening rain then broke into beautiful sunshine & blue skies for the afternoon.
There were many activities and events for the attendees in addition to the many rescue groups' & vendors' booths.
The volunteers who hosted the SFWS had an to opportunity to meet many new friends, distribute SFWS brochures, talk about the sanctuary, the wolves & wolf dogs, and inform them about the educational programs, the community outreach programs and the Boy & Girl Scouts projects that are all part of what SFWS is doing beyond rescuing abused & neglected animals.
Of special interest to all was the presence of Timber, a wolf dog hybrid who was rescued & rehablilitated by a volunteer. As you can see from the photo, she took everything in stride and must have been petted & loved on by 100 kids!
After their 2009 Paws with Claus event was first frozen-out, then rained-out, luck shined on Spring Bark!! with a typical Texas spring day that started off cool & overcast threatening rain then broke into beautiful sunshine & blue skies for the afternoon.
There were many activities and events for the attendees in addition to the many rescue groups' & vendors' booths.
The volunteers who hosted the SFWS had an to opportunity to meet many new friends, distribute SFWS brochures, talk about the sanctuary, the wolves & wolf dogs, and inform them about the educational programs, the community outreach programs and the Boy & Girl Scouts projects that are all part of what SFWS is doing beyond rescuing abused & neglected animals.
Of special interest to all was the presence of Timber, a wolf dog hybrid who was rescued & rehablilitated by a volunteer. As you can see from the photo, she took everything in stride and must have been petted & loved on by 100 kids!
March-April 2010 Newsletter from Jean
I truly LIKE writing to friends and family, but what happens to TIME? We all know it does not exist, so why do we continue to try and find it? The (minor) injury to my index finger of the right hand still presents a problem, so I continue to type all my letters - if ONLY I could type with more than one finger on each hand! . Mystery is now knows as ‘Fingers’‘ she and I are Blood Sisters. She is not vicious , but enjoys finger food treats- and does not distinguish between a finger and a treat; with jaws that operate at 1,700 lbs to the inch, it is a real Snip!
The pups have Grown. Rom likes to greet his friends by taking their forearm in his mouth as he walks with you. He is very gentle and, like the other two Pups, is tall enough to put his paws on shoulders. They love visitors. However, When it rains, their pen is muddy and so are the pups hence our ‘designer shirts’! We have lots of (very welcome) visitors; just a gentle reminder, we do not have any paid staff, and are all volunteers. From a practical point of view, we cannot be open 24/7! Appointments are not needed between 9-11 am on Saturdays and there are sometimes a lot of visitors and less time for us to spend with them in a more personal way. A few weeks ago we had a group of Bikers, several Scouts and some ‘drop in’ visitors. It was fun (they were all VERY nice people), but it was “busy” to say the least.
We have a nice acknowledgment of our work in a book called “Down From the Mountain” by James MacCall. He also includes us in the general context of the book , and closes with the Game Ranger saying they have been able to relocate hundreds of coyotes, foxes and wolves at our Sanctuary in Montgomery, Texas. We appreciate this, and wish it could be true! We must hope people separate facts from fiction!
I also received a delightful book - “Little Fur Visits the Wolves” by Isabell Carmody. A delight to all ages! I now have the four Little Fur books, and wish “Little Fur” would come to Texas!! Of course, there may be some immigration problems - Little Fur is the daughter of an Elf and a Troll. She is about three feet tall, and has long hair and pointed ears, and devotes her life to helping animals, and helping Mother Earth. I wish I could make time to write a book about OUR animals, and the wonderful volunteers and supporters who enable us to help so many PEOPLE, as well as our beloved wolves ... and other animals. A few days ago, there was a call for assistance from one of the volunteers - Joni - when we reached the enclosure in which she was working, she was climbing the ten foot chain link fence - not easy, and somewhat disconcerting to the four wolves who watched her from opposite sides of the high fence. A squirrel nest had blown down on top of the fencing and she was checking for any babies. She landed safely, with a TINY baby squirrel tucked in her shirt. The little eyes were still closed, and she (the squirrel, not Joni) was barely three inches long, eyes still closed and not a hair in sight. Of course, we all gathered round to admire our new baby, and in no time at all, a ‘nesting’ box had been put together, complete with heating pad, and nailed to a ‘safe’ area in case the mother came for her baby. Mom did not come and Baby was brought inside. Meanwhile Joni contacted a veterinarian for advice.
At 8 p.m. my phone rang. It was a local Rehabilitator, who cares for squirrels and other small mammals. She had the right formula, and would come to collect our baby! Linked by a deep love for God’s creatures, we were instant friends as we handed over ‘our’ baby. Little squirrel, now called Roly-Poly due to a VERY good appetite, is now with three other baby squirrels, and receiving the best possible care. She owes her life to the courage of Joni, who climbed a ten foot chain link fence with wolves on both sides, rescued the baby squirrel and brought it safely down. I think the wolves knew what she was doing - they made no move to harm her, and this story has a happy ending ... because people care. People like you! Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
The pups have Grown. Rom likes to greet his friends by taking their forearm in his mouth as he walks with you. He is very gentle and, like the other two Pups, is tall enough to put his paws on shoulders. They love visitors. However, When it rains, their pen is muddy and so are the pups hence our ‘designer shirts’! We have lots of (very welcome) visitors; just a gentle reminder, we do not have any paid staff, and are all volunteers. From a practical point of view, we cannot be open 24/7! Appointments are not needed between 9-11 am on Saturdays and there are sometimes a lot of visitors and less time for us to spend with them in a more personal way. A few weeks ago we had a group of Bikers, several Scouts and some ‘drop in’ visitors. It was fun (they were all VERY nice people), but it was “busy” to say the least.
We have a nice acknowledgment of our work in a book called “Down From the Mountain” by James MacCall. He also includes us in the general context of the book , and closes with the Game Ranger saying they have been able to relocate hundreds of coyotes, foxes and wolves at our Sanctuary in Montgomery, Texas. We appreciate this, and wish it could be true! We must hope people separate facts from fiction!
I also received a delightful book - “Little Fur Visits the Wolves” by Isabell Carmody. A delight to all ages! I now have the four Little Fur books, and wish “Little Fur” would come to Texas!! Of course, there may be some immigration problems - Little Fur is the daughter of an Elf and a Troll. She is about three feet tall, and has long hair and pointed ears, and devotes her life to helping animals, and helping Mother Earth. I wish I could make time to write a book about OUR animals, and the wonderful volunteers and supporters who enable us to help so many PEOPLE, as well as our beloved wolves ... and other animals. A few days ago, there was a call for assistance from one of the volunteers - Joni - when we reached the enclosure in which she was working, she was climbing the ten foot chain link fence - not easy, and somewhat disconcerting to the four wolves who watched her from opposite sides of the high fence. A squirrel nest had blown down on top of the fencing and she was checking for any babies. She landed safely, with a TINY baby squirrel tucked in her shirt. The little eyes were still closed, and she (the squirrel, not Joni) was barely three inches long, eyes still closed and not a hair in sight. Of course, we all gathered round to admire our new baby, and in no time at all, a ‘nesting’ box had been put together, complete with heating pad, and nailed to a ‘safe’ area in case the mother came for her baby. Mom did not come and Baby was brought inside. Meanwhile Joni contacted a veterinarian for advice.
At 8 p.m. my phone rang. It was a local Rehabilitator, who cares for squirrels and other small mammals. She had the right formula, and would come to collect our baby! Linked by a deep love for God’s creatures, we were instant friends as we handed over ‘our’ baby. Little squirrel, now called Roly-Poly due to a VERY good appetite, is now with three other baby squirrels, and receiving the best possible care. She owes her life to the courage of Joni, who climbed a ten foot chain link fence with wolves on both sides, rescued the baby squirrel and brought it safely down. I think the wolves knew what she was doing - they made no move to harm her, and this story has a happy ending ... because people care. People like you! Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
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