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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)