As Seasons Change

Spring is in full swing and summer approaching, and the howls of the compound are strong with the change of season, loss of winter coats, and life revealing itself all over the ranch. It's been over a month since I've written, and it's simply because of changes and business, excitement and distraction, losses and gains, and everything else in between.

The Summer is bringing extreme change with it... Over the years, Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch has blossomed into Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, and it feels as though just now, finally, Wild Spirit is finally embracing itself and developing into the Sanctuary and Educational Facility it has worked for all these years. There will be so much more effort, evolution, and time, but we are on the verge, and with the changing seasons, the people are howling inside as much as the wolves.

Simple changes have happened... New volunteers coming in, the Wolf Kitchen finally being usable and the Wolf Trailer finally carried far, far away. The remainders of the original compound, while leaving their nostalgia, are finally being removed to signify the physical transition. Walkways are being modified/beautified... Enclosures are going through spring cleaning and maintenance, and our office is moving to its new location, slowly but surely, allowing for the beginning of our installation of public restrooms.

Our resident's lives are also changing in some ways. Cheyenne, our newest boy, has moved to a big enclosure on the hill and anxiously awaits the arrival of a girlfriend from Ohio. Rain, our girl who was meant to be with Cheyenne, showed us rather clearly that she was a perfect match for Ashlar, and after residing with him for only a week, they have become a playful, affectionate couple that bring smiles to the faces of any and all passers-by. Kaisa has finally found a home, and within a few weeks, they will make the drive from Missouri to pick up their newest family member. We believe that Meea will also be finding a home, a wonderful couple from California who recently moved in, leaving Fenris with an older lady more to his interests. We hope that Greebo & Hooter, Wapahnee, & possibly Shauntehey will be quickly following in their luck.

A Sanctuary in Ohio that is closing down has requested our assistance, and with time, we may be receiving several of their animals. We have also recently received news that 5 Arctic wolf puppies will be joining our family. While deserving, low-to-no content wolf-dogs are finding homes, other animals needing rescue are finding their safe haven at our facility.

Not all change has been pleasant, however. Several of the animals we currently house are growing very old, beyond 15 years for many, and with age has arrived many health problems. While it is difficult, this too is a sign of evolution, time, and the passion that originally began our effort all those years ago when these animals were rescued.

Also, we unfortunately lost a more distant relative of the family -- an animal who's life was able to educate and inspire many, while acting as an ambassador. One of our dear friends, Dick Thayer, a board member, volunteer, and family member, recently lost his partner, Arrow, an Alaskan Noble Companion Dog who represented the availability of wolfy-looking animals with a disposition taht could be matched by no other. With the assistance of Dick, Arrow was able to teach many people about how difficult it can be to tell the difference between a wolf and a dog, as well as inspire many potential wolf-dog owners, to find in his breed an equally beautiful animal, wth a personality that belongs in a home. We lost Arrow while he was at work, and while his death greatly pains us all, we feel honored to be blessed by his presence, and that he respectfully passed while doing what he did best --educating & inspiring the public. Our prayers are all with Dick, and we know that his strength and Arrow's lingering love and spirit will pull him through as well.

As summer approaches and our residents begin losing their winter coats, liberating them to the heat and activity, we too are shedding our winter securities and with the assistane of a new crew of summer volunteers, are beginning to embark upon many life-changing activities to better our Sanctuary and expand our outreach goals.