Day 1

           I went to Wolf Run for the first time in the beginning of October. Paige, Brigid and I were able to go together for our orientation. It was a beautifully warm day, perfect to walk around the property and be introduced to twenty or so wolf dog hybrids, deer, dogs, bobcats, chickens, raccoons and goats that Wolf Run is able to care for. Savannah Massey, the volunteer coordinator, explained that though the Refuge's primary focus is rehabilitation for the animals, many are unable to be released back into the wild nor be adopted. They have several purely domestic animals which have illnesses or behavioral issues which inhibit them from being adopted, such as the young female Rottweiler that was given up to Wolf Run because of a bladder control disease. Additionally, they also house wild animals which have become too accustomed to human contact and are not suited to live in the wild. These animals are permanent members of the Wolf Run Family. Many of the animals that are there have tragic backgrounds in which they have suffered abuse and neglect. It was heartbreaking to see that many animals who could have potentially made excellent pets or companions now enclosed behind fences with just a few hours of human contact daily. 

Rottweiler puppy, mentioned above. Adopted by Wolf Run

              Savannah was emphatic about all of the information that she was giving us. Her passion for her job and for Wolf Run and for animals in general was evident from the moment that we met her. She is very knowledgeable about wolf dog hybrids and makes it her mission to educate others so that dangerous or unlawful situations can be avoided. She lectured to us about the wolf hybrid species, about the duties that we would be fulfilling when we volunteered and what Wolf Run represents.

            And while all of the information that was flooding our brains was certainly thought provoking and riveting, I'm sure that I can speak for both Paige and Brigid when I say that the best part of our Orientation was when we got to meet the three hybrid puppies. At about a year and a half old, these dogs were energetic and crazy. But as soon as I entered the enclosure, I fell in love. They were affectionate and beautiful animals. They act as representatives for the Wildlife Refuge so they are better socialized than many of the other hybrids, which definitely shows. Savannah calls them her "babies" and her "children." She feel most attached to them and by their excited reaction when Savannah first entered their pen, the feeling is mutual. They bond that Savannah and these puppies share is something special. I hope that one day, I  too can share that type of bond with a hybrid of my own. But for now, interacting with the hybrids at Wolf Run every Friday will have to do instead!

Kiya, one the the hybrid puppies, seconds after we entered the enclosure