Volunteer Day 1 - Weed Removal

On Friday morning, I drove to Nicholasville with my car packed with other volunteers from the University of Kentucky. The crisp fall air welcomed us when we arrived at Wolf Run, which was already humming with activity. The animals seemed to sense the change in seasons as well, because they were running and playing, coming up to the fences to welcome new visitors, and creating their own melodies with their barks, meows, and other noises. 

One of the enclosures covered by trees, shrubs, and weeds.

Upon arrival, the volunteer coordinator, Savannah, greeted us and gave us our tasks for the day. Because wolf run is a fairly large property, it can be hard to manage the grass and weeds that constantly climb the enclosure fences and walkways. When the enclosures become overgrown, not only does it become more challenging to get in and out to access the animals, feed them, and care for them, but it also become harder to see into the enclosures for guests, volunteers, and staff alike. My job, along with my other group members, was to pull the weeds from outside these enclosures. Right away, each of us set to work, focusing on one enclosure area. 

While the air was cold on the top of the hill, our work made us warm and I enjoyed being able to focus on the task at hand. Volunteering and doing something as simple but necessary as pulling weeds was a nice way to take a break from all of the more complex, abstract assignments I have to complete each day for classes. It was relaxing and fulfilling to be outside and focused on a common goal, and at the end of the day I had a sense of accomplishment for making the enclosure's fence more presentable, as seen in the picture below. 

The finished section of fencing, clear of the large trees and obstructive bushes.

The remains of the tree and shrubs. 

The first weeds to go were the more grass-like plants, and were fairly easy to pull up. Next came the tougher plants, such as burrs and wildflowers. At one point, Bridgid got over a dozen burrs stuck in her hair. Needless to say progress on the enclosures had to take a momentary pause while we helped extricate the pods from her hair. At first, the task of weed pulling did not look to be a strenuous one, because the majority of the plants were grass-like and easy to remove. Once we had stripped the chain link fences of the majority of the plants, though, several larger, stronger plants remained that had gone unnoticed initially. Unfortunately, Wolf Run does not own any sharpened pruning tools, so we were forced to struggle with dull cutting scissors against a small, but surprisingly strong tree. The tree was woven through the chain link fence, so it was nearly impossible to get a good angle for trimming it back, but it was also far too strong to just pull out of the ground. Finally, I was able to cut the tree into more manageable sections and pull the pieces through the fence. The more laborious task of removing the tree definitely warmed me up, but it also left me feeling accomplished and helpful. 

After finishing most of the area we had each been assigned, we packed up and headed back to campus, refreshed and energized for the remainder of our classes that day. I enjoyed the work we did at Wolf Run pulling weeds and cleaning up the facility. It left me with a sense of accomplishment and feeling that I had contributed to a cause that was needed and appreciated. 

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

Home Away From Home



Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit organization in Nicholasville, Kentucky, is a wildlife sanctuary for the rehabilitation of many different animals, including wolves, deer, pigs, and coyotes. These animals have been taken from abuse or neglect cases and are given the care they need at Wolf Run. All of the workers at Wolf Run are dedicated volunteer that strive to live out the mission of “giving life back to the wild through educations, rescue, rehabilitation, release, and lifelong sanctuary.” The woman I will be working closely with, Savannah Massey, has been a volunteer at Wolf Run for several years. Wolf Run is regulated by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture, Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce, so they have to follow rules in order to keep the animals safe.



Wolf and Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge

                On the organization’s website, many opportunities can be found to help out the animals of Wolf Run. One of the easiest ways is to donate. Wolf Run relies on these donations and the services from surrounding neighbors such as Green Tree Animal Clinic and Clays Mill Veterinary Hospital. A great way to get involved at Wolf Run would be to take a field trip and learn all about the animals. In order to get the name of “Wolf Run” out into the community, the wolves have done photo shoots including one for Tribal Kelly, a clothing line in Nashville. People from the community can even get their own pictures taken with the wolves on special days.



                I am very excited to get to work with this organization. My first day is September 18. I will be expected to help take care with the animals and do jobs such as feeding them and building fences, while also learning the fundraising aspect of Wolf Run. I was told to be ready to work!



What is Wolf Run's purpose?

Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge is an organization in Nicholasville, KY which serves as a wildlife refuge or sanctuary for animals who have been abused, neglected, or illegally owned. Most of these animals include but are not limited too: wolf dog crosses, coyotes, horses, deer, and wild cats. They strive to provide excellent care and protection for these animals who have found themselves in the wrong situation. Wolf Run demonstrates an obvious passion for wild animals in need as they are a non profit charity which is run only by volunteers. They also do their best to have the animals in an environment  similar to what they would have in nature by providing them with lots of room to run and just be an animal. 

Wolf Run has many opportunities for the community to be involved even if they don't have the time to volunteer by making donation whether it is money, blankets, toys, and more. They also involve themselves in the community by providing educational opportunities for children to learn more about wild animals and what they can do to protect nature. 

Wolf Run's website provides the public with awareness and information of what to do if you come across an animal that you believe is in need of help or care. They provide examples of what to do, what not to do, and who to contact. Many people are misinformed about animals in nature and Wolf Run does an excellent job of explaining and educating the public.

It is obvious that Wolf Run's goal is to do everything possible for animals in nature from nurturing their own residents to educating children about how to prevent animals from being in danger. They provide a place for these beautiful animals to go to recover and live out a happy life if they are not able to return to the wild. 

Wolf Run's mission statement is, "To give life back to the wild through rescue, rehabilitation and release. We accomplish this through education, awareness, and by the numbers of animals we place back into the air, water ways and forests." A refuge is a place of protection, shelter, and care away from danger or harm and Wolf Run is just that. To learn more about Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge, visit www.wolfrun.org.

Wolf Run's Passion

Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge is an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and in many cases, rehoming animals in the Nicholasville/Lexington, Kentucky community. In a world where bigger is considered better, an increasing number of people have purchased (legally and illegally) exotic or wild animals to keep as pets, then subsequently abandoned or abused those animals when it becomes clear that the care necessary for them is beyond that of a normal domestic animal. Wolf Run provides a home for such animals when there is no other hope for them. The most common result of an unsuccessful relationship between an owner and wild animal is euthanasia or abandonment. These innocent animals are left on the streets, in the woods, or in a kill shelter due to the irresponsibility of individuals. It is clear that the people at Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge are passionate about ending the suffering of animals who are born and raised to live in the wild. At my orientation this morning, the volunteer who introduced me to the routine at Wolf Run knew each animal's name, history, and personality. The connection between the volunteers and the animals is unique because although the animals are for the most part wild, they trust certain individuals enough to come and eat food in their presence, or even lie down. When a wolf, bobcat, or other wild animal lies down into a vulnerable position while near a human, it is displaying the trust it has in its environment and those surrounding it. At Wolf Run, volunteers spend time watching the animals, petting those that are domesticated, feeding, cleaning the runs, and gaining trust of the rescue or abuse cases. Although the organization is small and nestled away in the hills of Nicholasville, its mission is not hidden, and its volunteers are proud to be a part of the program.

The Wolf Run Cause

               Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge has been providing sanctuary to wild animals since 1993. Their website details the generosity of its volunteers and financial contributors-since this non-profit organization is run solely on volunteers and donations. Because of these people, Wolf Run is able to provide care and a temporary home for injured or displaced animals.  Though they are not open to the public, the Refuge accepts help from many volunteers and, on special occasions, will showcase the work of these hardworking individuals to promote the cause that Wolf Run works for. The organization has had articles written about the care they provide for wild animals of all types in magazines such as Cosmo,Allure, Vogue and has also been featured in several documentaries.

Wolf Run mascot, courtesy of the Facebook Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge Fanpage

My first day at Wolf Run will be Friday, September 18. I was told to prepare for hard work and dress to get dirty! I am so excited to be a part of the work that Wolf Run does.