Wolf Hybrid At Shelter In Danger

Oh you guys! I have been put in a sticky spot. The shelter I volunteer at, the same one I adopted Drake from, just got a 6 month odl wolf hybrid like Drake. The director there doesn't think it has a good chance of being adopted because it is part Wolf. He has asked me to adopt it since I have experience with hybrids. The cage carers are afraid to even come near his cage. I went there over my lunch break and saw the fella. What a beauty! He growled at me, but after half an hour of talking to it and letting it sniff me through the cage, I went in and he was fine. I as able to feed him and play with him a bit. He needs alot of work and training with hybrid specialist is very expensive. Andrew and I can afford it, but we have some issues to deal with first.

Our home isnt big enough for 2 wolves! Drake will not get along with another male wolf! Andrew will be stationed in Ft. Rucker in Alabama for a year and a half, and I will be left alone with the two dogs. I can not handle two huge wolf dogs all on my own. Finally I do not have time to train with the new one! As much as I would love to have another Draker, I do not think I can do it!

I feel like I have been put on the spot. The director told me that if he isn't adopted by next Friday, they will put him down. From now until then, I have to make a decision, and I have volunteered to feed and play with him since the staff is scared of him.

Any advice! HELP!

Souraya, I'm in a similar situation as you right now so I totally understand how you feel. When I started reading your message, I was really wanting you to adopt him. But if Drake is not going to get along with another male, then don't do it. You have a responsibility to keep Drake happy and healthy. If bringing in another doggy will prevent this, then its out of your hands.

Trust me, I completely understand the spot you're put in, but there are still things you can do to help. Try to see if there are any wolf hybrid rescues. Send out a note to email lists, yahoo groups, rescues you find on the internet, etc. You can even spread the news through word of mouth. Does Andrew have any friends who want a dog and can afford the money to go through training?

I am so sorry for you and you are so sweet for wanting to adopt. But we can't put Drake in a situation that will stress him out or even cause harm if they fight (which it sounds like they will). Do all you can to save this little hybrid's life, but if he gets put down, DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF PLEASE!!!!!!! It isn't your duty to take him in. You are doing all you can!

I am telling you this because more than once I have blamed myself for a dog's euthanization. Just do the best you can. If it doesn't work, there will be more to save. You are just one person and unfortunately can't save them all :( But every little thing you do helps.

You will be in my prayers. Good luck.
:)

[ November 29, 2001: Message edited by: aly ]

Souraya, I think Aly has given you some wonderful advice, you might try getting in touch with Bestfriends, I think their address is http://bestfriends.org if you don't get it this way just search best friends. They are situated in Utah and take in animals that are very hard to place especially if they are in good health, it's worth a try.
As far as taking him in yourself my opinion is that you would be taking on too much responsibility there, especially if Drake does not get along with other males. It would be a constant battle. I wanted so much to rescue a little Schnauzer and to make a long story short Perry does not like any dogs and when the people brought her down he attacked the little dog three times, Don got bit trying to stop them. I would love to have another dog but have to think about what would happen. Just my two cents in.
Terrible decision for you to make, think long and hard.
Jackie

Thanks for your replies. I was up all night worrying about the little guy. I am leaving work early today and will go and spend time with him.

Andrew and I talked about the whole adoption thing and we both decided that it isn't going to work. I would hate to see Drake stressed out about another dog sharing his territory. If Drake were older or the other hybrid younger, then it may have worked. I called many friends and relatives last night trying to find this guy a home. One of Andrew's friend's has wanted his own Drake ever since he set eyes on him. We couldn't get a hold of him lst night. His wife said he was out of town and wouldn't be back till next Tuesday. I would like to have this off my mind ASAP. She said that they may be interested but could not afford the training.

Andrew and I decided that if we couldn't find anyone else to adopt that could afford the training, then we would fork out the money to give his friend to go to training. I would rather do that than let the puppy be put down.

I will update you as soon as I hear something. Keep this little guy in your thoughts.

Souraya, you are going above and beyond the call of duty, and I salute you for it. And what great people you and Andrew are to consider paying for the training to get the little fellow settled in another home. I hope you can get it worked out. But in the meantime, enjoy your visit. I'm sure Drake wil be very interested in the new smells! :)

Souraya,

I have Junior Achievement ALL day today, so I have lots of extra time. I feel so badly for you, I wish WE could take him, but I don't know what he would do with all of ours. I went out on Yahoo and found 3 sites you might want to try.

Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch www.inetdesign.com
rescue for abandoned or abused wolves/wolf dogs

W.O.L.F. Rescue and Education www.fortnet.org/wolf/index.htm
rescue of wolves/wolf dogs who are about to be destroyed.

For the Love of a Wolf www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/1246/gary1.html
info on wolf dogs and rescue links

I hope some of these help. Please let us know how it goes. You will be in my thoughts and the poor guy will be in my prayers. Irresponsible people make me SOOOOO mad.

You might try sled dog teams in the area . We have a guy here in Montana who takes any fom people and shelter. Trains them uses them for his sledding business , in the spring he adopts out the ones he feels will be good as compainons. they are trained and nice dogs. He takes wolves ,Crosses,malamutes andsuch. I have been to his place several times and with 70 plus dogs you think after a coulpe times you'd see a pile. Never have I seen one. Also 70 dogs greeting you is loud he comes out and in a queit voice says quiet and not another peep. You might try calling him 406-881-bark His business is called Dog sled adventures. Good luck

Thank you for your suggestions.

Andrew's friend came home last night. He and I are going to the shelter this afternoon to take a look at Harley. (That's what I named him). I have spent several hours with him everyday since he got to the shelter-even Saturday and Sunday. He is warming up to others and he doesn't growl as much when someone walks by his cage. Mike, the friend, really wants this one. He said he couldn't afford the training, so Andrew and I have offered to cover what he can not. I think he is going to adopt him.

We will find out this afternoon. I really want Harely to go home today with Mike.

That would be wonderful for your friend to adopt Harley - sounds like you've come a long way with him. I'll keep my fingers crossed that he will adopt him, this wonderful dog deserves a chance to live!!!!

Oh, I can't handle the suspense. Let us know as soon as you find out if your friend will adopt Harley. And Bless You and Andrew for helping financially also!!!!

I can't handle the suspense either!!!!! What happened!?!?!

Harley is a great name.

Me either!! I hope Mike will take Harley.

~Kimmy