Meet The Wolves
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The following animals are lifelong residents of Wolf Run.
Wild animals raised by humans to be pets, are unable to survive in the wild. You cannot teach them to hunt, find suitable shelter from the weather and that at all costs, humans are to be feared. If you should find a wild animal in need, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Say Hello to Weed!
We were contacted for help. Twelve wolf hybrids were confiscated and were being held in a shelter in Tennessee. A dozen animals needed help. Sanctuaries were full, money is always tight, and morals are at an all-time low. The struggle to continue saving innocent animals is ongoing.
Consistently the first to be euthanized, are the least desirable. A deformity certainly limits any animal's chances for happiness and love. This precious girl had cuts and sores, was severely underweight and her leg was bent under like a wing. She was a poster child for abused animals.
Her leg is likely a birth defect, possibly a bad break that did not receive proper attention. At two years of age, we were told by shelter staff that she weighed 35 pounds.
We wish you could see Weed now! She is so happy, has found her soultie with another new rescue, and looks like a different girl!
Say Hello to NYX
We have two new rescued wolves! Two more lives saved by your donations and the hard work of our all volunteer staff!
This is Nyx. Just five years old, she has suffered at the hands of a trashy breeder who did not care for her. Living in her own feces, she survived off of her own excrement, struggling, day to day. She is as thin as a rail with absolutely no medical care whatsoever. Her home was a ten by ten fenced area that she shared with an intact, male, Austrailian Shepherd and their two puppies. The conditions were deplorable.
All four animals were taken to a shelter where they awaited euthanization or rescue from a licensed facility such as Wolf Run. The puppies went into another rescue while the adult female came to us. The before and after photographs show the difference that a rescue can make in only several days. We look forward to giving this girl the life she deserves!
Say Hello to Meeska
Meeska is a high content wolf dog. "Content," the amount of wolf verses dog, is tested by DNA and also by a trained, experienced eye. It is unusual to find DNA that returns results that read 100% wolf unless the animals are being monitored in a strict breeding program. There is usually some dog DNA in most results.
Meeska came to us in 2008 and was owner surrendered by her owner. Allegedly she was found in the woods when she was a puppy and taken in and raised as a pet.
There's a saying, "The lion and tiger may be more powerful, but the wolf does not perform in a circus." This emphasizes the wolf's independence and self-reliance. Living indoors as a pet is not in their repertoire. They are built for the wild.
Meeska has always been very skittish, as is the behavior of wolves. It has taken a very time for us to build her trust. Wolves taken away from their parents at such a young age typically bond with person who raised them. Unfortunately, that option is gone.
People who choose to raise these animals from young pups do not realize the bond they break, nor the heartache caused from their poor decisions.
Say Hello to
Kody
Kody came to Wolf Run starved nearly to death. He has been privately owned when a friend of a friend witnessed the horrific condition he was in and made a few calls in an attempt to find help for him. First, she had to convince his owners to surrender him. She was successful and moved this boy to her home to temporarily house him until a rescue could be found. When we were contacted we agreed to accept him into our ever growing, happy family!
Kody was so emaciated that he was weak. His backbone and ribs protruded from his precious body. On the way to Wolf Run, Kody rode in the backseat of the truck, to fragile and starved to care that he was in a moving vehicle.
Once he got home, to Wolf Run, he was fed lightly but often to avoid making him ill. When an animal has gone without food for that long you must be very careful to monitor their intake and make sure their digestive system is still working like it should.
He kept his face in a bowl for months! He seemed to be a bottomless pit! Now Kody is fat and sassy! When I say fat, I mean it! We adore this boy, and he has become a soul tie for Weed! They adore one another!
Say Hello to
Wanagi!
Wanagi came to Wolf Run after spending six years of her life in a small kennel run. She had no access to grass, the sunshine and was unable to get any exercise. For six years...Her owner decided it was time for this girl to have the life she deserved and Wanagi was owner surrendered.
We had a large crate for her transport that she willingly jumped into, like she knew it was her ticket out! She rode calmly all the way to the refuge.
She was placed in a quarantine kennel for several months while she was evaluated and received her medical care. Each time she was approached she melted! Ears back, completely passive and so sweet that we instantly fell in love!
Nagi was moved into her new digs recently and is the happiest girl ever! She plays and runs and digs and does all the things that sassy girls do!
Currently she is living alone but in close proximity to other wolves. One day a male will come in that is close to her age and he will become her companion. Since wolves' mate for life, we feel it's important to try to get two near the same age.
All animals are spayed and neutered unless a medical problem or age prohibits it!
Say Hello to
Judge
His owner called and said he needed to find his wolf a home. We were doubtful we were going to evaluate a true wolf dog, but we piled into the truck anyway and took a road trip to see this animal.
When we pulled into the drive, we saw this poor boy tied to a tree. He looked miserable and his eyes were dull and lifeless. Upon approaching him, he was so happy to see us! Judge was starved for attention. Needless to say, when the truck door opened, he jumped right in and we brought him home, but not without looking back at the prison he was leaving and releasing a long, low growl.
Best day ever!
Judge loves most people and all children, which is rare for a higher content wolf hybrid. Oh, he still has his wolfy ways! Like attending an educational program and stopping, refusing to take another step. We could be in the middle of the road, and he won't budge. Then, on his terms, he'll come out of it and start walking again. He's a quirky guy that marches, or not, to his own beat!
This sweet boy surprised us with DNA results coming back 68.5% Grey Wolf. He has the sweetest, and friendliest personality! Judge has been to many educational programs and is a real crowd pleaser!
Say Hello to
Jericho
This handsome boy came to us with his sisters, Aries, Kia, Khaleesi, and Nayelli. Just three weeks of age, each had to be bottle fed to survive. Just look at the final product! Isn't he breathtaking? He's been compared to the mighty oak. Standing strong, tall and completely rooted.
Jericho came from a breeder who got into trouble when his wolves cleared a fence that was banked with snow. At least one animal died and the rest were owner surrendered to Wolf Run. A total of six animals became permanent residents and the Wolf Run family grew extensively!
Jericho's DNA shows that he is 76% Grey Wolf. He is shy when first meeting new friends but is very gentle natured and relaxed. He has an iron settee that he prefers to the ground. On most days he lazes in the shade and occasionally skinny dips in the pond.
Jericho is now nine years of age! He loves chicken and deer meat, swimming, and long naps with his sister and pack mate, Aries. They have never been separated and are truly bonded.
Say Hello to
Khaleesi
Khaleesi is the sister to Jericho, Kia, Nayelli, and Aries. These pups are now nine years of age!
Having always lived together, five puppies grew into strong, healthy animals with a hierarchy and family rules. As complicated as the packs social order is In the wild, where animals can run, and escape the brutality of the Alpha female, there is much to be considered in captivity. In an enclosed habitat you can run but you cannot hide.
In order for the animals to remain relaxed and unguarded, two new habitats were needed, and our fundraising team worked long, hard hours to make this happen for these animals.
Khaleesi is now free to relax. It's wonderful to watch her walk languidly along the tree line without the fear of being ambushed by the Alpha female.
This girl is very shy, as to be expected of higher content animals. DNA shows this pack to be 76% Grey Wolf. Each of them have such distinct personalities and one is nothing like the other!
Say Hello to
Aries
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This is Aries and she is the sister of Jericho, Kia, Nayelli, and Khaleesi. This girl is passive and sweet. She came in as a three week old puppy and was bottle raised by a volunteer.
Aries is nine years old now. Time goes by quickly. But even as a senior animal she is still playful, curious and always ready for some loving! Aries lives with her brother, Jericho. Their habitat is amazing. They even have their own pond, and an area shaded with lots of trees and privacy.
Aries is much higher strung that her brother! When you walk into her area, she comes full speed to greet you! It's rather alarming if you aren't prepared and is a bit like being clipped by a Mini Cooper!
We are so happy that at Wolf Run she could remain with her brother. Family is important to wolves, even in captivity. Her enthusiasm is heartwarming, and she is loved dearly!
All animals at Wolf Run are spayed and or neutered! No animals are bred, sold, or unhappy at Wolf Run.
Say Hello to
Kia
Kia is a sister to Jericho, Khaleesi, Aries and Nayelli. Kia's pack mate is a wolf dog named, Cannibal. (He almost eats you up with kisses).
Kia's nickname is, Moose. When she was a tiny baby, she went through a growing phase and looked too much like one not to tease her about it! Today, this glorious gal has lost all resemblance to a moose and is one of the most beautiful wolf dogs at the refuge.
Kia is nine years of age. She has a shy personality, which is the case with higher content animals. She warms quickly and trusts deeply. Her caretaker spoils her rotten with treats and Kia knows she is loved.
Like all the animals at Wolf Run, we feel it's our responsibility to give them what they need to be happy. Working with wildlife calls for humans to, love, animals in the ways that they understand. Many times, that is not by holding and kissing them as you would your domestic pet, but by contributing to their joy! Enrichment, companionship, good food and room to run and play.
Kia is one of those animals that wants human affection and does she ever get it! We are happy to oblige!
Say Hello to
Shadow
Shadow came from the same people who owned Wanagi. He too was kept in a small area with no access to grass or room to play. For years he lived like this. There is indeed a difference between living and existing.
Because Wolf Run was inundated with intakes, we said it was not possible to offer poor Shadow sanctuary. He was taken to the local animal shelter which was not set up for wolves or wolf hybrids. We couldn't stand it. He was most surely going to end up being euthanized and the previous owner did nothing to help him.
Are you aware that if a hybrid is owner surrendered to an animal shelter that it is considered wildlife and it is illegal for them to adopt the animal out? Even if the animal is obviously a dog, the shelter must label the animal per the owners information! This means that someone could owner surrender a collie, and yes it has happened, and it would be illegal to put that animal up for adoption because the owner called that poor dog a hybrid. Mislabeling wolves is one of the most frustrating problems we run into in wildlife rescue. It's a death sentence for dogs who may have similar coloring, such as huskies and malamutes. What can we do about this? education is the key!
Read and research! Visit zoos and sanctuaries and learn to recognize the differences in both physical characteristics and behavior. You'll be surprised how quickly you pick it up! Pretty soon it will be like seeing a cool car and knowing it's a Corvette!
Say Hello to
Juri
Juri is the result of irresponsible breeding. A breeder sold this innocent, scared baby to people who had no knowledge of wolf dogs. They realized they were in over their heads and asked the breeder is they could return her and were refused! Juri ended up in a dangerous situation. She was so small and so very afraid. A young lady learned of Juri's plight and proceeded to contact the unhappy owners. They handed her over without one question. Once again, this baby was with someone who did not understand little wolves. The situation had improved slightly. But when Juri began defending herself, her mouth was wrapped tightly closed to keep her from biting.
Wolf Run was contacted, and we accepted this baby into our program immediately. When we first saw her, our hearts broke. Her mouth was tied closed with Velcro, which also kept her from panting properly, drinking and eating. It was a horrible start to her life.
Juri's packmate is another young hybrid, Simon. They get along beautifully and enjoy playing with their toys and one another!
Juri is very shy and does not enjoy us much, but we sure love her! She likes sneaking up behind us and nipping us on our backsides!
Say Hello to
Cannibal
This is our boy, Cannibal. As his name implies, he'll eat you up with love and kisses! This boy is so sweet. He came in as a puppy and has been with Wolf Run for nine years.
Cannibal's packmate is Kia and they have been together for years. There's never any bickering, they really love one another. . He is kind, happy, and very affectionate! He walks on a leash and willingly goes to his veterinarian appointments without much hesitation. He leans on his caregiver for support and knows she will not let anyone hurt him. Cannibal loves to eat which is evident, as he comes thundering towards you! We make excuses for him. Some say it's all fluff while others swear its muscle!
Higher content wolf dogs are very shy around strangers. Most bond with the person who raises them and avoid other humans, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Those animals propose many problems for rescues. Getting them to a veterinarian, even catching them, is a huge ordeal and even though it sounds harsh, darting them with a tranquilizer rifle is far kinder and safer than running them down, netting them and scaring them half to death.
People have no idea what they do to these animals when they decide they no longer want them. These loyal creatures who are so family oriented and count on their humans for a lifetime of companionship and care, are broken hearted when abandoned.
Say Hello to
Charm
Can you imagine tying your dog out to a post and driving away? That's exactly what happened to this young wolf dog. Say hello to Charm. Charm was found tied up at a motel. No food or water, and no owner in sight. Someone associated with the business called animal control. They came and picked her up and made her a temporary home at the shelter. They truly took such good care of her and put a shout out on social media asking for help. It is illegal for wolves or wolf dogs to be put up for adoption. If a rescue can't take them, they are euthanized. Charm came to Wolf Run.
It was obvious to us that she was very young. She was so receptive to us! Everyone got kisses and after her initial two-week quarantine period she became packmates with Halo. Each animal that is new to the facility is placed in an area for fourteen days to allow any illness or disease contracted while in the shelter to present itself and be treated. It is also a time of for basic medical care including, parasite removal, flea and tick prevention and vaccinations.
We received word that Charm's owner had been located. She said, explicitly, she did not want that animal back.! Charm had apparently done an unsurmountable amount of damage to the interior of the woman's home.
Wolves and wolf dogs are extremely destructive. The higher content wolf dogs, or hybrids, cannot be housebroken. They are nervous and high-strung animals and best suited for outdoors.
Charm's pack mate is Halo. Charm is only a year old. She still has some filling out to do but is a lovely girl. Wolves and wolf dogs come in all sizes! Halo is also smaller, and they make a great pair!
Say Hello to
Timber
It's particularly disturbing to know that any living being has suffered. Timber's story is a sad one. She got an awful start in life. Wolf Run was contacted by an out of state shelter, who had confiscated Timber, asking for help. Timber had been starved and was ill. Photos were exchanged in order to determine her content. Pictures depicted an animal pleading for help. Not only was she emaciated, but her back leg had also been amputated. She was so weak she could hardly stand. When she became strong enough for the journey, she was transported to Wolf Run.
Once in our care, we rushed her to our veterinarian immediately. He put her on IV fluids and did bloodwork. Her bloodwork showed severe anemia. Timber's body was consumed with hook and whip worms. It was so debilitating that her body was shutting down.
Extreme measures were taken in order for her to have a second chance at life. Slowly, very slowly, Timber's condition improved! We brought her to the refuge, and she blossomed! Today you would not recognize her!
Her pack mate is Boomerang. They really have fun!
Timber was abused. The previous owner was charged with cruelty to animals and ordered not to have animals for six months.
But this story isn't over. The abuse continued, this time with Halo.
Say Hello to
Boomer
This little boy was purchased from yet another irresponsible breeder. Without educating themselves, they acquired this little wolf dog without any clue what they were in store for and what his needs would be.
Boomer was terrified and as wolf hybrids do, he ran and hid, desperate to find a safe place. His reaction stemmed from fear, not aggression. The people soon tired of this behavior, having no idea why this tiny wild animal refused to trust them. He was captured and put into their basement and left there. Each time they cornered him, he would lash out, biting to protect himself. This became a huge problem with Boomer as he quickly learned that biting worked! Wolf Run was contacted by a shelter where they had taken Boomer and owner surrendered him. He was at risk of being euthanized not just because the owners said he was a wolf, but he was also a biter. We accepted him into our program. He bit all of us, and by this time, he meant business!
One of our board members picked him up and took him home with her. Every time he started to bite, she put her hand to his mouth, he held on to it gently, and she told him she loved him. It sounds crazy but almost immediately, the behavior stopped. But only with her! He continues to this day to be completely untrustworthy and will bite with no provocation. He has chosen a few close friends whom he trusts. Boomer is loved, and his BFF always has his back!
Boomerang's packmate is Adrift.
Say Hello to
Lore
We are happy to introduce you to our newest Ambassador, baby Lore! Lore is a male Timber Wolf that was donated to our program by a nice gentleman who knew we had been looking for a baby to raise for educational purposes. We didn't say no!
Lore is currently several months old and already weighs over 25 pounds! He is so happy, well adjusted and learning quickly. His personality is like any puppy. He's playful and his attention span is short but every day we can see a difference in his confidence. As a wild animal, being sure of himself is key to being grounded. That training begins at a very young age and will continue throughout his life. Lore is still allowed to be a baby wolf! He is guaranteed a wonderful life!
Lore has already learned to sit and stay! Oh it's not for long but but he will eventually get the hang of it! And if not? Look how cute he is! Lore has lots of people in his life that adore him. They will protect him, entertain him, teach him and will always love him!
You will see this new baby out and about when we do exhibits! Be sure to get your, "Wolf Selfie."
Say Hello to
Seiyuu
This sweet boy was living with his owners in Lexington, KY. On one of his daily walks, he got away from his owner. She was unable to catch him, and he was running at large for some time. After many failed attempts, he was captured by Lexington Humane Society and taken to the shelter. His owners were so sad that they could not bring him back home. Wolves and wolf dogs are illegal to keep as pets in in Seiyuu's hometown.
Seiyuu was so depressed and afraid in the shelter. He stopped eating and Wolf Run was contacted to help him. He came to live at Wolf Run. He is such a nice gentleman. Shy, gentle natured, and so handsome. His packmate is a special needs Rottweiler, Hanna, who is a rescue from Louisville Metro Animal Shelter. It's been difficult to pair him with someone that isn't to rough with him. Hanna is sweet and older and they love one another.
Wolf dogs are illegal to own as pets if they are over 25% wolf. That means they must be mostly a dog. Different states have their own laws concerning wolves and wolf dogs. It's wise to check your individual state laws.
In Kentucky, Wolf-dog hybrids of 25% or less, were deemed legal across the state. Local governments have the ability to be more restrictive. Many counties have amended their own laws regarding wolf dogs and have banned wolf dogs altogether.
Say Hello to
Adrift
Adrift is a low content wolf dog. Her DNA results calculated her wolf percentage to be 25%! She is a precious girl with so much expression! We are constantly falling in love with her! Addy is so intelligent. We have such a great time with her!
Addy came from a breeder who thought she was a full wolf. Every animal involved in this litter was incorrectly identified as wolves. Addy's brothers and sisters were all sold as wolves so that misinformation has spread to all those owners, their families and friends. Now all of them, "think," they know what a wolf looks like and how they behave. Wolf Run receives calls every week from people who are adamant that their dog is a full wolf. This is how is happens. People are simply uneducated, stubborn and egotistical.
, Addy adores her people. But she is also dangerous and capable of biting. This behavior is not the wolf content coming through but the dog's content. This is also where the misconception of wolves being good guard dogs began. Higher percentage wolf dogs are shy creatures who will only snap or bite if they feel threatened. Lower content hybrids can be dangerous.
Dogs that are owner surrendered to animal shelters and labeled wolves or wolf dogs, are euthanized. It is illegal for shelters to put wolf hybrids on the adoption floor. Licensed facilities can step in and save these innocent animals lives however having room for new animals is difficult as we all struggle to erect new habitats for more room, to save more lives. Remember, each wolf or wolf hybrid Wolf Run accepts is a lifetime responsibility!
Say Hello to
Ember
Ember came to us as a tiny baby! She is a high content wolf dog! Topping the charts at 87.5% grey wolf! Percentages are best left to DNA testing. Not only will it tell you the amount of wolf detected but also any other dog breeds that are mixed in. Embark and Wisdom are two we use the most. Simply swab the inside of their cheek with a cotton swab that accompanies the test kit. Send it back and wait! It takes several weeks and seems much longer but it's worth it.
Ember's other breed is 12.5% Siberian Husky. Usually there are more but this gal has been selectively bred. She is my all means, a wolf.
With tons of personality and a heart of gold, she is extremely affectionate and enjoys her humans. Her packmate is Judge and they love one another! Judge is a few years older than Ember, but he tolerates all the playing and is very gentle with her.
Companionship is such an important part of happiness! We are careful when forming a unit. With the exception of Luna and her mother, Lakoda, all pairs are male and female. All animals are spayed or neutered.
Ember and Judge loved one another at first site. Ember treats Judge like her big brother!
Say Hello to
Wesson
Abuse comes in many forms. Most people believe that chaining an animal to a tree or the bumper of a car is mistreatment. Not only was Wesson chained but his collar was padlocked around his neck. He was living in filth. Rusted cans, plastic jugs, and garbage littered his area. We observed no water or food for him.
When we approached him, he cowered a bit. Hearing the love in our voices he quickly warmed up to us, with ears back and his tail wagging. The first thing we asked is for the padlock to be removed so we could replace it with a soft collar. The lock had to be hammered off. It was rusted shut.
Wesson's chest was bare. Our first thought was the heavy chain he was dragging had caused the hair loss. But once in the hands of our veterinarian, we learned Wesson had a skin infection that had been going on for years. He is still on three medications for his skin but look at this stud muffin now!
Wesson is so sweet. He loves humans and gets very excited when meeting new people! He has never lived indoors and as far as we know, never lived his life off of a chain-until now!
His DNA came back as 12% Gray Wolf, with a mixture of Malamute, Husky, Samoyed and 8.3% unknown.
Say Hello to
Lakoda
Lakoda came in from out of state where she was being used for breeding purposes. Her previous owner was the same person who owner surrendered the five puppies, Kia, Khaleesi, Aries, Nayelli and Jericho. Her previous owner quickly learned that wolves are escape artists.
One mistake can lead to awful consequences. As was the case with Lakoda when a snowbank against a fence offered a pathway for them to go up and over the fencing.
Once all animals were captured, and back home the owner, under the cities forceful hand, surrendered all of these animals to Wolf Run.
Five puppies and two adults, one of which was Lakoda, call Wolf Run home.
Lakoda was full of energy, curiosity, and a little bit on the bad side! She would walk up and grab your hair, nip you on the hindside and steal anything in sight! Lakoda came with her daughter, Luna, whom she has spent her life with. Lakoda is now older. Her face is one of wisdom, and time.
