Wolf-dog Hybrids: Beautiful but Unfair
Many people in our society want a ‘different’ animal; something ‘different’ so they can stand out, but due to the desire of people wanting a ‘different’ animal, people breed animals that they have no idea how to care for. One big example is wolf dogs. People breed wolves and dogs together expecting them to look like a majestic wolf, but act like a friendly dog. Unfortunately, to their surprise, the results are very different.
After the wolf dogs are born, these breeders sell them. Usually the new owners do not know how to raise wolf dogs correctly, so the wolf dogs can become shy and skeptical about everything, which leads to them living nervous and anxious lives. Another issue is that the wolf dogs are quite smart and incredibly curious. Sometimes their curiosity can lead them to getting loose or escaping from their homes. They then can end up being captured by Animal control, or they are abandoned by their owners who find them too difficult to care for. Hopefully, however, if an owner finds they can’t care for them, they will give them to a wolf dog sanctuary.
In Florida (thankfully) there are a couple of wolf dog sanctuaries, and I was lucky enough to visit one! “In Harmony with Nature Animal Haven” is an organization that provides special care for wolf dogs with their physical and mental well-being in mind. They want to have a greater impact on education, conservation, awareness, rehabilitation, and be able to help more animals, including exotics.
While visiting “In Harmony with Nature Animal Haven,” I learned all of the information I have shared with you and so much more. Although many wolf dogs are friendly, they still have a wild side in their genes. Luckily, the wolf dogs I got to spend some time with had more dog genes then wolf genes! I got into the enclosure with 3 beautiful wolf dogs and witnessed how different wolf dogs act if they are not raised correctly. One of the wolf dogs, Thor, didn’t allow me to pet him until after about 20 minutes. He would walk around me or sit in a corner and watch me while another wolf dog came right towards me and wanted belly rubs the whole time!
My visit to “In Harmony with Nature Animal Haven” was truly eye opening, educational, and more importantly fun! If you ever get a chance to visit them or any other wolf dog sanctuary, take it. It will change your perspective on animals, you will learn why responsible breeding is so important, and you will experience how these animals are so much like us.
Sivlia ~ ISF Youth Mobbstir
GET INVOLVED!! For More Information--
To learn more about Kim Kapes and the amazing work she is doing click here to check out “In Harmony with Nature Animal Haven”
Click here to read a bit more about “In Harmony with Nature Animal Haven” as well as see some of the wolf dogs who are living there.
Speaking of animal sanctuaries and those friends of ours that need extra help, did you know that ISF is working on our own Animal Sanctuary? Click here to see our amazing project. Help the ISF save the lives of our furry (or scaly, or feather-y) friends! Email your ideas and suggestions to ISFYOUTH1@gmail or tweet them to @ISFYOUTH1.
