DakotaTwo
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Sponsor: AND Elliot Gonzo
Sex: Male
Status: Resident
Rescue Group: Shadow's Den
Penmate(s): Kodiak
Wolf Content: Mid
Birthdate: 2002-08-06
Description: We were told that Dakota, a large malamute mix, had issues with the other males, but when we put him in a solo pen next to the others he spent the first night crying and howling and making "I'm being strangled!" noises. So, we tried putting him in with Colby and Kodiak. Yep. Issues.
He's a bit shy with people, bouncing up to the fence and play-bowing if you're on the outside, but not quite confident enough to approach when you're in his enclosure. If you do manage to get your hands on him, however, he obviously enjoys the petting.
Story: In late April of 2006, Full Moon Farm got notice of a wolfdog "rescue" in the next county that was being evicted. The people had two days to leave. And the wolfdogs had nowhere to go. With the help of a long-time friend and volunteer who happened to have a horse trailer, we managed to load up 24 wolfdogs (and 2 cats) and bring them here to safety. Though the move was traumatic for the animals - none of them had ever been leashed or crated or off the property - it turned out to be very lucky for them. For these dogs were in very bad shape, suffering from malnutrition, and from structural and joint problems that had been passed on for several generations thanks to the so-called rescuers who bred them. None had received vet care. None had been vaccinated against rabies. None were altered. Eight of them turned out to be heartworm positive. One was actually a legitimate rescue dog, who had been vetted by the person who left her with Shadow's Den, and she is now living the good life with a family in California. The other 23 are going to take a good deal of work - medically and mentally. At least now they are being fed nutritious food regularly, getting medical care, have a little bit more room than they had at the old place, and are learning what toys are and how to play! As much as taking them in set back our financial situation and our plans for the sanctuary, watching them blossom has been well worth it.