They Weren't Kidding...

Posted by jennifer on October 28, 2006 in Mission Wolf.

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Today I woke up to minimal snow fall. I thought maybe the blizzard would turn out to be a dusting but boy was I wrong! When they meant a blizzard, they weren't kidding! When all was said and done, in a few places, the snow was up to my knees! The wind was blowing so hard as the snow came down in sheets of white. I had to put on my snow pants, boots, hooded jacket, etc. There wasn't much we could do with the wolves today except break the ice in their water buckets with crobars. I took Elvis, Dylan & Lola out to play in the snow and they went crazy playing. It was really cute.
Because many of the wolves here are in their geriatric stage, when the cold weather comes in their bones start to ache and some of them may have arthritus like Dylan.
Since I've been staying in the new building which is next to Daisy's enclosure, everytime I walk outside past her, she wags her tail and is happy to see me. I've been engaging with her in play & it's been a fun activity and also has bonded me closer to her. I really think she misses having human interaction and that's where the psychology of the dog instincts come out. She seems happiest around dogs or people but only at a safe distance. Natalie & I went in with her today and as soon as you enter her enclosure, she wants so badly to be affectionate with you. She also becomes very submissive and cautious of how close she gets. Some people have had instances where she has nipped at them but I believe this is not out of aggression but merely to her want and need for attention & affection. This wolf will do better around women than men only because she was raised by a woman and women can be less domineering in their energy. I've really found a soft spot for sweet Daisy.
I decided with one of the staff members to go sledding on a whim and make the most of the blizzard. I went down only three times because the walk back up in 9,300 ft. elevation with blowing, cold snow isn't fun. The dogs are sleeping now in the staff building as it's too difficult to carry all their beds back and forth in the snow. It's warm in there and they seem to like it.
Jonathan, Natalie & I took Elvis tracking in the blizzard. We were only able to lay a short track before going in because it was freezing!
I wonder how my tent is doing at the bottom of the hill and if I'll be able to make it out of here on Monday!
More tomorrow- Goodnight!
- Jennifer

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