Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: Mission Wolf Archives

Mission Wolf

Hello From The Wilderness...

Posted by jennifer on November 4, 2011.

Hello Everyone-
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write a new blog. I have been working with a ghost writter in Los Angeles on a book that I think will make up for all my off-line time and I think it will be well worth the wait!

In the mean time, there has been so much to report from the year 2011- so many things that I don't even know where to begin. For starters, I moved from high up in the Rockies to a horse barn outside of Prescott, Az. Quite literally- I lived in the barn and if I opened up one of the windows, a horse could stick his head inside and eat hay in my living room!

What was so fascinating about this experience was that I was actually able to document a pack of coyotes on the ranch and the resident dogs communicating to one another. It was one of the most amazing things to hear- coyotes that learned to bark like dogs and dogs who learned how to yip!

I worked on the ranch with the horses, dogs and cats and from there, I was able to get a 5 acre property to run the K-9 Ranch Training Center in Prescott. This has given my clients amazing access who live in California and Nevada and I've had a lot of customers wanting to make the drive out here.

I have also had the opportunity to live side by side some of the world's most venomous creatures- scorpions, rattlesnakes and tarantualas which has given me a lot of appreciation for these other species in the high desert.

I have been actively following the Mexican Grey Wolf program, attending meetings and staying in touch with what's happening on the front lines.
In my spare time, I've done more natural hosemanship and have gone riding quite a bit in both Az. & Co.

This past year has certainly brought a lot of opportuniites for my on-going education
as well as taught me more about living in a new environment.

As we enter 2012 I think it's important for me to talk a little about our relationship with the natural world. I know that times are tough for a lot of people out there and although I've seen both sides of the coin, I have also chosen to live a life closer to mother nature- whether in a tent, in a tee-pee or in a house at 9,000 ft.

I often talk a lot about the human species dllema as it relates to people's pets but I think now it's time to broaden that message to engulf many of our friends in forest, ocean, etc.

The one disadvantage our species has is our need for self fullfillment, growth and expansion. We seem to have a hard time with simplicity. It's really hard for us all to slow down, make compassionate choices on a daily basis that really will be affecting the very lives that walk this earth in the future.

Non-human animals have this advatage. For example, the wolf who has done it's job so well, that it was able to survive the ice age. Other animals are more intellegent than the human species in ways in which we cannot understand. For example, meet the dog who can sniff out a seizure well before it happens, meet the horse who can see the slightest movement in a tree or the shark who can smell 10,000 times more than we can ever comprehend!

If there's one thing I have learned, is to view various creatures using these different senses at higher levels to actually learn from them. My brain may not be able to process a smell like a dog's brain can, but I have figured out exactly what they are doing through their nose just by merely spending time watching them. I took this knowledge and used it to smell plants & trees in a way I had never thought of before which helps me understand the way they think to assit them in tracking, scent and search work at a higher level.

I believe that by allowing oneself to step into this role as an equal and sometimes a student, not as a superior, can bring more appreciation for the natural world. Animals do things for a reason- humans do things for a need and that need is no longer survival it's consumption, growth and expansion. All resources are finite. They will not last forever and if there comes a time when you have to feed your family, step into the backyard and create a vegtable garden, it's a step towards getting back in touch with the natural world.
Change can be terrifying but also at the same time an opportunity for a new beginning.

It is my hope that through everything that is going on in our economic climate, we can all get back to the simple things in life because that's what helps species survive in the long haul. I believe we are on the verge of something great that has already started to be more concious of our environment, the choices we make and why having other animals around such as wolves, mountain lions, sharks, coyotes, etc. is so important. I encourage all who wish for adventure to embrace each circumstance, look for the good in everything and take great appreciation for our mammal and non-mamal friends as we can certainly learn a lot from them!

Best to you and your dog (or wolf/wolf-dog!) from Prescott, Az.
Jennifer

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Thanks :-)

Posted by jennifer on October 30, 2010.

Hey Everyone-
Thank you all for the beautiful messages and support I've been receiving from the airing of the Wolf-Dog special last night on the National Geographic Channel. There's much more to come as things are moving quickly in a bigger direction... With that said, I have many more research projects I'll be talking about, my work with coyotes and ranch dogs, horses, the Mexican Gray Wolf Program and much, much more! So stay tuned in here to my blog to get the latest news and I look forward to meeting more of you out there on this wonderful journey of helping animals. Howl and woof to you all!
All my best,
Jennifer

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You're Invited: Dog Whisperer Premiere Event!

Posted by jennifer on October 9, 2010.

To see the invitation, click here:

Dog_Whisperer_4x6_100710[1]2.pdf

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NAT. GEO. WOLF-DOG SPECIAL AIR DATE ANNOUNCED!

Posted by jennifer on September 22, 2010.

Stay tuned in on Oct. 29th at 7p.m. to the National Geographic channel for a one hour special on the show "The Dog Whisperer" regarding my work with wolf-dogs. Cesar & I will be rehabilitating 3 cases. See you on TV!

You can learn more here:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer/4523/Overview

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ONE HOUR WOLF-DOG SPECIAL...

Posted by jennifer on August 8, 2010.

Hello Friends,
Please visit: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer/4523/Overview for more upcoming information on my work with wolf-dogs on the emmy-nominated show, "The Dog Whisperer". This special episode will be airing soon so tune in here or the Nat. Geo. website for more information!
Woof & Howl,
Jennifer

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Filming Pics....

Posted by jennifer on May 13, 2010.

These are some pictures from filming a wolf transport across 5 states with a wolf, 4 of her week old puppies and the wolf-dog father. It took 3 hrs. to crate her using no tranquilizers, no catch poles as she viciously protected the pups as any mother wolf would. We encountered a tornado warning, hail, blinding rain, heat and snow on this journey to release them in their new home...

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"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I... I TOOK THE ONE LESS TRAVELED BY, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Posted by jennifer on September 30, 2009.

Hello Out There~
I have been on the road now for over two weeks traveling everywhere from Los Angeles to Phoenix to the Wet Mountains and Mission: Wolf in Colorado. I am home temporarily as I leave soon to live with the wolves again for a week. Next I'm off to the Gila National Forest to dive into the Mexican Wolf controversy and from there I will hit the Defender's of Wildlife Carnivore Conference. Home seems to be where my suitcase is and going from all different climates, I take a variety of gear including two different sleeping bags, one tent, extra blankets, flip flops and my snow shoes. Then again, I could be hiking in rattlesnake country on the outskirts of Scottsdale. My theory is, I never know just quite where I'll be until I get there.
Included in this blog are photos from today in the mountains near Westcliffe, Colorado. I hope you enjoy them.
Soon, there will be some interesting information here on my website for those thinking about purchasing a wolf or wolf dog. I hope you'll come back to view it as it contains fascinating data regarding behavior, financial responsibility, fencing, etc. After reading it, those thinking about getting a cute, cuddly, wolf puppy may want to reconsider as the implications can sometimes far outweigh the rewards. I am not an advocate of owning these animals as pets but if you are considering adopting an unwanted wolf dog (best case scenario), this is something you should definitely read. My thanks go out to Mission: Wolf for allowing me to put it on the website and also Annie White for re-editing and doing such a fantastic job putting it together.
In the mean time, I finally get to sleep in my own bed. It's such a reward for a long journey in one big loop to L.A., Phoenix, New Mexico and up into Colorado. Home sweet home! "Life is about the journey... Not the destination.."
Best,
JMc

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A Few More Pics....

Posted by jennifer on September 6, 2009.

Last Trip For Macho At The Grand Canyon:

Snow Shoeing In The Mountains:

Snow Shoeing With Elvis & Lola:

Elvis Tired After A Storm:

My Tent: Yellowstone

My Tent At Mission: Wolf-

Hiking With The Dogs In Winter:

Colorado Blizzard In The Mountains:

Backpacking The Sand Dunes With Sandrine (Friend Dog Trainer From Paris):

California:

Back Country Yellowstone:

Sleeping Under The Stars:

Searching For Tracks:

Dog Sledding: Telluride

Backpacking Sand Dunes With Elvis & Lola:

Snow Angel:

Hiking With Elvis: Colorado

Wolf Research:

Feeding The Dogs:

Back Packing: Colorado

Captive Wolf Research:

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Posted by jennifer on September 2, 2009.

Venice, California:

Se: San Diego-

Johnny Cash: Newest Addition To the Pack-

Juno: Phoenix, Arizona-

Co-Pilot:

Juno: Tired From Road Trip...

Juno At Home In Phoenix:

Sleeping On the Floor In Vegas-

Lola & Elvis In the Woods-

Lola & Elvis In L.A.-

Living With the Wolves: Lola & Max Hunting

Lola & Elvis In The Pond:

Lola Hunting For Mice:

Lola In The Snow:

Snow Face-

Traveling To Save Wolves-

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Pictures, Pictures, Pictures...

Posted by jennifer on September 1, 2009.

In My Tent: Yellowstone

Jeep In the Snow: Colorado

Jeep On the Road- Mission: Wolf

Splash Magazine Photo Shoot: Los Angeles-

Splash Magazine: Los Angeles-

Workin' Like A Dawg-

Mission: Wolf- Fall 2008

McKinley Wolf Transport: 2008

Hangin' Out In the Tipi:

McKinley- Mission: Wolf

McKinley-

Two Story Tipi- Mission: Wolf

Camping With the Dogs: Colorado

Searching For Mountain Lions: Colorado

San Diego-

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Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Las Vegas-

Getting Hair Done In L.A.-

Got Snow?

Lola & Elvis In Beverly Hills-

On the Strip...

Elk- Yellowstone

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix, Az.

Jumping Out of the Jeep...

Elvis & Mitten-

Elvis & the Wolves-

Elvis & Henry Chasing Max: Living With the Wolves-

Elvis Swimming-

Elvis-

Max Following Elvis-

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix

Ghandi-

Grand Teton-

Grizzly: Yellowstone-

Grizzly-

Life On the Road-

Henry & Clide: Boulder

Henry & Elvis: Living With the Wolves

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Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Cowgirl & Juno- Phoenix

Coyote- Lamar Valley, Yellowstone

Daisy- Mission Wolf, Colorado

Daisy

At Home In Colorado...

Elvis & Lola Searching For Mountain Lion Tracks-

Elvis & Lola Hiking-

In Vegas-

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Mission: Wolf Visit 4/26/08

Posted by jennifer on April 28, 2008.

We woke up early this morning and headed up the hill for breakfast in the new building. The thought of making food in the cold air was something we were not looking forward to. Kent, Joey, Anna and I went in with Raven to say hello and it was so great to see her again. Raven is my favorite wolf there and I have a bit of a weak spot for her. She gave Anna & Joey a big wolf greeting and they loved it. Raven's piercing brown eyes but her sweet demeanor was something I've missed since the weather turned to blizzard conditions and I coulden't get up here.
As I write, the wolves howl in the far off distance. I camp at the bottom of the hill with the dogs so as not to disturb the wolves and the dogs can run around, be free & play. The call of the wild has gotten into my blood again and now I feel really back in touch with mother nature.
Just to show you how smart the wolf is- I went in to re-visit Maggie after an incident she has not forgotten. Maggie was another one of my favorites but last summer I had to get one of her puppies out of her enclosure. She adopted and protected those puppies and when she saw me take one away, she re-acted naturally with a few warning bites to my face. Today when I tried to go into her new encloser after many months had past, as soon as she got my scent she let me know it wasn't a good idea to come in. Maggie watched my every move but as time went on, she relaxed a bit. I have high hopes to work through this over time having her put the past in the past as we move into the future as friends again. For starters, I will have her accept me fence to fence before re-entering the enclosure.
Now it's time for bed so I'll say goodnight...
- Jennifer
Anna, Joey & JMc.JPG
Joey & Anna.JPG

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Mission: Wolf Visit 4/25/08

Posted by jennifer on April 28, 2008.

Hello World-
I've made my first trip back to Mission: Wolf now that the snow has melted after a very hard winter in the San Juan mountain range. I've scheduled a trip at the end of Sept. to Denali National Park in Alaska to watch the wolves up there before the Grizzley's go back into hibernation.
Kent told me today that 30+ wolves were killed in Idaho this past week after the U.S. government removed them from the endangered species act recently. A lot of them are being shot by hunters for sport. We will wait and see if the wild wolf can attain a permanent residency here in the states off protected land.
Right now it's very cold and I have my two dogs- Lola & Elvis in my tent with me. I came down here with two clients from Boulder who had been interested to see what it would be like to meet a wolf face to face. Joey & Anna own a German Shepherd named Rambo & two other small dogs.
We built a substantial fire pit today by carrying large rocks and dirt from the forest. It's been really windy so everytime we made a fire, the wind carried the warmth away from us but now it's blocked in by big rocks and it makes a world of difference. Building something by hand from natural elements is the ultimate reward and it's fun to create something from nothing with no help from tools, etc. We were incredibly dirty but our fire pit is amazing!
Being out in nature like this is kind of like going to a spiritual place for me like a church. There's a sense of always being connected to something greater and it keeps you centered and living in the moment.
On Sunday I'm speaking to a group of CU students and an alternative highschool. They are very excited to hear how all of this wolf stuff relates to their domestic dogs at home. For now, Goodnight as my hand is freezing while I write...
All my best to you and your dogs,
Jennifer
MW Teepee.JPG
Anna Building Rock Border.JPG

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"Lily, The Beautiful White Wolf That Passed Away On a Snowy Day"

Posted by jennifer on October 14, 2007.

At around 2:30 p.m. mountain time today, I received an e-mail from Sandrine up at Mission: Wolf. An hour previous to the e-mail, Lily- a gorgeous white wolf had passed away from what may have been a tumor. Her brother Polar Bear had also had the same thing. She was having a hard time breathing so while taking a blood sample to be examined by the emergency vet, she took one last breath of fresh air and relaxed peacefully into the snow. In a remote location 9,000 feet in the vast wilderness of the San Juan mountains, Lily's heart stopped and she flew away.
It's not an easy time up at Mission: Wolf these days because the majority of wolves that have lived full, good lives are now in their geriatric stage. Rasta, another wolf had just passed away two weeks ago from injuries from a fight over food and about a month ago, Sabertooth- (the last remaining wolf from the famous Sawtooth wolf pack) was on his last legs but has since made a remarkable recovery.
As I head to Yellowstone faced with the possibilty that some people may not agree with keeping a wolf in captivity, I have learned that there is unfortunatly no other option. If you are reading this blog, please spread the word that wolves and other wild animals are not meant to be kept as pets. The fact is, mostly all of these wolves have come from a few different places in their lives and cannot return into the wild. They have either been abused, bought or sold on the black market, left to die chained to a tree or have been dumped at a local animal shelter because of owners not being able to handle them. A wolf is always a wild creature and we as humans should try to keep it that way. Once we take wolves into our homes, they become dependent on humans to survive and therefore lack any ability to survive in the wild. There are also wolf hybrid problems as well. If a wolf or a hybrid is dropped off at an animal shelter, it is euthanized, not put up for adoption. If it weren't for places like Mission: Wolf, these wolves would be dead but instead live a longer life than one might think. They live well beyond the lifespan of a wolf in the wild. Right now, Mission: Wolf is building an enclosure on 20 acers of land for these guys to run. The smallest enclosure is two acers. If you'd like to donate or become a wolf caretaker, please visit: www.missionwolf.com. The wolves will thank you for it and I'm sure, Lily would too...
Have a great week,
Jennifer

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Break Through

Posted by jennifer on October 29, 2006.

Today we had a huge break-through with Daisy. Natalie and Jon spent some time scratching her through the fence. She really enjoyed that human interaction. Afterwards, they went into her enclosure and Daisy went right up to Nat letting her scratch her and enjoyed licking Nat's face as a sign of greeting & submission. Later, Daisy let me scratch her through the fence and she sniffed my hand. When placing the dogs in the enclosure next to her, she gets so excited and happy. She wags her tail and runs back and forth trying to engage Elvis in play. I really think the time she has spent next to my dogs has been good for her. She may even do best with a young male wolf dog or dog as apposed to another wolf. The energy seems to work. The other wolves are too intense for her and she's not ready for that. What's also interesting, when I take my dogs out to go to the bathroom, she barks at them. Not out of fear but like a wolf that's stuck between nature and domestication. Compared to the last time I was here, she's settled down tremendously and seems much happier.
Talk to you on the next trip!
All my best,
Jennifer :-)

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They Weren't Kidding...

Posted by jennifer on October 28, 2006.

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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Blizzard On the Way...

Posted by jennifer on October 27, 2006.

O.k., now I know some of you may think I'm a big chicken for saying this but I'm spending the night in the new building with the dogs. Not really for my sake, but for the dog's sake. This morning when I got up to let them out, Dylan (my old male with arthritus) was shivering in the car and yelping as he re-injured one of his legs with all the exercise yesterday. I turned on the heat in the car in the car after they went to the bathroom and he warmed up and seemed to feel a little better. Another reason why I'm here is due to the fact that there may be a big blizzard on the way. It's fine for me in the tent but leaving the dogs in the car at night would be too cold.
I've been meeting some really interesting people up here. There are two girls from England- a zoologist and accupuncturist for animals. It's been very interesting talking with them and sharing ideas. Another girl is originally from South Africa. I love meeting people from around the world- it reminds me of boarding school.
Tomorrow I will begin a second phase of an experiment with the two other younger wolves- Solei & Orion. Yesterday before seeing them, I purposely put my dog's scent on me to observe their reaction. As young wolves, they were probably interested in being playful but they nipped and pulled at my clothing where I put the dogs smells. Tomorrow I will see (with a fresh pair of clothes) how they will react to only the human scent.
The dogs have still not howled but are engaged in constant play with Daisy through the fence. Goodnight from Mission: Wolf!
- Jennifer

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New Building

Posted by jennifer on October 26, 2006.

I'm so tired but I can't sleep. I went to bed relatively early last night so maybe that's why I'm awake. I was smart this time and brought my -20 degree sleeping bag... What a difference! At least I'm warm at night. One other trick I've done is lined the bottom of my tent with warm blankets to shield me from the cold ground. I'm sorry I don't have the temperature for you- I left my gauge in the car somewhere but I'll make sure to find it. Incase you'd like to know though- it's freezing outside! My dogs are sleeping very well in the car. They have their dog beds and many warm blankets. Yesterday Jonathan and I had some fun doing bite work with the dogs. He has experience with protection dogs so he suited up in all my gear and gave them a good workout. I also took the dogs for a nice long walk in the morning and they seem to be enjoying this experience as much as I am. I think on my next expedition, The North Face should sponsor me because I have all their gear! lol. I love The North Face because their stuff is made so well and lasts a long time. I heard that Rocky (the puppy I drove to Aspen the last time) is doing well. He was adopted out to a family but when they found out he had hip dysplasia, they returned him. Fortunatly, the guy who runs the Aspen Animal Shelter has taken him in to give him a permanent home.
The new building that has taken six years to build is coming along quite well. There is a volunteer who's laying the tile floor and there are a few steps that are being put in. When it's finished, it will be amazing.
Maggie, the Ambassador Wolf is on tour and won't be back until mid November. Right now she's in Rhode Island. Funny enough, Kent was confronted by an animal control officer who wanted to take Maggie because he claimed that since Pit Bulls weren't allowed in his state or juristriction, why should a wolf be? Kent had to call the Rhode Island State police to get him to back off and he finally did.
Since I left Mission: Wolf last month, it has snowed two or three times. I hope it doesn't snow this time just because of dealing with the mud and the dogs when the snow melts.
This time I'm camping at the bottom of the hill so the dogs don't disturb the wolves and they can have more freedom. I brought my dog trailer to put my things in so the dogs could have the entire back part of the S.U.V. It's worked out well except driving the car with the trailer hitched to it is always a little bit of a pain. Well, it's almost 6 a.m. so I better get up. Have a good day!
- Jennifer

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Daisy- The Wolf That Thinks She's a Dog...

Posted by jennifer on October 25, 2006.

Wow. What a day... Yesterday I tried to take a short cut up here and it turned out to be a long cut instead. What should have taken three hours turned into six. I didn't arrive last night until almost 9 p.m. I had to pitch my tent, feed my dogs, etc. Oh yea- I forgot to mention that I brought my three German Shepherds along this trip. I'm interested in observing if they will learn to howl from the wolves and their interaction with a wolf fence to fence. If you take three domestic dogs of various age and sex who have never been around wolves before, what will happen? Today we put my dogs in an enclosure next to Daisy- the wolf that thinks she's a dog. They had never seen a wolf before and as curious as they were, daisy was as well. When she showed her teeth to them, the dogs responded by barking. As the day went on and they got to know each other, Daisy took a clear likning to Elvis- my young intact male. She definetly wanted to play with him and was so happy to have a few dogs around her. Would she do better with a dog as a paired up partner than a wolf? Maybe so. As you may remember when I left last time, we moved Daisy next to Merlin in his enclosure. Daisy was flirting through the fence and this frustrated Merlin. After a while, he broke through the guillotine and tried to mount her. She didn't like that and gave him a good bite under his eye which turned into an infection. She wants so badly to be social but doesn't seem to know the proper protocal. She's very submissive to humans.
Last night my dogs heard the wolves howl for the first time. They weren't sure what it was and they looked perplexed. Elvis whinned a little but as far as being vocal, that was about it.
Well, I have a massive headache so I'm going to retire early...
Good night & be well,
Jennifer

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Mission: Wolf Take 2...

Posted by jennifer on October 24, 2006.

Well, here I am again in my tent at Mission: Wolf. Today was not good getting up here- It's so late and I'm exhausted so I'll write more tomorrow...
Goodnight!
- Jennifer

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Day Seven - Mission: Wolf

Posted by on September 24, 2006.

09.24.06 - 9:47 PM - LAST DAY

View all my photos from Mission: Wolf!

So yesterday the 45 animal behavior students showed up at Mission: Wolf. I tagged along on their tour to listen to Kent talk again about wolves and get another chance to see Maggie...

Continue reading "Day Seven - Mission: Wolf" »

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Day Six - Mission: Wolf

Posted by on September 23, 2006.

09.23.06 - 9:45 PM - 34 degrees

Sitting Wolf

I had to move into the new community building tonight because forty or so students from a Community College are camping right near my tent. Not just near but my tent is the focal point for numerous tents around me.

Continue reading "Day Six - Mission: Wolf" »

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Day Five - Mission: Wolf

Posted by on September 22, 2006.

09.22.06 - 8:43 PM - 30 degrees

Mission: Wolf Headquarters

Every morning when I wake up, there's always something new and exciting. This morning, it was another foot of snow and it snowed the rest of the day...

Continue reading "Day Five - Mission: Wolf" »

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Day Four - Mission: Wolf

Posted by on September 21, 2006.

09.21.06 - 8:56 PM - 35 degrees

I woke up this morning around 5:30 AM to pellets of snow continuously hitting my tent. When I got myself warm enough to see what was outside, I opened my vestibule to a blanket of snow, harsh wind and freezing temperature. Inside my tent right now it's 35 degrees but feels much colder...

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Day Three - Mission: Wolf

Posted by on September 20, 2006.

09.20.06 - 10:02 PM - 32 degrees

Today was feeding day at Mission: Wolf. The cow from yesterday was cut up this morning into pieces and placed into buckets. Each bucket is weighed to accurately determine the amount the wolves are given to eat. The fresh meat was placed into several buckets...

Continue reading "Day Three - Mission: Wolf" »

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Day Two - Mission: Wolf

Posted by on September 19, 2006.

09.19.06 - 6:49 AM - 37 degrees

There seems to be a "Good Morning Howl" as I get up this morning. One wolf sounds similar to my Shepherd puppy Elvis when he whines out of excitement. I didn't get much sleep because I was pretty cold last night. I brought the wrong sleeping bag - big mistake! I've piled a lot of clothes on top of me to keep warm. Well, sounds like the beginning of a new day as far as the wolves are concerned. Better get up and make some breakfast...

Continue reading "Day Two - Mission: Wolf" »

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Day One - Mission: Wolf

Posted by on September 18, 2006.

09.18.06 - 10:00 PM - 39 degrees

Well, here I am at Mission: Wolf in the middle of nowhere, Colorado and when I say nowhere, I mean a very remote location. I arrived a little late tonight just as the refuge was closing. I was greeted by two volunteers who seem to have been working here a while. I didn't have much time until sunset so I got right to setting up my gear...

Continue reading "Day One - Mission: Wolf" »

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