Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: Travel Archives

Travel

Gorongosa...

Posted by jennifer on July 21, 2010.

My time at Gorongosa was one of the best times of my life. I intend to go back as more animals are re-introduced. I toured the re-introduction pen for Hyenas which will be there soon as well as the area for Zebras, etc. to be transported to the area after all studies are completed. To put my experience in words and pictures would not be doing Gorongosa justice. The people I met, the stories of war, survival and the resilient hope I saw in people's eyes was nothing short of amazing. And to think this was- at one time, the most abundant game area in all of Africa.

I heard about the restoration project going on there at a premiere party in Denver for their National Geographic Special- "Africa's Lost Eden". When I heard the story, I immediately thought of the wolf re-introduction project in Yellowstone that very well changed not only the ecology, people's perception of how important keystone predators are but also the huge advances that were made with the Trophic Cascade, etc.
The idea of an area going through these changes with so many species not only fascinated me but I wanted to be a part of it. Something told me I had to go to Africa...

This trip has not only given me more knowledge of such amazing creatures, the landscape and people that have a love/hate relationship with nature but it has changed me not only professionally but personally.
I felt that by connecting with people living in such poverty, sitting down and eating corn with them and their struggles to put food on the table for their family that it gave me a different perspective. I understood why so many had come to a last resort and went trecking into the park and poaching an animal to survive- they had nothing to eat. On the flip side, I had dinner with Carlos Lopes Pereira, Gorongosa's Director of Conservation. A man I have much respect for given the huge task in front of him. (By the way, Carlos is a former canine handler and used Belgian Malinois to de-mine many areas of the park.) He talked to me about the other poachers- the ones making money by killing an Elephant for it's tusks and killing Rhino's for their horns. These animals were killed for money- left to die. Carlos's first task was to secure the park from poachers which employed a local task force of guards patrolling the perimeter every 10 or so meters but sometimes the poachers would still get in. One poacher even lost his pants somewhere in the bush that were left behind as he was chased off, so there is a pantless poacher somewhere in or outside Gorongosa National Park incase you happen to spot him. Overall however, poaching has signifigantly decreased since protecting the area but it is still an issue that the park faces weekly.

The problems Gorongosa faces are all but similar to management in Yellowstone. Monitoring behavior patterns and keeping close tabs on animals that may not be used to cars driving off at any little sign of an elephant charge or something similar but the bottom line is this- Of the few animals that did survive the brutal civil war, they did so through adaptation. The crocs. are so scared of humans that they immediately run for the water. Not only are the animals in trauma recovery but the people too. Some had lost 6-7 family members per family. I met one man who survived for 24 hrs. in the river with the crocodiles by breathing through some sort of reed stick like a straw as to not get shot by the enemy.

Since the park has had a second chance thanks to American philanthropist, Gregory Carr, The Carr Foundation and the Government of Mozambique, things are only looking up. I visited a school and clinic that was built in one of the nearby local communities. I shook the hand of the Dr. and nurses that were excited to have us visit and I saw that over 400 local people in the nearby towns now were employed for the park and had steady jobs.

My hope here is that once more animals will be re-introduced, there will be no fences surronding Gorongosa and that the people and animals can learn to live peacefully. I hope that poachers can find other means of making money and I hope that studies are done as this park emerges back to what it used to be- Africa's first Serengeti so that we may continue to learn, preserve and protect what is important for generations to come.

I have every inkling of going back for a longer period of time after more animals are re-introduced and I hope to raise awareness and support for this important cause. This is like our Yellowstone but with only a portion of the wildlife- so far.

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world and I think I may have seen only one or two Americans the whole time I was there. The war is now over though and the beaches are beautiful. I also swam with two whale sharks and visited the largest research area for whale sharks in the world.
The hotels have opened their doors and slowly, new ones are being built. This gem of a country is on it's way to hitting the world stage and I'm proud to say that Gorongosa will be a part of that.

On a bad note, I did fracture my ankle in Africa at the end of my trip including a severe sprain, torn tissues, etc. I am on the mend but will be back running with the wolves and training man's best friend very soon. For now, here are a few pictures with more available shortly at: www.http://www.photoshelter.com/c/jennifermccarthy.com. These images are also available for purchase through that site. I will also be posting links to organizations to donate to Gorongosa National Park very soon...

This is an ungulate we thought may have been poached. Upon further inspection, it died in a fight by another animal's horn...

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Johannesburg Pictures

Posted by jennifer on June 30, 2010.

These are pictures from my lay-over in Johannesburg... Crime is so bad in this city, you are literally in lock down once at your location. Murder capitol of the world :-( Hopefully the rise in the economy from the World Cup will help the economic issues...

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Heading To Johannesburg...

Posted by jennifer on June 29, 2010.

Within human nature, there is the seemingly relentless obsession to control and ultimatly change nature. I have had the displeasure of witnessing non-human animals over managed and undermanaged during this conservation revolution by their supposed superiors-human beings. I am a firm believer in overhauling the concept of sole responsibilty and being part of human's working to understand our own psycholgy and our relationship to the natural world. In my experience, it has been part of our ego to consider ourselves a part from or above what other creatures consider themselves- part of the truest form of reality in the wild.
My neighbor recently found out the hard way that by putting out bird feeders, she had attracted a large redish, black bear who had broken into her car and garage on the hunt for food. Had she called the authorities, the bear would most likely have been shot. It is this concept where in lies the problem: We attract what we don't want and then after, we manage through euthanasia or other means whether a tree, a monkey or a sacred place. The focus should be on larger enforcements of regulating human being's actions rather then actions toward our kinship- wild and domestic creatures, plants and the earth itself.
With this said, we go back to a more chaotic and natural environment. Western science is believed that when a certain study is done, it proves in theory, that x will happen. However, I do not believe in many cases that this is true as I have witnessed many unbelievable things that essentially disproved theory x or concept y. In order to be creative, one must be open to the unpredictable and this speaks true of a more Native Science. I have learned a great deal from both forms however, when dealing with nature, it seems like western science is playing more catch up to what Natives have told through stories and experiences from long ago. There is something about being open to all things that flows with the ebb of life and allows one more progress, invention of new ideas and concepts that could very well change the world. I am very excited to unveil a new concept that focusses on this very freedom I have learned from the wild, my friends in the forest and domestic animals.
As I fly to South Africa, I am not in control of the weather, the world or the wild animals of which I will bear the pleasure of witness to. I am open to observation, new ideas and concepts that may change me. I learn just as animals do by soaking up and using all senses to their full capacity. What does this smell tell me? What is that sound? Seeing, touching and being instinctive is being "a part of" the experience.
With this said, I don't base my knowledge and research on one species but rather mammals, the land and the humans that surround them. This then can be opened up to all things which gives one the ultimate palatte to work from. A whale or a lion for example may just give me a new idea for a horse, dog or even human being. When you allow a river to flow, all things can come out of that river. Fish can spawn, new plants can grown and the river essentially becomes the vein for blood to flow through the land. When you block that river by a dam, new things can't grow and you have effects to the environment itself. Africa is the vein of life. It is essentially where things started. To not go there would essentially put up a dam in my work and my creativity would be limited. This is the ultimate classroom and the animals, people and earth there are my teachers. I will document my first of many trips here daily. Please enjoy the notes as I report from the field in Mozambique and the struggles to repopulate Gorongosa National Park after a long cival war killed off most of the animals in the area. I will also update you via boat on research to marine life and discussions with local biologists and people working on the ground towards a common goal. As featured recently on National Geographic, Gorongosa was part of a one hour special entitled "Africa's Lost Eden". Welcome to a different kind of World Cup adventure from the Southern Hemisphere here in South Africa...

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New Adventures...

Posted by jennifer on June 14, 2010.

Today I am heading home after spending some time with my friend Henry (a high percentage wolf-dog) as he recovers from an injury from hiking last week. It's one thing to get a 100 lb. animal that is pretty much all wolf, into the back of my Jeep and into emergency care. It's another thing getting him down the mountain, into the emergency clinic off a high traffic area street, going through surgery and then successfully adopting a lamp shade collar. Then after this, having to take him back to the emergency clinic after he figures out how to chew through the collar and pull out his drainage tube. I am happy to report that Henry is now doing well and is no longer resisting the lampshade although many objects tend to fall or get knocked over in his path.

I have a busy next two months ahead of me- I am leaving for Africa in two weeks, packing up a lot of my things into storage and when I return, heading to Arizona to begin a journey back to horses, coyotes, the Mexican Gray Wolf and coexistence issues between wildlife and ranchers. You may be wondering why I do all of this and you will soon find out as I launch a new behavioral concept this fall right here on my website based on four years of research. Don't worry, it still has to do with dogs but on a much broader spectrum.

After heading to Az. for one week, I am then in L.A. to meet with clients then up to a horse ranch where I will be living at for 1-2 years. I will still have my current locations and will eventually be heading back to Colorado but will still be there to meet with clients as I do in L.A. & Vegas in the meantime.

This is good news for those in Los Angeles and in Scottsdale, Prescott & Phoenix as I will be in these areas more often now to service those that need my help.
With all of this research, I have come to find some great advancements in the world of non-human animals so stay tuned for some amazing new information coming soon!
I am off to pack and gather up my equipment for some tent living in the bush of Gorongosa National Park as I document the re-introduction of species similar to that of the wolves in Yellowstone. I will be gathering information on local struggles between wildlife and livestock and see if they are having success with the Hyena and Wild Dog packs that run through the park and into local communities.
Off to pack and will blog from the road!
Best wishes,
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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Living With Nature As Your Neighbor...

Posted by jennifer on April 6, 2010.

Today I stood starring into the eyes of a collared bobcat in the Santa Monica Mountains. To my left was a Great Horned Owl with big golden eyes, flapping his wingspan above me- so close I was captivated by this beautiful essence of wildlife.
I was ironically just outside of Los Angeles and in the midst of a breath-taking environment straight out of a post card. In the far distance, I could hear cars humming on the freeway. I was so close to these animals which is much closer than I would be near my own home in the Rocky Mountains. I felt sense of sadness come over me that here they were in all their glory- trapped in a pocket surrounded by over development, Starbucks, homes and McDonald's. If only Los Angeles had more of this I thought. What a place it would be!
I had access to a biologist with a tracking collar on this beautiful beast of feline but then would find myself meeting with THE ONLY WILDLIFE person in the ENTIRE CITY of well over 9 million people. How could it be that I get more complaints from pet owners worried about their yorki in the hills of L.A. and yet only one person held such a position in a city so large?In some sense, it feels unbalanced.
How is it that we care more about our domestic companions than our wild ones? I can remember giving a wildlife lecture here a couple of years ago that I could count the number of people attending on one hand yet with dogs, it was a full house. For every person out there donating to a dog, cat or horse sanctuary there are all too few wild animal sanctuaries going down the tubes. Don't get me wrong- please support our domestics but caring for our wildlife is just as important and understanding how to KEEP IT WILD is more important now more than ever.
I often find it ironic that if a person is stung by bees doing what they naturally do, no one is called to the scene to investigate the bee's bad choice in behavior. Yet, if a coyote, mountain lion, bear, wolf, etc. has put one claw mark (or even just chased or charged in some cases), that predator has to be immediately killed. Is this saying that animals should be treated differently?
Human beings need to understand what it means to live in harmony with nature. It is the common bind that keeps us in good/bad, evil or angelic- you can either love nature too much or not care about it at all.
Nature and "wildness" runs through your blood as much as it runs through the super model's blood on a New York, fashion runway. Our very connection to the earth and protecting it is mis-understood by many people. Feeding any form of wildlife will eventually lead to that animal's death. Not caring about wildlife will lead to more animals and land disappearing. We are entering a new time of awareness & awakening that I believe will connect us back to our humanness as an animal and to our past.
Right now as I type, more log homes are being built in mountain ranges, more hotels and ski resorts. The smog levels in our National Parks will rise this summer unbelievably from lines of cars taking pictures and engines idling. People want more nature and with the internet, more people are expanding outwards from cities to get it. However, did you know that you are actually creating less wear on the environment by living in a city and staying closer to a local grocery store, coffee shop and dry cleaner? Have you considered that by feeding wildlife, you are habituating the animal off it's natural food sources which raises other animal's population rates as well as causing them to become aggressive towards humans from expecting their food?
Did you know that we have been slowly affected by light and noise pollution near urban developments similar to some wildlife being affected? (Try to concentrate on the sounds around you right now like the refrigerator humming and you'll know what I'm talking about).
The more we take over, the farther we keep pushing these animals right out of their homes. They have no choice but to either adapt or leave. Corridors for wildlife are becoming non existent and coyotes frequently come up to beg for food. What makes the earth beautiful is it's land, oceans and the wild creatures that live beside us. We have all but destroyed most and those that are left are falling off the map everyday.
The earth will always be here but in the end it will come down to humans being able to surpass our own destruction. It starts with education in how to co-exist not only with our planet but the land and it's beings as well. We are not superior to non-humans. In fact, I feel strongly that most are here to teach us more about ourselves. They are the intelligent ones and have lasted far longer in some cases than us homo-sapiens who are still developing.
I fear that unless we have a greater & kinder appreciation for what is left out there, there will be nothing left for our children and there children. If you haven't already, join a cause that incorporates these important topics. Teach your children about the earth and all it's inhabitants and not to try to control it.
If we are to make a change, that change starts individually and spreads- YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

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Bringing The Wild World To Your Living Room...

Posted by jennifer on March 27, 2010.

Most of my clients know that during our sessions, I will bring in things I have learned from other species. They laugh when I accidentally refer to their dog as a wolf or horse but in reality, my knowledge and research has brought me to places all over the globe in search of creative and inventive ways to live a wonderful life with their furry friends.
This summer, I will embark on a new journey for eleven days to Mozambique, Africa. I will snorkel with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays, go on safari by land and foot in Gorongosa National Park while living in a tent camp amidst lions, elephants, hippos, alligators and perhaps if I am lucky- to spot the two African Wild Dog packs that migrate through the park.
Gorongosa is a remarkable conservation effort similar to Yellowstone in the states but in the beginning fazes of a long-term process. Reintroduction has occurred with many species there as most were eradicated due to war in the area years ago. Now, a huge effort is underway to save this beautiful landscape and it's creatures from being hunted and on the verge of extinction.
This re-introduction process is similar to the epic tale of the return of the wolf in Yellowstone.
Like other journeys I have taken, I hope to bring even more knowledge to my private clients in the United States about what we can learn from wildlife to re-connect our relationships with domestic animals and ourselves back to mother nature.

If you would like more information on Gorongosa National Park, you can visit their website here: http://www.gorongosa.net/

I'm sure I will be bringing back unbelievable photos which you can view right here on my blog :-) Stay tuned as things get closer to summer to hear more about it!

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A Buck, A Chevy And The Open Road...

Posted by jennifer on February 16, 2010.

After spending days on the road, I have traveled now back and forth over the Southwest landscape like a ball on a ping pong board centered in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado. I have broken down twice, drove hundreds of miles on a check engine light with little heat or air but nothing prepared me for my ride into a remote portion of Utah recently from Arizona.
I left the horse ranch from which I was awaiting three mares to give birth and observe the territorial actions of the rescued ranch dogs against their opposing rivals- the coyotes. These little creatures held lighter coats than the coyotes of the Rockies who seemed much heartier in their appearance.
Recently, a small stream had flooded into a somewhat raging river which took out a round pen on the property and left remarkable erosion similar to a mini- version of a Grand Canyon like drop-off.
Upon my disappointment, a foal was only born two days after my departure and I needed to get back to Boulder to resume my research living with the wolves.
I set out that day expecting good weather, traveling North up through Flagstaff and Tuba City and onward into the remote regions of Utah which in these parts are a lot Indian reservations and nearby Fundementailist Mormon strong holds. It was about 5:30 pm as the sun set across the desert and the few cars that past by had now turned on their headlights.
I saw a large pick-up truck approaching from the north, flashing his lights on and off heavily. I slowed down looking for signs of a police car and out from the corner of my eye, I saw a large buck heading straight for the open road.
It all happened so calmly as if a slow motion picture was unraveling. I looked at him, he looked at me and we both started to try and read each other within a few split seconds. He was in between decissions as if to say "am I going to run all the way across or hesitate and wait for another car on this side to hit me?" I saw his hesitation but he then committed forward trotting quickly. At this point my car had slowed to about 30 MPH from 75. As he moved across, I swirved to the left so as not to hit him but it was too late. Both dogs crates slid forward, luggage ended up in the passanger seat and my right front headlamp hit the hind quarter of this poor creature. I pulled over immediatly looking for him but he was gone. "Was he dead? No- the impact wasn't hard enough." I told myself. I imagine in a worse case scenario he could have broken his hip but I imagine from the damage to my car, he is badly bruised but will hopfully survive.
Here it was on this day that the very thing I am fighting against- the over expansion of roads and highways, more cars, urban sprawl and modernization that I hit a deer.
Each and every year, thousands of dollars are spent on damages to vehicles from hitting wildlife. Human lives are lost, severe injuries and accidents take place as well as open corridors for animals are slowly diminishing. Top predators such as the mountain lion and wolf find it harder to expand and seek new territory surpassing these human inventions called roads and highways.
It was a reminder to me of the dangers of the open road in areas that I do not drive frequently. Near my home, deer and elk will migrate in the same spots consistently so each of these areas you pay special attention to before approaching. Going 75 MPH, unless the oncoming truck flashed his lights to warn me, both myself and the large buck could have been killed.
I have seen about 3 deer killed on my travels the past four years and it can be a slow and painful death.
Remember to pay close attention to signs and stay alert always. A tired driver could be a deadly one. Stay safe and watch out for wildlife when driving through the corridors of mother nature.

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The Art of Listening...

Posted by jennifer on February 5, 2010.

In my experience, it is the dog owner that fails to take the time to listen to their pet that has the most problems.
You must remember that it doesn't matter if you have a fearful dog or an overly aggressive one. If you cannot listen, you will not make progress.
This is an element to good horsemanship. No one goes out and throws a saddle on a green horse and expects to ride. You work everyday to desensitize and pay close attention to the signals your horse gives you before moving on to the next step. Should one thing become difficult, you honor that by working on it until the horse releases the fear and moves towards trust. Trust is earned with animals- never given.
It is an honor to consider yourself an "owner" of a pet but you must always show respect. Learning about body language is key as it is the second form of communication every dog uses. Don't just learn about dog body language but also how your body language can mean different things to your dog.
An experienced animal trainer is an artist, a creator, a problem solver and an athlete.
You must work WITH the animal and never against her as you can re-direct unwanted natural instincts into a healthier direction. Pay close attention to their personality as no two dogs are a like, they are all unique like human beings. It would be close minded of us to not recognize that animals are individuals and have different personalities as I have never met two dogs that are exactly the same.
It may take longer to pay attention to the details but in the end, those details are going to give you a better dog.
Never expect that just because you aren't afraid of something that your best friend shouldn't be either. Acknowledge that fear and take steps to work with him in eliminating it. Don't rush anything- If you have time on your side, there are limitless possibilities to what can be accomplished.
There is a Native American horseman who believes you should spend a day with your horse. Showing love and affection by giving treats, toys and allowing your dog on your bed is not really what a dog wants. If you go and pick up your pet's leash, she'll show you what she really wants- your time. This is listening.
If you spend a day with your dog away from your house on an adventure, you're bond will be stronger than you have ever imagined. It is that bond from hundreds of years ago that we all know with dogs, formally with wolves- the bond of travel- on the hunt and on the move.
I am lucky to have Elvis and Lola by my side always and as much as Lola loves to eat, if I open the back of the car, there is nothing that will stop her from getting there. I believe that when you give your time, you give it 100%. I will turn off my cell. phone on a walk with my dogs through the city. If I am playing ball with them, I schedule time that no one can interrupt me. I show my respect by giving them 100% at least an hour everyday and you know what? When they have to go into a hotel lobby crowded with people, they give me 100% back by being well behaved. This is a true bond we share that is equal.

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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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Is The Lemon Worth The Squeeze? March '09

Posted by jennifer on September 9, 2009.

Man can create some of the most beautiful things yet we destroy what we do not appreciate. We seem to have lost our connection with the earth...

Someone once asked me "Is the lemon worth the sqeeeze?" I of course repled yes. When I think of all the places I've been, people and animals I've met and roads that lead back and forth over the west, I realize that I've led a life most people my age would be lucky if they lived half of it. I pay attention to things like watching wildlife and being the ultimate observer. My TV is reality. Tonight I sleep in my car but getting here I crossed through a horrible blizzard over the summit, saw two highschool kids having fun in their muddy, lifted pickup in Utah, ate dinner with a bunch of highschool kids that were in ballroom dance competitons and met a young police officer who was nice enough to give me a ticket. I love the saying that life is about the journey and not the destination.
I feel so blessed. I work hard and I sometimes do better on my own. I can travel anywhere, do any thing by myself. There's a certain sense of freedom in that. My dogs and cat are my heart. I love them more than words can say, I am so lucky to have unbelievable friends who have given me the shirt off their back and then some many a time. My parents have taught me so much but they have both earned my highest respect as human beings.
So as I sit here being locked out of my house, after driving 12 hrs, crossing four states and driving through a big blizzard, sleeping on a couch instead of a hotel room in Vegas, doing an interview, training lots of dogs, sitting here in 20 degree weather waiting for a locksmith to arrive, yes- even after all that, life itself is one beautiful journey.
Looking forward to learning more on the next big adventure...
JMc

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Winter Camping Tips:

Posted by jennifer on September 9, 2009.

Winter Camping tips:

1) Don't leave your boots outside your tent. They will freeze and mice will sleep in them.

2) Speaking of mice, check your boots before you put your feet in them.

3) Don't pitch a tent near a river, stream, etc. The moisture will condense on the inside of your tent and cause ice to form.

4) Layer the bottom of the tent with many blankets. The farther you are from the ground, the warmer you will stay.

5) Eat spicy food to keep you warm and fill a cantene or water bottle with hot water to put in your sleeping bag when you for get in. Hot rocks off a campfire will do the same thing.

6) Store your food, lotions, creams, etc. Away from your tent in a proper bear proof container or slung over a tree far from the ground at the middle portion of a limb. Being bear safe even in winter is a smart choice as some bears will still be roaming around.

7) Pets attract animals, food & your behavior. Behave properly in the wild and you will avoid dangerous animal encounters. Carry bear spray and a blow horn if you are in grizzly country.

8) If you get snowed into your tent, start banging the snow away before opening any zippers. Pitching tents under trees will help with snowfall accumulation.

9) Mice love warmth! Don't store food in your car or you'll have company riding shotgun with you on the way home.

10) Take care of your dog by providing warm bedding, fresh (not frozen) water, food, sleeping accompdation inside your tent and booties and warm outerlayers if needed.

11) Bring snowshoes in your car, extra food and blankets and always bring two back up sleeping bags.

12) Sleep in layers, with a hat and winter socks on.

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This Has Been A Very Long Journey...

Posted by jennifer on September 6, 2009.

This has been a very long journey for me that seems to have been a life long process over the years. I'm somehow unsure how I've gotten here besides just putting one foot in front of the other but this journey has led me every where from training Coon Hounds in Florida to working side by side sharp shooters in L.A., to hiking off leash with wolves and dogs in the back country of Colorado. If only I knew as a young girl obsessed with animals and horse back riding, teaching my dogs tricks in the kitchen and learning from my Mom how to take care and train all of our dogs, well..., I never thought I would be here.
I would say that the circle of life- how to pull this all together across many fields is what interests me the most. I believe we are all animals and I believe there is much to learn from animals beyond our comprehention. They are invaluable teachers. I don't beleieve we are greater nor less but as equals. We are coming into a time to bring us back to basics- the wind, the sun, the earth are the very resources we need to partner with to sustain our existance for a brighter future. As basic as it sounds, Native Americans had this whole thing figured out long before we did. The difference is we never stopped to listen. With that said, animals- play an imporatnt role in sustainable living, teaching and growing our relationship with them is an important one in the future of a new planet. We have to be careful to sustain balance. Humans love to tip the scales.
Now that I think about it, the most peaceful place on earth to me is in with the predator. I feel truly connected to something greater- almost as if my alignment goes out of whack the more humans I'm around, the more I become centered- the more wolves I'm around. A true sense of peace. The same with scuba diving- I'm always the last one up because I hardly waste any air- just purely relaxed underwater around sharks or when a Rottweiler has my arm in it's mouth & viciously shaking, I relax my arm and he let's go. If that makes me weird- so be it. I have always felt different around animals.
And then there are the dogs. I am still a dog trainer but enjoy educating people on my latest research as it pertains to their given situation is the essence to my philosophy- thinking "outside the box" and being creative.
I would love to do more nature therapy for dogs and their owners. I recently had a situation in L.A. with a woman who had no respect for me as a person- forget about what I do. She had two assistants, a housekeeper, etc. and was hiding behind this mask or wall in which she created for herself that I could see right through. I thought to myself, if I could put this woman in generic clothes, no makeup, no brand names to hide behind- just a backpack made of tarp and a seatbelt, gave her a leash with her dog and sat her down after a long hike to talk, she would have let that mask begin to come down and I would have seen a real human being.
Everyone is affected by their childhhood just as animals affected for life by theirs. There are good mothers and bad mothers across all lines- life is funny that way. It does not hold preference to species. The thing that most people fall into is the trap of, is time. Animals have all the time in the world. If you take away time, take someone into the woods and break them down to build them back up- having to survive to care for the basic needs if themselves and their dog, you have a human being not associated by job, rank, money or fame. To learn to be a good parent, I truly believe one has to have the experience of caring for an animal. If you can protect your dog, surely you can protect your child. The power of nature is beyond comprehention and most that get to experience it on a deep level, will never forget it. Get outside!

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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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Back To the Missing Deer...

Posted by jennifer on September 2, 2009.

Upon return, the cat may have moved it to a safer location but then everything else came in from coyotes to Magpies, foxes and ravens. Maybe even a bear had a go at it. Both Henry and Max played tug of war over a deer leg while Lola and Clide chewed on some vetibrae bones. Elvis always on the go, had better things to do. It fascinates me how so many things are similar between wolves and dogs yet some things are drastically different.
We hiked into the forest as I looked over the tree trunks for scratches or signs of fur but nothing. Once again, my eyes scanned the high rocks, trees and talll grass for signs of motion. I pay more attention to my animals for anything out of the ordinary more than I do signs of motion. The wolves tune into prey much quicker than the dogs do. Once the dogs realize the wolves hear something, then they tune into it. This alone has been fascinating.
My cats at home are also great alerters to any thing unusual which brings up an interesting point... Domestic cats are far more closer to their wild cousins in behavior than domestic dogs to wolves. The reason is simply that they haven't been domesticated that long and can thrive on there own being feral after being pets. Dogs can't do this. Dogs are so much more dependent on us. They look to us for not only food but decission making, advice, etc. That's of course if they are a well behaved dog. A dog with dominance or aggression issues will usually take these matters into his own hands which is not good.
Human behavior is as important to look at as any other animal's behavior as we influence them. From the roads we build to the stress in our own lives, animals are affected by us.
It's also important to work with animals from a level to which they operate and are sensitive to- that being intuition or feeling. Never making a decission or judgement until you meet the dog, cat, horse or wolf. I've had to learn this the hard way. No matter how many books I read or videos I watch, it goes out the window on an initial encounter on how I'm going to solve a situation.
Why is it important to teach people about nature? Because people are spreading at a rate so fast outside of cities and beyond that we will be faced with the co-existance questions more and more down the road.

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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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"Wolves Do Not Look At You, They Look Through You." - Doug Smith

Posted by jennifer on September 1, 2009.

Living With the Wolves: June 11th, 2009

Today I ventured out for a hike when the sun broke through the dark clouds above. We've had so much rain & snow this spring, their seems to be a ton of water rushing down the rivers, creeks and streams and the grass is growing higher than I've ever seen it. The land is lush, speckled with purple, white and yellow wild flowers. Such a beautiful property here but as I hiked, my eyes scaled the trees, ridges and boulders and I watched for any sign of motion behind bushes in the forest. Although beauty reins, the lion is on the prowl amongst me- probably watching my every move. This feline may be back for lunch upon the kill site and I was headed there alone without refuge from the force of of my canines and wolves which would potentially disturb evidence. I walked and turned often, making sure this predator didn't strike from behind breaking my neck as they so well do. Any kill is potentially dangerous. From cats, to bears, wolves & coyotes- when you put food in the picture, it brings things to a whole different level. Before I got here, the owner of the property had forwarned that the deer lay near the barn. Knowing mountain lions full well- they will return to the kill after a few days to feast or even move the carcass. I searched and I searched- no deer. "That's it." I told myself. "I'm going to get the dogs and wolves." Within a few seconds, the animals took me right to a spot over near a large wood pile. Sure enough, something was killed there. Where did it go? The wolves concentrated on the scent at the scene of the crime. Eventually, Max lost interest and decided instead to catch a near by mouse which he played with, hung out his mouth while it squeeled and swallowed in one gulp as Elvis chased him around for it. If the cat moved the deer, the likely place it would be would be the forest in the center of the property where it could be out of view. However, lions up here use old mine shafts as dens and I've seen 3 shafts thus far in relative proximity. Could it have carried the deer back to it's den? Tomorrow I'll venture where I think the kill may have first occurred. A mountain lion will usually drag the carcass before performing surgery on it. I'm also going to look for any scratch marks on trees there- a signal that this is a male's turf.

In my research into habituation, I picked up the Daily Camera today. There was a story about an Eagle pocher and a bear that wouldn't leave a woman's backyard. I thought it would be a good idea to start keeping track of various animal encounters and try to make headway into the Colorado Division of Wildlife. I will need to take an overview of all animal encounters over the past 20 years with a concentration on coyotes. How has their behavior changed of late and when did this start occuring?

Next I need info. on how many wolves are currently believed to be in Colorado at the moment running wild. How many from Yellowstone vs. How many are thought to possibly being released? Are there any wolves currently in the state? What's happening with the wolf in Steamboat?

Yellowstone used to keep track of every wolf that left the park. Now they no longer do which is a positive sign.

The main question: When will wolves be thriving back in Colorado because we desperatly need them here...

Before I go, a word of advice: Never live your life around a dog. Make them live their life around you.

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More Pictures...

Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Henry: Boulder-

Henry-

Hiking With the Wolves & Dogs-

Hiking-

On the Road-

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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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More Excerpts From My Journal Writing...

Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

What I'm doing with animals acendes many levels. My communication to them is a feeling, sixth sense or psychic connection. I believe this to be true as I feel a lot of things from the core of my being when working with them.
Everything is nothing. Not controlling is freedom when working from an equal plane. Doing things from the feeling creates success. This is how I feel instead of "dominate" or control the situation- it's not written in a book rather a learned mutual conversation whether it be a horse, wolf or dog. - May 22nd, 2009 Hiking Alone In The Woods

Fresh mountian lion kill- deer near barn on property. Second kill within months, same general area. Possible habitual route lion is taking on property. Tomorrow going to kill site to investigate. Fascinating that these kills are taking place so close to the house and this one in broad view. Wondering if lion would have the same response to wolves as the coyote but that us unlikely as it has no fear entering captive wolf territory. Our hikes venture on the property line or outside of it in national forest. Lion kills seem to be more centrally located. Deer seems not as present the same as when my property was occupied by many deer visits until they realized dogs lived there. If lion is consistantly seeing wolves and humans, the potential for attack on an animal other than deer down the road would be likely if this is using as it's hunting grounds.

Going back to the lion that ate 7 dogs and a horse near my home two years ago, eventually killed by a neighbor, Dept. of Wildlife refused to kill such an animal. If a lion is that easily transfering from deer to dogs, cats, a horse, what comes next is a child or a human being. Where do we draw the line in the habituation with wolves and other animals? What constitues killing vs. Protecting? Educating people on how human behavior influences wildlife is key. Hunting may be a nessasary messure to allocate certain predators from uprising too far. Hunting interest has fallen however by 8%? Where do we find co-existance with mother nature is key question. Watching the scales tip could be dangerous: too much love of animals could backfire just as eliminating a predator altogether.

There was another attack by a coyote on a man recently here in Colorado. This is the second attack I've heard about within a matter of 3 months proximity. The way nature is rapidly growing out of allignment without the wolf is evident. However what if the wolf down the road becomes habituated to humans? Can we become friends with this predator and live in harmony is ultimatly a question that will effect the very future of our land. There is the very real possibilty the wolf will loose it's fear of us. - 6/10/09 Living With The Wolves

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Gila National Forest/ Autism/ Feral Children Research: Aug. 27th, 2009

Posted by jennifer on August 27, 2009.

Some people forget to ask the most important questions. I often see humans who look beyond the simple answers. Animals are simplistic. Humans are complicated. There are though many things we share in common. Here in lies the question: If a child raised by animals is so developmentally behind, not socialized around her own kind, what happens to the dog who is raised strictly around humans? Both feral child and dog could be aggressive to their own species. How many traits here do we have in common? What have my experiments taught me about acting like dogs around dogs? These are questions I am answering.
I broke into the Gila National Forest today thanks to Rich :-) (Thank you Rich). I will be heading down there sometime in the next two months. For anyone interested, the L.A. Times wrote an article recently on the over management of the Mexican Gray Wolf: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-wolves26-2009jul26,0,181839.story
How are these wolves doing affecting the balance of the eco-system since being released? Why are they being stopped from migrating to Arizona?
Speaking of Arizona, does anyone realize how hot it is there? I mean seriously. It's so hot, I have a permanent third degree burn from my seat belt. I guess I'm from the mountains and not used to it but jeeze. I have had to do indoor stuff since arriving for my first trip in August. I am preparing for more filming next month also filming on my own constantly. This video camera is getting a lot of use.
I have seen stuff working with a psychologist and an amazing autistic boy that I can apply around full circle to my work with dogs and wolves.
There are two research projects underway, I'm working consistently on my book proposal and guess what? There's so much info. I think I may have to write two books. Yes two. I think I've been holding out so long from divulging information, that I am over flowing with notes, e-mails, video footage and stories of my documentation.
So here's to day one of my new blogging phenomenon. I hope you'll stick around to enjoy more to come ;-)
Best from Boulder,
Jennifer

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February '09 Travel Dates...

Posted by jennifer on January 22, 2009.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: FEB. 2ND - 4TH, 2009

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: FEB. 4TH - 14TH, 2009

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: FEB. 14TH - 16TH, 2009

BOULDER, COLORADO: FEB. 17TH - 28TH, 2009

PLEASE BOOK EARLY- SPACE IS LIMITED!

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Hello Snow~ Goodbye Rain...

Posted by jennifer on October 22, 2007.

Today it snowed for the first time. It's very exciting but cold... brrrr... Friday I head to Yellowstone with Sandrine. We're going to try to camp and get some permits for the backcountry. I'll be honest with you, it's not going to be easy carrying all that weight with winter gear in the snow but if you're going to see some wildlife- particularly wolves, you've got to be right in it. And so we will be getting some gear like snowshoes and bear spray prior to leaving. Sandrine is leaving Mission: Wolf today to get out of there because of a major blizzard coming in. She drove to Denver with a friend and I'll pick her up on Tuesday. Once it snows up at Mission: Wolf, unless you have a snowmobile or a dog sled- you can pretty much consider yourself stuck there until the dirt roads clear.
I'm so beyond excited for this, you have no idea. And to top it off, I'll be posting some video blogs of our adventure right here so check back in a week for some live wild animal action...
You can also get up to date information on my wolf & wild dog adventures by signing up for the Dog Dish newsletter at: www.jmdogtraining.com.
The next two years are going to be one hell of a ride as the places that I will be off to and the unbelievable footage that I'll be gathering- let's just say, you won't want to miss it so stay connected!
See you in the woods,
JMc

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Yellowstone Road Closures

Posted by jennifer on October 13, 2007.

Reading through my Yellowstone guide last night, I learned that all the roads through Yellowstone except the North entrance close by Nov. 5th. This poses a problem in which we will have to leave sooner because Sandrine & I will have to drive all the way around Yellowstone into Montana, across that state to reach the North entrance. That could mean an extra 7 or more hours of driving. Then we would have to drive again back out the same entance, drive through Montana and eventually head south back down to Colorado. What a pain! SO, we will leave earlier and use the South entrance before it closes for Winter. Good thing I bought the Yellowstone guide or I would have never known this :-)
Have a great Saturday,
JMc

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Yellowstone- Here I Come!

Posted by jennifer on October 13, 2007.

Well, as some of you sit in your warm living rooms in different places on the earth, I sit here with a cup of decaf, a fire in the fireplace and my Uggs on the coffee table watching yet another episode of Survivorman.
Yellowstone is now "in stone" happening at the end of the month. Sandrine will be joining me (my dog trainer friend from Paris) to get the trip in before she has to head back to France for a while. I bought some maps today and am getting the hook-up from Mission: Wolf as to who to contact, etc. It's going to be great but I'm definetly going to be spending more time up there so expect more trips in the near future. The park in itself is so big that it's impossible to see it all at once and depending on the wolves we see, one pack could be far away from another one.
As far as getting there, I HAVE to get some snow chains for my car. I'm really hoping to get through the first few months of winter without a problem but I need to get a Jeep. It's really impracticle for me not having 4 wheel drive with all the places I go to. I'm so excited for it to snow soon! The ski lifts are opening and you better believe that those who can ski will have to come & visit this winter. If only my brother wasn't having a baby soon- he's an incredible snowboarder.
I have to start also getting Elvis into Avalanche training. On my list of things to do... Also have to get a pair of snowshoes incase I get stuck somewhere in my car. I'm not kidding- there has been times before when I've gotten totally stuck up at M:W and had to use my shovel to try and dig my way out. Always an adventure and I'm so excited I got the coolest winter hat today!
I'll keep you posted but Yellowstone trip 1 is officially on the calendar. I'll post some video blogs when I'm done for sure ;-)
Goodnight...
- Jennifer

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Los Angeles

Posted by jennifer on June 12, 2007.

Here are a few more L.A. pics~ This is "Ponch", Lee Ann's dog. Lee Ann is my best friend from college...

Paparazzi...

My Friends....

"Blue"

German Shepherd Specialty...

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B-Day Party...

Posted by jennifer on June 12, 2007.

Here are a few pics. from my birthday party in L.A.... We went to Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset and as you'll see, the night was not only filled with bull riding and cake but running into the Posh Spice reality tv show. It was a great night with my closest friends and the best b-day I've had in years :-)

Alicia on the bull...

Don't eat my cake!

Alicia & Lee Ann...

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