Featured Story: Earthfire’s Mission in Action by Pat Hager
Pat Hager used his experience at Earthfire retreat as a stepping stone for volunteering in his area, helping preserve wildlife corridors. Read more
In 2002, I met Susan for the first time. She had a wild animal sanctuary, Earthfire, named after a very special female wolf. Susan was doing a fundraiser in the ballroom where I worked. It was a beautiful affair with very special guests: Mr. Pinkerton, Miss Clover and Renard the Fox. They all attended and I got to see these magnificent creatures up-close and personal. I walked around this event and was captured by the artwork, the animals and the silent auction. There was an opportunity to have your picture taken with one of the Earthfire Institute animals! I couldn’t get my pen to paper fast enough! I was thrilled to have won! I could hardly wait! Since I was new to Wyoming…I was going to make this my Christmas card!
I visited Earthfire Institute and was in awe at the magnificence of the property and the beautiful animals that were saved there. I met Teton Totem, Humble Bumble, Huckleberry Bear Bear and then Susan put me in the “raw” version of the Wildlife Garden. …and brought in some wolves to romp around me and capture my attention and my heart! Earthfire led the pack as the loped and played.
Always one for drama…I called Susan in early December for my photo opportunity…and asked her: “Can I have my picture taken with Teton Totem, the grizzly bear?”
Susan: Well…he’s sleeping right now ( hibernation…duh!)…but we could wake him up if you really want to…”
Being an intelligent 45 year old…I think I’ll pass… “Who else could I have?”
Susan: “How about a very special lady named Earthfire?”
I thought that was wonderful! A real live grey wolf! Susan is a fabulous photographer and she put us in front of the Tetons on a bale of hay. My husband came along…afraid of dogs his whole life…kinda hid behind Susan and encouraged me to enjoy myself.
Jean and Susan set us up (as if Earthfire needed any cue!). As I tentatively sat next to her, she leaned over and gave me a big kiss…my eyes are tearing now as I write this.
I burst out in laughter…she kissed me again and then she howled…and then I howled…and then I hugged her and she kept kissing me…I could barely keep the tears of joy from my eyes! She was just a big PUPPY! Soft and sweet, loving and kind…and that day, she taught me about her kind…….. and her kindness.
My Christmas card was a proud picture of us both;
2002: A Howling Success!
An old friend, Chief Wayne Mosay, St. Croix Chippewa Tribal Chief and Medicine Man, told me to share my stories. The animals are messengers and their presence are gifts from Mother Earth.
I visited Earthfire many times and share the stories with friends. I am in amazement how Susan and Jean always keep the institute going and how the Wildlife Garden has grown and flourished. I wish for anyone, the opportunity I had for a special day with this very special Earthfire. I will cherish her always…..her presence in my life and how she gave me one of the most wonderful Christmas presents ever.
Kathi Michel
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Earthfire’s Mission in Action by Pat Hager
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