There were about 16 of them, cordoned of in quarter-acre lots in the surrounding Colorado mountains. Most were in pairs or threesomes; Ghost was alone in his enclosure due to his feeding time aggression. They were victims of abuse; humanistic-whimsical desires who slowly turned burdensome because of an innate intellectual, curiosity which made them unfit for a household. Kira’s formerly broken jaw was forever disfigured; a “gift” from her owner who decided a swing of a bat would serve as the best means to deliver his purpose. They all had their…..stories, just as we have our own. Over the course of 8 months, I began to “touch” those that would let me in. Had I had more time, I am sure all would have revealed their secrets.
They were mostly Grays and Arctics, but some were hybrids. The W.O.L.F. Project in Colorado was a poorly funded, well-intentioned sanctuary. I was studying at Fort Collins at the time as an under-graduate while volunteering at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. I wanted to volunteer with a group oriented with wolves. I found W.O.L.F. and did my best to volunteer my Saturday or Sunday weekend hours feeding, caring for, or doing whatever needed attending to. I always knew the unspoken connection was there, but I didn’t know just how deep it ran until this opportunity to feel their tongues against my cheek, smell their natural, wild scent underneath my nose, sense their acute awareness within their eyes and movement, did the being I am discover how close I was to the being underneath that fur and behind those piercing eyes.

I remember once entering an enclosure to spread the chopped chicken throughout. I couldn’t help myself but to sit calmly on a log and began inviting the dominant male to eat from my hand. I don’t remember his name, but he was one of the more insecure males who was situated with one other female. At first he was intimidated by my presence, sensing I lacked fear. In there world, as you well know, this could have been internalized as a possible threat; an attempt on my part to establish my ground or dominance. But, I calmly fed the female as he kept about a 10 foot distance, constantly moving and encircling us both. He soon understood I was not there to claim, but to connect. I lofted a leg in his direction, ensuring not to throw it at him, but near enough for recognition. The chicken soon disappeared. His defenses slowly whithered. Within 10-15 minutes he was eating not by my hand, but pieces had been placed by my leg. A connection was born.

There are other stories, but none so vivid as this one. For it is the difficult relationships turned amenable that we remember. A change of heart earned through trust and effort.

What you have created is something one day I would like to experience first-hand. I miss that feeling, that connection with them. Your story of Apricot drew tears from deep inside. You awakened sleeping memories; for now I am far, far away from that life which once created that jewel of a memory. I am working hard to establish myself within this world as a figure of power. One of my motivations is to develop the net worth, network, and influence to ensure organizations such as your own not only have a going concern, but will serve as the model for which many can learn and replicate. You are beautiful human beings who one day I will hug and thank in person for the energy you have invested in the lives you protect. As for now, please accept my recognition and deep appreciation as a thank you for caring, listening, and truly hearing those whose voice and communicative means differ from ours.

Kindly,

James Evangelos

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