The Fox and Five Hounds

My hands were trembling as I fumbled the lock. I knew these were only wolf dogs, but a step up from Romeo the red fox. Romeo was cute and cuddly, known for his fussy food habits and sleeping underground, but these guys looked mean. Saint bounded up to Angel, who was already in the pen, leading a rally of excitement toward the rocks on which she sat. I pushed in the gate, keeping my body towards the wolves so as not to give an opportunity for mischievousness, and headed for the rocks. I thought they were going to ignore me, but then I was noticed. Saint and Azteka ran around my legs. Started licking my boots as I sat. Five wolf dogs were running around me, heightening my senses with excitement. I extended my hand and cuddled underneath Saints chin. I felt the damp bristles of his fur as he pulled away, unsure at the interaction of a new comer. I relaxed as Angel talked me through their habits. They're into different toys. Afraid of big gloves and may steal items I leave laying around. Angel exited the gate, leaving me inside. I followed her lead, forgetting about my back. Two beady eyes pressed into my soul. I turned, realising my mistake. I was being stalked by Azteka. She was looking for an opportunity and I'd given her one. I felt as if she could have done anything and I would of been helpless. Luckily, she was a low content wolf dog, and at worst would of jumped up at me. As the weeks progress with my training, with the arctic and timber wolves, I'd better not make the same mistake twice...

My welcome to the pack

I've met my first pack of wolves! The Nola pack, five low content wolf dogs. Don't be fooled, these guys are big! Cuddly though. I went in for my second visit today and Saint, the Alpha male, licked my face all over. This is a sign that he trusts me, which is amazing to of happened already, especially as a week ago he barked every time me and the other new volunteers walked past. It was quite a nerve racking experience as there's so many of them. They are really fascinating though, mainly as they act like a wild pack. Saint always stands at the front, Azteka just behind, then Katrina, Juno and Goldie. Goldie is the omega, the peacemaker, which means she gets picked on all the time as a way to calm fights within the pack. She's very shy and won't come up to me at the moment, but Swedish Robin, their present caretaker, had one stroke in his time here so hopefully I will too.

Romeo the Red Fox

The Nola pack are mine to care for as well as Romeo the red fox. He is amazingly cute yet very naughty! I had taken my gloves off to open his enclosure and held them loosely in my hand. An open invitation! He stole the glove and danced off with it, attempting to rip it to shreds! I was lucky to get it back. Now that these guys are my animals I will be in charge of cleaning out their enclosures everyday, except on my days off, Mondays and Thursdays. Socialising, playing with the animals and seeing if I can get them to trust me enough to cuddle me, topping up their water and feeding them. The Nola pack sound amazing to feed. They like to be hand fed chicken parts whilst I'm in the enclosure. This is rare to happen as usually the wolves get over excited and viscous during feeding time. It's such an amazing experience and I'll get to do a lot more. I've been in with Jason's animals, Oscar and Gia, who gave me a similarly warm welcome, and I'll get to help him take these guys for walks. It's going to be amazing, especially as Oscar is the biggest animal on site! I can go in with my animals anytime I like and play with them. I went in with Swedish Robin after hours and watched him play. He dived onto the floor and allowed them to climb all over him. That will be me in a few months time.

Close up with Gia

As of Tuesday, I will be giving tours, which means I have to revise the family trees and wolf facts. I've had a stint in the gift shop and had to interact with customers already, so I'm not worried about that, but hope I learn enough to make an interesting tour. Mainly as the tour guides often get tips! Today, Swedish Robin made 25 dollars for one tour (seeing as the tour costs $7 that's quite impressive).

I'm very settled here and so glad I came. I've been making vegan food with Swedish Robin, such as vegan sausage and pizza, and we've all decided to go to Albuquerque next Sunday and stay the night so we can go out for drinks. I so can't wait to hit the town!! However, I'm so glad that I'm not working tomorrow. I've been up at 6am for a week and a half and on my day off had to get up for rounds and had a long road trip. It will be nice to wake up late, shower, and hang out in the kitchen. We're set to bake and play Munchkin and Risk! Finally, I can rest.