Acceptance

Working with Cheyenne and Argo is a totally different experience to Nola Pack or Romeo. Cheyenne will whimper and squeak as I approach. Argo comes forth to see who's there. You would of thought from this that they'd be happy to see me, but when I kneel down to get a cuddle, Cheyenne walks right past me and up to the tools! They are far more interesting to a wolf. I do get kisses from Cheyenne and she'll let me pet her under the chin, but if go for her adrenal gland at the top of her back leg, she'll growl. I need to spend a lot more time with these guys before I'll be accepted.

Nola pack are a different story. From my first time entering their pen, I've received kisses. Saint did growl at me the first few times he saw me through the fence, but apart from that I've been welcomed with dog like enthusiasm. Their pack structure is fascinating. They'll often stand in rank order, and that's how their social interactions with me have gone. The lowest ranking members, Juno and Goldie have been a lot more skittish around me, until now. It all started with Juno licking my outstretched hand a few times, then dashing off. Now it's progressed to a repeat of this process several times during my time with her. She'll let me gently tickle the end of her chin and has been brave enough to put her front legs up on my back. Most recently, she's taken to following me around and being a lot more playful. All the members, with the exception of Goldie, have accepted my presence. They'll lie down right next to me and chew on their sticks. This has rubbed of on Goldie. She's now coming up to a meter away from me when the other's are there, watching me curiously. She'll walk behind me when I'm not looking and linger a while, sussing me out to see if I'm trust worthy. I'm confident that if I keep visiting them for a lengthy while, Goldie will become used to me, and allow me to pet her.

Romeo is as cute as can be. He's getting to the point where he'll trust me enough to climb into my lap and allow me to rub his tummy. It's not happened yet. The closest I've had ended with him climbing my face, which hurt a lot! But according to Leyton, his recent behaviour shows he's becoming a lot more social towards me.

When I've not been around animals, I've been an apprentice construction worker! I've been helping Alex put up wooden beams on the outside of Leyton's new office. He's been sawing the wood to size whilst I've been using the nail gun to fit them into place. We've had a few mishaps where the wood has been cut the wrong way, but we've managed to get almost three walls done over the week. It's been amazing to see the progression each day. The inside is all painted and nice with fancy trimming round the windows and a new desk put in. It just goes to show, that with a little help, a lot can be achieved in a small space of time. I've also had a chance to drive one of the vans. My first time in an automatic, and somehow I managed not to crash as I reversed it out of the parking bay!!

Gaia is still unwell. I've sat in with her and encouraged her to eat her food. I was sitting down next to her when I realised how big she actually is! She ate about 1/3rd of her food, but is still not showing any signs of improvement. I took Peanut home one night in the week and she slept all night in my bed, snuggled right up next to me! It was rather cute. It's been a tiring week, catching up on the lack of sleep and doing lots of work, but it's still really good fun. I do look forward to my trip to Vegas, mainly for a warm shower and a large bed for four nights!!

Car Crash in Santa Fe

We'd spent the day shopping in Santa Fe. I'd seen the plaza and bought a turquoise necklace. We'd visited the old part, tried tea in the tea house and gazed at art in the many galleries. Katie drove to pick up her brother, giving us a little look at Santa Fe Community College. The day was drawing on. We'd stayed up till 3am watching movies in the luxurious cabin and were getting tired and hungry. We decided to set off for dinner, but the car was already full. Me and Katie in the front. Jason, Robin and Kristina in the back. Katie's brother, James, squeezed in the back. "It's highly illegal," said Katie, so we hoped we didn't get caught by the cops. Well, we didn't get caught, but the police still turned up...

Katie drive back towards Santa Fe. "Let's take a short cut," said James, leading us down a smaller road to a stop sign at the end. Katie waited. The drivers on all sides seemed to wait. Katie waited some more, and figured this was her right of way. She pulled out. I saw a car out my window. It was coming right for us. I think I called out to make it stop, but it was too late. It collided with the side of the car, pushing us slightly into the road. We pulled over, no one was hurt. Thankfully the driver took the blame, but we still had to wait over an hour for him to turn up. He asked to see everyone's passport, but the guys didn't have theirs. I handed my over as they made their excuses, and waited as he went over our details. He spent ages looking, making me slightly paranoid, but eventually we got underway. By the time we'd had dinner and got back to the cabin for our stuff, it was already 9pm, and the girls still had laundry to do. We stocked up on cans of energy drink in WalMart before getting underway. 3 and and half hours later, we were back at the sanctuary. It was 2.30am and we had to be up at 7. I just about managed to sleep, still buzzing from the caffeine kick, my head spinning from our latest adventure.

Adobe buildings in the old part of Santa Fe

Santa Fe was beautiful! The old part consisted of many adobe style buildings wedged together. The art galleries were quite amazing, filled with creative energy, and the plaza filled with many shops selling crystals, incense and other touristy gifts. We stayed in a luxurious cabin at Camp Stoney where Katie has spent much time working as a camp councillor. There were five bedrooms, a huge kitchen and living room. I had a double bed all to myself! The shower spoke for itself. These luxuries seemed so much more comforting after being away from them for so long! The tea shop was a great get away, tucked into the old part of town, selling hundreds of different types of tea. I had a cowboy chai, but I preferred the taste of Jason's French Breakfast. Exploring America is lots of fun. I've just booked tickets to Las Vegas, which will give me a further taste of America's culture.

Argo looking happy

I'm now trained on Argo and Cheyenne. I've been in several times, but have to keep my guard and watch out for Argo. He seems to be getting used to me, and today looked at me inquisitively and calmly, not challenging but accepting my presence. I may be able to start working towards walking members of Nola pack. They don't like walks but as they become more friendly with me, might start allowing me to leash them and take them outside. It's bad news for Gaia. Due to old age, she's becoming sick and might not survive the summer. It's very sad as I have become quite attached to her. I visited her today and spent 10 minutes petting her through the fence. Work on the sanctuary has become geared to setting up Leyton's new office, and I've been sorting lumber, building well houses, shovelling stones to make paths and started doing a small amount of painting. It's a change from the norm, but is once again enhancing the sets of skills that I'm learning with my time here.

The Bullet in the Bone

I drove the Ford Ranger over to maintenance. I got round the tight bend and floored the gas to keep it running up the hill. My eyes drifted out of the window. A four legged mammal ran into bushes. I parked and dashed out. The animal was just a bit smaller than a wolf, maybe the size of Ally but with a big bushy tail. It must've been a Coyote. Sadly it vanished before I had a closer look, but it reminded me of my current closeness to nature. Even being around the dogs has opened my eyes to our connection with animals. Me, Jason, Katie and Robin went for a walk through the wilderness on our day off, taking the dogs with us. Being in the open felt so free! I took Kano home the past few nights. Being a Pitbull, he's rather strong, but under it all he's quite sweet and has enjoyed sleeping on my bed in the warm. I've enjoyed developing my connection with River and Kano and trying to teach Peanut not to pull on the lead. I really wasn't expecting to be able to do this during my time at Wild Spirit, but I'm so glad that I've finally got my chance to bring dogs, and the wolves and nature, into my life.

With all the cute and cuddly love for animals, it's easy to forget how dangerous they can be, and how we can endanger them. I went into wolf kitchen, when Angie showed me a bucket. It contained a rack of ribs that were due to be fed. I took a closer look, not knowing what she was alluding to. Then I saw it. A shiny, golden nub of metal. A bullet in the bone. That would have killed an animal. We would have been to blame. Another message that no matter how comfortable you get around animals, you have to be on your guard. The Emergency Protocol meeting opened my eyes to the many incidences that may occur around the wolves. Tales of people having their faces scratched when accidental breaking the rules, such as leaning over an animal. All the silly mistakes that we could make when too comfortable. Even Katie had a run in with her animals when on a walk. Nimoy, who's slightly timid and more trusting and friendly towards women, turned on her when she managed to get the lead caught. Nimoy was only scared, but it's a message to never let your guard down. These are wild animals for a reason.

I finally got to go with George on the food run on Wednesday. It was nice to get away for a while and experience the sights of Gallup. I was amazed at how many people needed propane at the refilling station. Walmart was fun as usual. I managed to stock up on sodas. Got some pop tarts, and convinced George to get a few extra treats such as steak. The more I do basic tasks such as these, the more I become accustomed to living in America.

I've yet to be fully trained on Argo and Cheyenne, due to an incident with Angel's dog which kept her away. I have been in for my second time. Cheyenne was a lot less jumpy and excitable. She even went full submissive and let me rub her tummy! Argo stalked me as before, creeping up on my back until I turn to face him. I really will have to watch out for being nipped by him! I have managed to have a few breakthroughs this week. The most exciting, was my picture taking of Romeo! I borrowed Katie's camera and got some great close ups! I was in his enclosure for a long time, and he kept walking up to me to say hello. I tried a new tactic with Nola pack today, and I think it worked. Instead of entering with high pitched noises and flinging out my arms for hugs, I entered silently. I didn't sit down, but flipped the bucket first, ignoring the wolves hyperactive gathering. I went and sat by the tree, but this got them all excited and I had to sit elsewhere. When I finally sat in my usual spot, I petted Saint and Azteka silent, when the outcome I wanted finally happened. Goldie came up to me, close enough to sniff my hand. She seemed less afraid of me, and came a lot closer than ever before! I believe that if I keep doing this, I'll get Goldie comfortable with my presence.

This week has ended with a decline in the volunteer kitchen! The electricity went, plunging us into darkness. The plumbing became blocked, throwing out water when I tried to unblock it. The dirty plates have piled up. Oh how I can't wait to get to Santa Fe this weekend. Five bedroom house with lounge and fully stocked kitchen (plus plumbing and electricity) here I come!!

The (almost) Pure Wolf and the Lost Pup

Saint and Azteka saw me coming through the perimeter gate. They gathered by the entrance to their enclosure, bouncing with excitement. I removed the perimeter chain and teased them with some high pitched 'hellos', when Angel called me away. Saint and Azteka had gotten excited for nothing. I apologised and promised they would get their cuddles soon. Angel led me higher up the compound, past Mountain pack, and on to the next enclosure. Cheyenne and Argo. This was my upgrade to mid-maintenance animals. I listened to Angels instructions. "You want to remove your hat, and maybe your jacket." I did as I was told, not wanting to upset the animals. She told me about Agro. He's almost a pure wolf. This didn't make him any less impressive. His pale blue eyes stared right through me. He seemed quiet. Contemplative, sussing me out and testing for weaknesses. "Don't turn your back to him," warned Angel. As I pushed into the enclosure, I made sure I faced him, not wanting to find out what would happen if I didn't. Cheyenne came bounding over. She leaped up and headbutted me right in the nose. It hurt, but I didn't want to make a fuss. She was very friendly, giving me lots of kisses, but they were different to Nola pack. Toothy and hard. She felt a lot stronger. I knew I had to be on my guard. I kept my eyes on Argo as I walked over to take a seat on a log. I was so aware of him, that I didn't see Cheyenne creep up behind me. She leaped up. Two strong legs wrapped around my shoulders, dominating me. I tried to forced her off, but she was heavy, and strong. I shook her off, and that seemed to gain my authority once more. Argo tried a similar tactic, creeping up behind me, but I made sure I turned to face him. As we left the enclosure, I thought about the fun I was going to have with them. By the end of next week I would be their caretaker. I hope I'm up to the challenge.

I'm finally moving up to mid-maintenance animals! This means I'll possibly have three enclosures to look after. It's exciting. Cheyenne and Argo have a lot of wolf in them, and you can tell. Their behaviour is totally different to the low content wolf dogs. They will test me and take every opportunity I give them. I've also been into Iowa Trio's enclosure. I was taking photos of a very special feed. The deer we had previously taken the legs from. I followed George as he carried it to their pen. He and Angel took it inside, and I was allowed to follow with my camera. As they set it down, three excited Tundra wolves closed in. Akela and Brutus were the first to eat. They tore away it's flesh, looking very wild and scary. Navar stood back and watched. He's a lower ranking member and wasn't allowed closer until the other two were finished. Eventually, they dragged the carcass up the hill and lay down next to it, protecting their kill. It was fascinating to watch. They looked as they would do in the wild. It was amazing!

I had a heart wrenching experience on my rounds day. I noticed that a new puppy was in the pen. He was mostly white with black patches. ADL (America's Dairy Land) was his name. Someone had taken two puppies and couldn't handle it, and so had returned ADL. I went in to feed the puppies. I set the food down as usual, then, one of the larger puppies nipped ADL and growled loudly at him, warning him not to touch the food. I was shocked! I tried to put ADL to the bowl, but he ran away, shaking. I had to get him another bowl of food and feed him outside the enclosure. I later asked what had happened. Apparently as ADL was taken away early on, the puppies had forgotten who he was, and were treating him as an outsider. It was terrible. All through out the day I could hear the puppies growling and snarling at him. Nipping at his back. Each time I walked past, he ran to the fence and barked loudly, wanting to be freed. I felt so sorry for him, and so angry at the owners. I really wish they hadn't bothered in the first place.

The weather has improved in Candy Kitchen. Today, the sun is shining and it's getting warm once again. We're planning another road trip for next weekend, this time to Santa Fe! We're hoping to stay at the camp that Katie worked out, then have a chance to explore the museums and go for another drink. Along with my wolf training, taking wolves and dogs for walks and going sight seeing, this is going to be a good week.

The Big Freeze

As I forced open my door, a few inches of snow fell into the doorway, and I knew something was very wrong. The air was different. Crisper. Cooler. My toes tingled as I trudged through the sea of white powder towards the kitchen. I went to fill the kettle. "Water's frozen," said Jason. This wasn't looking good. The whole team gathered in Wolf Kitchen, but no-one dared go outside. It was too cold to work, but deep down we knew it had to be done, or else our animals would suffer. The pitballs were running around the compound in an attempt to get warm. Romeo was hiding in the doorway, terrified of the dogs barking at his fence. I sat down in an attempt to calm him, but after five minutes, I had to leave. I couldn't stay still for that long. I climbed the hill towards Nola's. Their water bucket was frozen stiff. A few kisses warmed my cold face, but my toes weren't in good shape. I noticed that the bandanna around my face had gone hard where the moisture had frozen, and had to get back down to the warm. I saw Leyton, and he confirmed our worst fears. We were in the coldest place in America. Colder than Alaska. And we still had work to be done...

Looking down onto Wolf Kitchen in the snow

I was stood in the middle of the campground, carrying cut wood to the truck. Alex was sawing a felled tree for firewood. A job that needed to be done, but my chest was cold. It wasn't painful. In fact, I felt rather snug in all my layers. But inside I was frozen. It was as if my heart had turned to ice. I had to get back. I stood in front of the fire in wolf kitchen, which of course, kept going out.  The puppies were coughing and spluttering outside. The poor pitballs were frozen. We had to do something. I elected to take home Peanut. The pitballs were assigned homes. Katie took the smallest puppy. I ensured a fire was roaring before heading off for dinner. Hopefully it would stay lit. I watched the clock as I ate, thinking of poor Peanut. Thinking about the walk home. Katie checked the temperature. -22 Celsius. We had to leave. Now. I grabbed my leash and headed to the enclosures. It was dark when we tried to put a collar around Peanut. He kept running off, and it was far too cold to be standing around. Finally I reached Katie's and had to ask to come in. I'd been outside 10 minutes and already I couldn't feel my toes! I was tempted to stay the night, but wanted to try looking after Peanut at home. I found it hard to breathe as I raced through the maintenance area. The cold mountain air was too thin to breathe. Finally, when we got back, the fire was still hot. The logs took easily and heated up the room. Peanut slept most of the night on my bed. This was extreme. I felt as if we'd spent the day on red alert. Hunted by the weather. I had new found respect for nature as I slept. If we didn't look after ourselves, keep the taps deiced, wood cut, food accessible, we were all vulnerable. Welcome to the high desert.

Flurry with an ice beard!

No kiding. We really were in the coldest place in America! I've never experience cold weather like that. It was odd. We weren't allowed outside for more than an hour without coming in to get warm. I was out nearly two hours doing firewood, and is most likely why my core felt so cold. Even now, at the computer in the volunteer kitchen, my toes are numb! It was exciting though. We all came together and ensured we looked after each other and the dogs. Even Leyton came in during the evening to say thanks for our hard work. Proof that during times of difficulty humans come together. If only we could show the same kind of care and respect for one another on a daily basis!


We made it to Ancient Way Cafe before all the fun started. It was a great venue. Set against the mountains with a proper wooden chalet look. The food was amazing also. I had beef brisket salad with honey mustard dressing, followed by a slice of seven layer cookie cake. I recommend it to anyone.

Back at the sanctuary, I had a fun experience involving a deer and a chainsaw... We had no hunters meet, but they did have a dead deer for us! We had to cut off it's legs so that we could feed it to the wolves! We shall be feeding it tomorrow, so I wont miss out on my day off today. It was surprisingly easy to sever once you knew where to cut, around the bone, through the soft flesh. Interestingly enough, everyone flocked out into the cold to observe and help out!

Hopefully the temperature will increase soon. It's still cold today. The taps are frozen once again. I can't even have a shower! Looks like I'll be staying inside all day watching Supernatural!