In the blink of an eye...

On the road to Rosemount

...I was back in my step dad's car, with the steering wheel on what now seemed to be the wrong side. Hearing lots of Brits complain about the security line confirmed it. I was back in sunny England. New Mexico seemed like a distance memory. A vivid dream. But unlike a dream, I felt different on awakening. Changed. I was dropped of at my sister's house in Farnborough, just outside of London, and enjoyed the home comforts of a flushing toilet and a powerful warm shower. I listened to Alan Jackson and Rascal Flatts as I did so. The country lyrics reminded me of home, and that's when I realised that my adventure had come back with me. New Mexico and Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary will always feel like a home away from home. I've learnt so much about wolves and wolf dogs, and a lot about myself. Reviewing my mission statement, I can safely say it was all I hoped for, and more. I hope to return to America for a further exploration, and possibly another stint at Wild Spirit.

So what next? That's a good question. I'm going back to study for a year, but what do I do for the next six months? I guess a job would be a good start, but I feel that any job would disappoint. I'd be working in a kitchen thinking, "where's the rotting elk meat?" Or cleaning a courtyard and wondering where all the dog poo is. Even worse, taking my bosses dog for a walk, and ending up rough and tumbling in the mud whilst the general public walk by and give me snobbish looks. I'd like to keep working with wolves, or other animals in similar need of help. To be honest, I don't know where I'll end up, but I've learnt to have faith and trust in things working out. It's exciting to think that I've learnt many new skills, especially my editing abilities (keep an eye out on WSWS YouTube videos, Res Dogs Episode 1 should be uploaded soon) and wood working skills, which I'm set to start using on my parent's new sanctuary in Salisbury.Would I do this again? In a heart beat. I never knew I liked working with animals so much, and hope to continue having involvement with animals for the rest of my life.

Well it's back to my tea and cake. Seriously, there is tea, and I bet there must be some cake lying around... 

Luna the lusting wolf

Oscar (front) and Luna (back) - She's madly in love

Once again, I was summoned by Leyton for a film project. As usual, I didn't complain. I dashed over to his office, picked up camera 1 (camera 2 was currently out of action), a fresh tape and new battery. I followed Katie and Leyton up the hill. We stopped to take a head shot before moving up to Junior's enclosure. Today, he was getting a girlfriend. Selena. He was really scared of us, so much so that we had to stop filming to let him calm down. I couldn't actually go in with Selena so had to let Leyton take the camera. We were all hoping for fireworks, but sadly, Selena got bored of him in five minutes and Junior was happy just marking his territory. There was only one hope left for romance. A lady by the name of Luna, whose been in love with her neighbor for a few years. The man she's lusting for just lost his partner and could use the company in his mourning. His name was Oscar. I was elected to go into his enclosure and leash him (as I'm one of the volunteers who walks him most often) and he might of become scared of Angel or Leyton, mainly as he may associate them with vaccinations and such like. Oscar assumed we were going for a walk and I had to actually take him down to the fence and convince him to come back around. Angel radio me to take me Oscar into Luna's pen. As Luna's is right next door to his, he almost thought he was going back to his own pen! He just walked inside, no problems at all. Leyton, Angel and Katie then came over to see if love was in the air. It was one of the most fascinating animal interactions I had ever seen. Oscar wandered around, taking in the surroundings, whilst Luna tried to illicit play. She stooped down in front of him and pounced lightly. Once, she jumped on his back and he growled at her. He probably thought she was trying to dominate him, or else he just didn't like the affection! Oscar eventually settled down and Luna left him be. Hopefully, Oscar will warm up to her, and a new romance will blossom.

My final week has been amazing. I've been doing lots of editing, and have finished the Angel ed video and am almost finished with Res Dogs, episode 1. Once they're finished and I'm home, I may have to get them up online for all to see. I went to Albuquerque on Monday with Katie and had lots of fun visiting an American Mall, going to the movies and having a nice drink in the evening. I had a spontaneous visit on Thursday, when Katie had to drive Angel in to get her car, and I went with and ended up at Applebees for lunch. We've been to Pinehill a few times, first for laundry, second for groceries. The sanctuary usually supplies them, but at the moment, we're broke. Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is in need of donations to continue caring for it's wolves and wolf dogs. Ed has also brought his puppies in an attempt to get them adopted. They're so cute, one was adopted on the first tour on the first day he arrived! I took Peanut home one night too, I so wish I could adopt one of these dogs!

Tomorrow we're having a fire outside the volunteer kitchen and then on Monday, a farewell meal at Ancient Way. It's going to be sad leaving all of this behind, but I feel I will be back, and know that the things I've learnt will stay with me forever. I'm all for supporting wild wolf populations and against the breeding of captive bred wolves. I hope that in my next adventure, in six months time, that I can have some involvement with wolves. Education is our only tool. I hope that all who have been following this blog can at least understand why breding these animals for pets is such bad news. If you have any interest in supporting this course, visit the Wild Spirit website (posted at the top of this page) and see if there is anyway you can help. Also, the website for the pod casts is finally finished. If you've enjoyed this blog, follow, thepawedcast.com for ramblings from Wolf Daddy, Leyton J Cougar (see sidebar for the link).

Loss of a loved one

I was in the wolf kitchen when it happened. I'd been awaiting Leyton's arrival so I could go up the hill and see her, but he hadn't arrived. Her death was announced on the radio. I felt a sudden sadness for Gaia, she was a lovely animal. Leyton arrived with the video camera and sent me up to get some footage. I followed Alex up to her enclosure and met Angie, who was sitting with her. I walked into the enclosure and saw Gaia lying there by the tree. She was wrapped up in a blanket, silent and motionless. It was sad to see her this way, but she'd had a long and happy life and I was happy she was now at rest after her illness. Oscar seemed to be coping fine, until he saw Leyton arriving with a group of volunteers, and started his mourning howl. Realisation had finally arrived. Leyton said a few words for Gaia, then the volunteers got ready to carry her away. Alex, Robin, Jane and Mikel gripped the four corners of the blanket and lifted her. They tucked her head inside and brought her down to the wolf kitchen. Quite typically, a tour group had decided to venture outside the courtyard and were in eye shot of us. They had three small children. We dispatched Robin to take them back. Seeing a dead animal is probably not the best way to start a tour. Once we'd gently put Gaia on the wolf kitchen floor, we had to put her into black sacks. We then froze her body. As we're so far away from civilisation, Leyton can't take Gaia to town for a few days. It was a sad experience, but I'm glad I was there to see her pass.

This has been an eventful week. The new volunteers arrived on Tuesday. They're a Swedish couple called Jane and Mikel and are really nice. We had to clean out the kitchen to prepare for their arrival. My duty was the fridge. Never again! They came along on one of my tours, which was odd, and made me think about when I was a new volunteer. My tours have been quite epic recently. I made my record $23 the other day, $70 in two weeks! It's paying my way after Vegas and will allow me to buy some nice souvenirs from the gift shop!

I really feel like the animals are warming up to me. Romeo gets really excitable when I go in and lets me rough and trouble with him. He then just sits there, calmly, right in front of me. Robin actually called me in to entice Romeo out of hiding when he was giving a tour today. I was kneeling down, and he seemed really calm and sociable, so I pushed my luck and pushed my face towards his. He actually let me rub noses with him! It was amazing, and hopefully looked impressive to the tour guests.

I was really fond of Gaia. She used to howl as I approached the fence line, and would push herself up against the chain link so I could pet her. She is definitely one of the many wolves who will stay fondly in my mind.

RIP Gaia - You will be missed

Signs of the end

I was enjoying my day off, writing my latest story and enjoying the hot desert sun. Little did I know, Gaia was in trouble. I heard something on Alex's radio when he came in to find his missing cup. Angie had noticed that Gaia was lying down and not responding to her name when called. She also had a lot of gunge leaking from her eyes. I grew tired of writing so went to use the outhouse. I bumped into Katie on the way and she confirmed what I had heard. Gaia wasn't doing very well. It could be her last day. I bumped into Leyton who was just driving off in his truck. He called me over and asked if I could meet him in five minutes to film a special video on Gaia, as she might not be alive much longer. We reenacted the conversation between Leyton and Angie on the radio, then walked up to Gaia's enclosure. Angie was inside when we got there. Gaia came down to meet us at the gate, curious about the extra company. She had a lot of gunge leaking from her eyes and walked very slowly as if she had a limp. I caught it all on camera. Gaia's boyfriend, a wolf dog by the name of Oscar, was really upset about Gaia's condition, and let out a short, low mourning howl. It was really sad to see, but fascinating to see an animals reaction to the loss of a loved one. Gaia is still with us, but we don't know for how much longer.

Junior on his first day at Wild Spirit

As wolves in captivity live well beyond their years, around 17 to 19 yrs old, it's expected that they're going to have seizures and other conditions that lead to their eventual death. But as one animal leaves, another arrives. Our new wolf at the sanctuary, Junior, is 11 years old, so already past the expected life span in the wild and has hearing difficulties. He scared me the other day when doing guard duty. I called his name from outside his enclosure but he wouldn't move. He was curled up at the back of the pen and looked motionless. George came up and had to go inside and Junior didn't respond until he was about a foot away from him. We thought the worst may of happened, but thankfully he's ok.

I've had a lot of fun with the animals this week. I had my first walk with Cheyenne, and how different she is to walking Oscar and Gaia! Cheyenne pulls so hard on the leash that you have to dig your heels in to stop her pulling you along. She also has a feud with Contessa and tries as hard as possible to get up to her fence to get her. I also had a magical experience with Romeo. I was in cleaning him and knelt down to pick something up. He came over and seemed to be unafraid so I got on all fours. He jumped towards me so I jumped towards him and he started playing with me like a proper fox! We rough and tumbled. He bit my arm. But it was all playful and when I stood up he just trotted off as normal. It felt good to be interacting with a wild animal in this way. It's not just me he does it to. Foxes are known to be really friendly around humans, but it was a great experience.

It's been a busy week and I've mostly been recovering from Vegas! Mostly I've been moving furniture in and out of the office as it's being renovated. It looks lovely now and only took them a few days to replace the floor, paint the walls and put in nice wood features around the walls and window frames. I also had a massive tour of about 20 people. I was intimidated at first, but as we got going and I got into the swing of it, I found I was able to talk about the enclosures and then allow questions and talking amongst the group. I also got a 19 dollar tip, excellent news after I spent all my money in Vegas! Me and Jason were also on Leyton's podcast. He has a recording studio set up in his office and we gathered round the mic and answered questions on why we came out to the sanctuary. It was like being on a radio show! The site isn't finished yet, but as soon as it is, I shall post the link on this page.

Two weeks tomorrow and I shall be going home. It's sad to think it's coming to the end, but with the cycle of the wolf, with the old dying and the new coming, I can see the end of one stage, and the beginning of the next.

America's playground

Fountain display at the Belagio

I buttoned up my black shirt. Tied the scarf round my neck. Put on my aviators. I was ready for my last night in Vegas, and was going to make it a good one. I rode the elevator down to the 9th floor and walked to room 986. Marc and Rachel, my friends from University, posed with me on the balcony for a photo. The noise of the outdoor nightclub filled the room. The lights of Caesars could be seen in the background. Outside the streets were bustling. Music came from every casino. Hundreds of hustlers handed out cards with pictures of naked women and their phone numbers. Men in suits offered vouchers for free entry to nightclubs, and countless holiday makers drank their cocktails as they walked along the strip. I stood by Marc and Rachel in front of the Belagio, admiring the pool of water lapping at the casino edge. The fountain display began. The sound of Classical music instantly altered the mood as water streams rose gracefully into the air, swaying to and fro to the music. It was beautiful. A canon blasted at the crescendo. I was overwhelmed with happiness and joy. Everyone clapped at the end. It was probably the best attraction in Vegas, but I still wanted more.



View from the Voodoo Lounge

 Me, Marc and Rachel reached New York New York. A girl was lap dancing on the table as men and women continued to gamble. We followed signs for the roller coaster. The station was inside the casino, but took you outside so that the car glided past the streets below. I could see people on the strip going to their various clubs and shows, whilst I was whipped around at high speed. We hit the MGM Grand for dinner at the Rain forest Cafe, before heading back to the Karaoke bar at our hotel. This is where I'd expect any other night to end, but not in Vegas. Not on my last night. We all took a cab to the Rio. I followed Rachel's lead as she guided us to the Voodoo Lounge nightclub. We walked through the entrance, showed our ID's and followed the walkway to an elevator. There were only two buttons, 50 or 51. We pressed 51, labelled, "Club." The elevator shot up. The glass panel allowed us to see the lights of Vegas bellow. We entered the club and walked to the outside dance floor. I was amazed at the sight. People dancing with the Vegas strip bellow them. We ordered a massive cocktail each and danced the night away. When the club ended, we headed back to the hotel and forced ourselves to stay awake till morning. I'd achieved so much in three days. Casino's, restaurants, free shows, alcohol, gambling and girls. I could see why this was America's playground. I wished I didn't have to go home.

This is a taste of what Vegas has to offer. It's really one big nightclub. You can drink on the streets. Music comes from all directions. Almost everywhere you look, there's a half naked girl lap dancing. The free shows are the best part. The Sirens of TI was amazing. Two pirate ships fire canons at each other. Fire erupts from the building. The Siren's sink the pirates ship, then dance erotically, enticing you into the casino. The downside, it's in your face culture. The hustlers are everywhere, thrusting cards for women into your hands. People offer you so much free stuff, then ask for a tip. The casino's never close, and people gamble at all hours. I was actually glad to get back to my hut in the middle of the desert. On that first night back, I stopped and listened to the silence. Not a sound could be heard. Such a change to Vegas! The best part was seeing my friends again. It was a one in a life time experience.

Not much had changed at the sanctuary. I loved my welcome back from Nola Pack! I was worried that I would regress in all the work I'd put into socialising them, but I needn't of worried. Goldie came up to my hand, licked it and ran off. She did it twice the following day. That's a real big step! We've also had a new wolf arrive!! He's called Junior and reminds me lots of Gia. He's very sweet, but a little nervous as he's been separated from his mother. All us volunteers have to make sure we visit him lots to help him settle in. I'm glad I took time away. I only have 22 more days here, and this has given me perspective to see the joys of being in the wild. Flashing lights and buzzing days and nights are great, but the best fun can be had in the heart of nature, with the animals and the simple pleasures of life.

Back to school... with a wolf!

I followed Angel through the campus grounds. It was deadly quiet. Tumble weed bustled over the desert sand. We had purposefully timed our approach to be like this, so we could avoid masses of children. Forest tiptoed in front of Angel, smelling all of the new and exciting smells. A girl walked past, "Oh my god, is that a wolf?" Another passer by stared at us. Several girls in a large group. Children pouring out of classroom doors. Angel checked her watch and realised her mistake. This was the start of change, not the end! We were bombarded by children asking us questions. Angel found a small wall between the path and the building that she could hide herself and the wolf behind. We really didn't want him getting scared. Children asked me questions such as, "Where are you from? Why do you have a wolf here? Does he bite?" We found the door we needed to go in, the door that would let us escape the masses, but it was locked! Luckily we had developed a few fans, who had already gone round the other side of the building and opened the doors. We went inside. It was quiet again. Angel set up for the lecture whilst I fumbled round with the camera, thinking of angles I could use. Forest lay down for the entire lecture. I moved around the edges to film and felt like an official sanctuary member! The girls of the department were very helpful and showed me to the restrooms and carried Forests water bowl when my hands were full. The lecture was quite informative. I felt proud to be from the sanctuary. We took Forest back to the van and fed him some chicken. It was then time for me and Angel to eat! It was a great day out, and left me with more footage for sanctuary films. I could quite easily get used to the filmmaker lifestyle!

This purpose of me attending the education programme was to film more footage to make a five minute video for the sanctuary website. It became more of a cultural experience, talking to the high school students and seeing a school in the middle of the desert! It was quite strange! The Sandia Crest was in the background, erupting out of the desert plains. It was amazing to think that people actually live, work and study out here! Forest was really good for the entire day. He was really friendly and even scent rolled on some of the students. I'd never seen a full wolf of that size be so friendly.

I had another interesting wolf encounter on my day off. There was a banging at my door. I ignored it at first, but then it came again. I fumbled around for my boots, still half asleep, and opened the door. A furry head poked through. It was Gia! Jason had decided to come and give me a wolf wake up call! I also had a little conversation with a local Indian man. It was very enlightening to hear his philosophy on life. It was even more interesting to see a man who had known me two minutes open up and tell me all about his life!

The week ended with a campfire back at the dome. Me, Katie, Jason, Robin and Kristina gathered round the fire pit at night and made smores! I was so happy to taste the authentic American version - A Graham crackers, one piece of Hershey's chocolate and a toasted marshmallow. We even toasted our marshmallows on sticks! It was so good. I was very excited about my trip to Vegas. Angel and Katie had given me lots of good advice on places to go. As I slept, I dreamt about the second stage of my American adventure!