For
the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack.
Wolves are an often misunderstood and
feared creature. Actually, we can learn many things from observing the wolves’
nature. We especially learn lessons in camaraderie and the structure of the
pack. Pack members cooperate extensively with one another. Wolves work together
as a team in hunting, and raising the young but also enjoy fun and play. In
Alaska a wolf caught in a trap was brought food by other members of its pack.
There is not one attack on a human, from a healthy wolf, recorded in history.
The tales of the big bad wolf are just that, tales.
Howling Timbers, located in Muskegon, is
Michigan’s foremost wolf and exotic animal sanctuary. It is staffed entirely by
volunteers, and funded by donations and fundraisers.
The owners of the sanctuary, Brenda and
Jim Pearson, have dedicated their lives to caring and protecting this often
misunderstood and feared creature. Their mission statement is “to provide
life-long-sanctuary to wolves, wolf dogs and exotic animals that have been
neglected, abused, abandoned or relinquished by their previous owner.” The
sanctuary is currently home to: wolves, African Servals, cotimundis, kinkajous,
chinchillas, horses, pigs, bearded lizard, bunnies, turtles, chickens, guineas
and prairie dogs.
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| Jim Pearson loves his wolves . Photo by Jill Wood |
As sad as it is for the wolves to be
caged, it is necessary. They have been in a situation that they cannot be
released to the wild. Brenda and Jim have made sure their enclosures are large and
provide wolf like shelters and some of the wolves have made their own
underground dens. The enclosure, for the most part, contains two wolves, so they
have companionship without disagreement. They were forced into this pack and
were not born into it. This arrangement works well. The wolves show their
camaraderie even in captivity. They are in enclosures close to one another. At
any given time, it is quite magical to hear them unite in their song, howling
hauntingly. They grow to be attached to their mate and rely on them for
companionship. Usually, if one passes away, another is introduced into the pen
with them. Sadly I recall one instance, when one wolf passed away, its mate
went into the den and died of a broken heart, confirming wolves do grieve and
love.
I have visited and supported this
Sanctuary. I see the wonderful care and love these animals are given. I have
looked into the eyes of those wolves and know there is magic there. My hope is
that these animals are honored and not feared. I hope we can learn from their willingness
to adapt and their camaraderie.
If you are interested in volunteering at
Howling Timbers please go to: http://www.howlingtimbers.org/volunteers.html
You can
donate by adopting a wolf and get a certificate of adoption by emailing. You
can shop at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Howling-Timbers-Animal-Sanctuary/134645773269221?sk=app_1504712639791959&ref=ts
If you order my book “Furry Philosophy and
Memoirs Set in Stone” by emailing cani7lupus@aol.com and put “Howling Timbers” in the
subject bar I will donate $5 from each book.
Items needed at the Sanctuary, to donate
include:
Shovels, plastic totes, clean milk jugs,
used or new rubber back rugs, can tabs. Deer hunters, at hunting season, the
wolves would love your scraps.
As I tell our future leaders, that I work
with, “One by one we can all make a difference.”
If you live in the area we are having a family volunteer night May 21 2015 6-8 pm . Please comment for directions .
If you live in the area we are having a family volunteer night May 21 2015 6-8 pm . Please comment for directions .