Furry Philosophy from Our Brother Wolf

For the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack.

~Rudyard Kipling

     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. 

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

     More contact info: Phone 231-736-0018 email: howlingt2@yahoo.com

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 .