2013 SFWS Calendar

2012 is half over already! We hope everyone is enjoying the SFWS calendar. This year we would like to include photos taken by visitors. If you are interested in submitting pictures email them to calendarcontest@wolvesofsaintfrancis.org Particulars: Unedited/uncropped, full size, high resolution jpg of wolves & wolfdogs only. No human creatures, please. By submitting the files you are giving SFWS permission to use your photos. Include your name, phone# & email address. No prizes will be awarded, but your name will be listed in the credits on the calendar. Deadline for submission is August 31, 2012 at 12:00 midnight CDT.

New Arrival in February

My name is Olowan. It is a native American word that means "song" or "hymn". But my beloved friend and companion - Matt - mostly called me Baby Girl. It came as shock to learn that he was no longer able to keep me. His reasons were very valid, and I tried to understand. The day came and I was put into a very large cage, and then in the back of his truck. If you do not believe a wolf can cry tears, then you have never been with one who is grieving. We arrived at our destination, and to my surprise, I found many others already settled there. One in particular was jumping up and down with excitement.
Matt climbed into the cage with me, and I could feel his grief too. Rather to my surprise, another human crawled in too. She sat,quite still close by the door. Slowly she edged closer, and I could sense her love, and lack of fear. She gently spoke to me, using my special name that I thought only Matt knew - Baby Girl. The new human put her hand in that of Matt, and together they stroked me. I knew I had arrived at my new home.
All the wolves were calling out to me, but one in particular. One was leaping about with sheer delight, and I knew he was destined to be my new companion, with whom I would share an enclosure, similar to the one in which I had previously lived. I have never been trained to a leash, but Matt carried me in his arms, accompanied by my new human friend, whom he called 'Jean'. There were other humans too, and I sensed that they were all here to welcome me to my new home. I was nervous, and they seemed to understand, they did not try to touch me, just radiated their love. Of course it is not the same, but I know my beloved Matt did his very best, and that he will always have a place in his heart for me, as will I for him.

My new friend is called Luke. He is friendly and welcomed me to my new home that we would share. We have a nice little wood house, with room for us both. and a large enclosure. There is even a bath. There are other wolf neighbors around us, and I am getting to know them. Jean comes early every morning and I am happy to take snacks from her. Our main meal is served about 3p.m. and I meet new human friends, including the ones who were here to welcome me when I arrived. This is a GOOD place to be. I already feel loved and wanted. Come and see me, though at present I still tend to be rather nervous of humans, and slightly puzzled by so many other wolf companions. They are teaching me to sing! It will take time for me to adjust, but I know I am loved ... and safe. Olowan/ Baby Girl.

Lola

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sadly, I must inform everyone that dear Lola passed away this morning. It was noticed that she was not well yesterday morning and she was taken to the vet at that time. Her breathing was labored, gums pale, and her movement was not normal.

The vet felt sure as soon as she saw Lola that she had Immuno-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, a condition not totally uncommon in canines where basically the body's own blood cells attack and destroy its own blood cells. Blood tests soon confirmed the diagnosis and she was found to have extremely low white and red blood cell counts.

However, the vet felt that since Lola had no heart murmur, there might be a chance to turn her condition around. Because red blood cells carry oxygen througout the body and she had so few of them, this was why her breathing was so labored. She was also dehydrated. She was given IV fluids in the office and an injection of time-released steroids to try to ease her breathing and build her up to try to turn the condition around.

Her condition was discussed with the vet and it was determined that she deserved a chance to go home and see if her condition could be improved with the medication over the next 24-48 hours. It was also agreed that Luke and her needed the chance to say goodbye if need be and that we should not just take her away never to return.

Lola seemed to improve slightly overnight and drank a good amount of water when offered it by Jean this morning. We thought this to be a good sign. Jean checked on her again just before church; she was resting and seemed about the same. When Jean returned from church, Lola had passed. So she went fairly quickly and Jean's impression when she found her was that she had not struggled, but simply passed on.

We are truly sad at her passing but glad that we gave her the chance to be at home with her Luke when she went. We will miss her but can be content in knowing that she was very happy during the last year or so of her life and knew love from us and love and joy from Luke.

Janet