Most people don't know anyone that has a wolf. Are wolves popular pets?
Depending on what part of the country you live in you may, or may not, know people who own wolves or wolf dogs as pets. In general as you go to the frontier and wilderness areas of our great country we find a rugged type of life style that often caters to the story book legends of old in our minds. In these rugged outbacks a man is often judged by the company he keeps, may it be that they are hounds, sled dogs, gaitors, or a pack of wolves. As the city encroaches and people get further from nature and their environment a change happens, and many loose connection with who we were as humans, vs. who we are now. The motivation to OWN or to POSESS a wolf or wolf dog is high. It probably rates up there with the glory and majesty of the Horse. Much like with horses though you usually find out the hard way (ouch) that you have to KNOW HOW TO RIDE to be able to control one. That's why not a lot of 13 year olds own black stallions, but still dream of owning one. Well like most expensive toys, at some point the desire to own, or to possess, becomes bigger than all the sensibility in the world. This, like the black stallion in the hands of the 13 year old, is destined for failure. Owning any pet so you can pick up a chick, or show off to your buddies on Super bowl Sunday, or take to the local Harley Davidson Rally, or just leave in the back yard and forget about, probably isn't going to be the best relationship for animal or human.

Many States and Counties where wolf dogs are legal are just stuffed with these animals. They can be as popular as, or even more so, than Dalmatians, Blue eyed Siberian Huskies, Neapolitan Mastiffs (I wonder if they come with 3 flavors in 1?), or even Dobermans, Collies, or GSD's. Depending on what movie the kids have been watching. The popularity of different breeds also tends to fluctuate in waves across the country. A lot like Fashion! Today Chihuahuas and hairless breeds are in. Subsequently overpopulation of a breed often leads to BSL a topic addressed in a recent pupforum newsletter, especially where large breeds are concerned.

Most people who know someone who owns a wolf dog usually end up wanting one as a pet they are so impressed with the animals their friends have. The media has frightened away the most qualified of buyers, those who are concerned, caring, and intelligent enough to read the newspaper in the first place (think about that one) and want to experience a relationship with an animal that is deep and meaningful to them. Being owned by a wolf or wolf dog is an awesome experience. These animals are deep and thoughtful in an almost human way. I think that people who are attracted to the aloofness of cats may be highly attracted to the wolf dogs' personality. At the same time they have a very deep bond of affection for those they consider their "family" and are quite gregarious amongst those they trust. They are deep and affectionate, yet independent and enduring at the same time. They like to go for long walks in the woods on a cold snowy day, or stand in a clearing in the woods in the early morning fog, or stay out all night in the pouring rain, and then sneak in to snuggle in a warm bed with you, "YUCK, THE DOG IS FREEZING COLD, SOAKING WET, AND HE SMELLS LIKE A WET WOLF!" Well life has it's surprises, and there is always something interesting going on in a wolf dog owners life, but not much furniture.

Keeping Playdates Bite free!
5/25/2005

When they arrived, Emma and Karen were greeted by Kayla and her Mom (Eva) followed by Sasha. The treats were given out while both Moms chatted for a minute. The two girls busily ran off to play. Sasha is still sniffing around for potential treats and does not seem to notice the girls. Karen gives Eva her cell phone number and sets a time for pick up and heads out to run some errands. An hour goes by when Karen’s cell phone rings. She answers the phone: “Hello?” She answers. She hears Eva on the line saying; “Karen, I am so sorry, It’s me Eva, Emma, Emma is hurt.” She says with panic in her voice. Karen can hear Emma screaming in the background. She feels a pit in her stomach.

Karen feels the stress and responds;“Is she ok, what happened? I am on my way!” Eva replies through her tears; “Karen, I don’t know what happened. The girls were playing so well and having fun. I heard giggling and they were dancing and then all of a sudden I heard screaming and Kayla saying “Mommy Come quick! Sasah bit Emma!”

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Some of my favorite articles from the past month include:

The standard dog saves owner story. Given a choice, would your dog save you or take a nice nap?

The usual lost dog comes home story. If lost, would your dog find it's way home or would it find it's way to the nearest home that had food?

And your every day, run of the mill, dog escapes alligator story. Doesn't your dog wrestle alligators?

This is Scooby. Where have I heard that name before? Scooby, a Parson Russell Terrier, is about four years old and is available for adoption in North Carolina. Contact the Happy Hills Animal Foundation and give Scooby a new home!

This old guy is Tazz. Tazz looks like a great companion for just about anybody. He can be found at United Yorkie Rescue, Inc. in Ohio.

Bear, a 4 year old Siberian Husky, has found a new home thanks to the rescue volunteers at the Southern Alberta Siberian Husky Rescue Alliance. If you live in the Alberta, Canada area and want to adopt, contact SASHRA!

Chipper may be the cutest Dachshund we've ever seen. Someone should put this puppy on television. Or maybe not... those child actors always grow to be such bad adults. Maybe Chipper is better off where he is.

German Shephards are such cool looking dogs. The almost-all-black coat makes this one of those dogs that people look at and and say "I wish my dog looked that cool"... or something like that.

All the makings of a great day

Most guys go out and buy corvettes when they hit my age... I bought a skateboard. I hurt myself everytime I step on it. I've given it up since I found a dog that skates better than me...

Walking Teddy. Just a great site about a woman on her daily walk with her dog and her camera.

Ok, so this one isn't a dog site, but if you love cats then you'll love MyKittyPics.com.

Susan Shaulis (Maryland)
Chrissy Conner (California)
Dara Ashton (British Columbia, Canada)