"No-one who has ever been involved with the rescue of wolves wants to see them in any type of captivity. The only wolves we could see in the wild would be those in Yellowstone National Park, wearing radio collars. (Nearly all of the wolves on calendars and in other photographs are captive wolves with computer generated backgrounds.)  

Unfortunately, like so many so-called exotic or native species, there is a hard core segment of the population which continues to want to "own" them, for display, macho gratification, or whatever... This is particularly true for the wolf-dog, who really should not exist at all, and cannot survive in the wild.

I think we would all be happy if there were no need for sanctuaries, or rescue groups! But since it is a sad fact of life that there are many poachers with a built-in market of buyers for wolf cubs, and people who make a living breeding wolf-dogs, it is particularly gratifying to see what a wonderful job the St. Francis Sanctuary is doing.

The wolves and wolf-dogs are healthy, happy and pampered in their forever home - which is what they truly deserve.

All the caretakers are unpaid volunteers - with 100% of donations going for the housing, feeding, medical care of the wolves, and general maintenance of the Sanctuary. I count myself lucky to be involved with the Sanctuary, and even though I no longer live in Texas, I try to visit as often as possible. It is wonderful to hear the wolves sing!"

--Gillian Hatch Carlsen

"Hi, you could say I'm a International volunteer who comes to the sanctuary once a year to be with my very much loved 4-footed and 2-footed friends.

They all have such beautiful personalities, all different from one another, but to be in their presence brings such peace to the soul. To look into their eyes you see the deep understanding, and they become our teachers.

It is for such a worthy cause that the wolf sanctuary has flourished and grown, and if you are unable to volunteer, at least visit and see how loved and well cared for these beautiful four footed brothers of ours.

--Anne Doubleday  (in Canada)

First, BIG THANKS! to everyone for their help!

I was so glad that the weather gods cooperated and this 3rd try for the Spring Bark became a reality. It was a bit warmer than I would have liked [here in The Woodlands, Texas] but think we all survived.

We had lots of people stopping by with great interest in the existence of the sanctuary and our wolves. Hopefully we will see some new volunteers and sponsors.

&

"Five years, has it really been that long? It seems like yesterday when Mystery was making her first appearance in my life and starting a chain of events that has brought us so far so quickly.  It is truly amazing how one animal can change the course of ones life, not to mention the other 14 animals that have followed and added so much. "

A day you will be able to return and renew fond acquaintances with our animal brethren or meet them for the first time and hear their stories in person. We will have demonstrations on how our ambassador wolves are being trained to work with those who have special challenges. And of course there will fun prizes, face painting for the kids, refreshments available, a silent auction and other fund raising events too!

More information will become available on the website as the event gets closer and we will send out email invitations in the coming months.