News Flash!! May 2007

We would like to introduce our NEW Monthly Newsflash with much love to all and hope you keep in touch with our activities by continuing to visit our web site.

The pictures above show some of our dedicated volunteers (there are no paid staff) cleaning the pens and doing all the chores associated with the daily upkeep of the Sanctuary.

To find out more on how to become a volunteer please click here and follow the links for the application. We are always looking for good people with a LOVE of animals and a little time to donate...especially during the week days.

Our sponsorship program continues to receive support and as the picture shows, each sponsor is specially recorded on a plaque; visitors are so pleased to meet their adopted wolves/wolf dogs when they have an opportunity to come out to the Sanctuary.

Here is one of our volunteers attaching the collar and rope to Yoda, preparing him for his weekend romp across the open fields.

Most of the wolves & wolf dogs are able to be walked on the grounds, escorted by two volunteers - only Mystery and Khan are unable to enjoy such outings.

Over this past year we have made major improvements to the grounds and to the wolves' living quarters. Planting beds, landscaping and seating areas inside the inner protected area have added both beauty and structure to the grounds.

The wolves' Log homes have been raised several inches above the ground on crushed granite to overcome the mud and puddles of recent heavy rainstorms. This provides them with a dry shelter from the rain and mud in this area. Also, wolves tend to dig huge holes in the ground which quickly fill with mud after rain, now at least they can get away from the mud if they want.

The much needed overhead misting system, donated and installed by volunteers, is operational for the HOT Texas summer soon to be upon us. The wolves will be very grateful for the cooling water mist.

In April our Veterinarian, Dr. Michelle D. Iund DVM completed the mandatory annual inspection of the facilities and animals. ALL IS WELL!! Unfortunately, Duchess may have some dentistry work done in the future and Koa, who was bitten in the face by a snake, made a speedy recovery!

"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. "

Set your computer appointment calendars...Pencil it in on your fridge "To Do" list...Enter it in your Blackberry...or use a crayon on a wall! Use which ever system works best for you to remember to come to :

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.

Make sure all your information is up to date with our data base so you can keep receiving the Newsflashes, plus updates & invites.

On April 4th I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the sanctuary when Dr. Michelle Iund and her husband Brad came for the yearly veterinary exam & check-up of the wolves. I had heard wonderful things about her from Jean, but now know for myself just what a super vet and caring person she is.

Before coming she had reviewed all prior veterinary records and made a chart showing the dates of each wolf's and house dog's rabies vaccinations, intestinal parasite tests, heartworm tests and any other notable issues. She went over all the information with Jean and made suggestions and recommendations of appropriate but not unnecessary treatment for each individual.

Down at the sanctuary she observed each of the wolves and commented on how healthy and content they appear to be. Duchess got a cream cheese ball with some tranquilizers in it to enable Dr. Michelle to examine her tummy where she has a little rash and a tooth that was questionable.

While the pills were taking effect, she prepared to draw blood from Koa, Sable, Rafiki & Yoda to test for heartworm. Brad assisted with Koa, but Sable was showing her wolf shyness towards him, so I got a lesson in the proper way to hold her while Dr. Michelle did her job. All this time I thought vet assistants were just restraining the animals from moving or wiggling, but the technique actually helps prevent the vet from possibly being bitten as well as being a tourniquet to help expose the vein.

After Sable, I got to assist with Rafiki because of the way she is still shy about people she doesn't know. Jean told Sable & Rafiki stories to help distract them from the stick of the needle. Dr. Michelle said Yoda must have very thick skin because she was not able to penetrate a vein in either foreleg, and after a couple of tries Yoda said he wanted some of Duchess's tranquilizers before trying it again! So he will make a trip to the vet office at a later date when he is in a more relaxed frame of mind.

The improvement in the condition of Spirit's ears made Dr. Michelle very happy. Spirit showed no signs of discomfort when the area around her ear canals was massaged. She thinks the light in Spirit's eyes shows how much better she is feeling and was excited to see the new growth of fur around her eyes and on her chest.

Then Jean went in with Duchess to get her to roll on her back so Dr. Michelle could see her tummy. Too bad Austin or Jenna weren't there, but Duchy stood up against the enclosure fence enough to show her the rash. And Jean got her to grin a lot so Dr. could look at her teeth for any problems without actually putting her hands in her mouth! After that Duchess went and lay down in the tall grass for a nap.

The Wolves of Saint Francis are very lucky to have their health care needs being looked after by Dr. Michelle, Brad and the rest of her staff.

We hope you have enjoyed our First News Flash. Please email this as a link and share your passion with all of your animal caring friends!

If you are receiving this from a friend and are interested in joining our email group please send a request to info@wolvesofsaintfrancis.org

For more stories, videos, pictures, info and fun please make our web site a frequent stop on your internet journeys! www.wolvesofsaintfrancis.org