Yukon's Remembrances Too

To Our Very Dear Pack, Two-legged and Four, By now, most of you will know that our beloved Yukon peacefully left his physical body on Thursday 21st of June, 2007. We have been overwhelmed by the loving response of our Pack and I would ask that you look at the up-dated web site ( www.wolvesofsaintfrancis.org ) - you may want to have some tissues close to hand. The work at the Sanctuary is not easy, we have no paid staff. We are all volunteers. Janet's beautiful letter and the responses share why we do this! Quite simply, we love these wonderful creature people, long respected for their wisdom and loyalty. What we do is a privilege to us, and a joy to them. Yukon was one of our Ambassador therapists. He and his companion - Spirit - have touched many lives. I have seen them welcome visitors in wheelchairs; those with severe burns or deep distress; Military personnel with scars that are not always physical; children wide eyed with wonder ... and their strange Pack, who have no tails and walk on two legs. We also see the deer, quite free, within six feet of the enclosures. Just a day or two ago, a red cardinal shared seed with a black squirrel, eating side by side. This is a magical place, thank you for being part of it, as we reach out to touch lives and hearts with the Ancient Wisdom of love for all life. Mwitu and Shiloh lie by my feet as I type, reminding me that this note of loving gratitude comes not just from me, but from all the Pack. Thank YOU for making it possible to create this Center and for helping it to grow and to reach out to those in need. Songs of praise from the Wolves and much love from us All. -- Jean --

WOW... THANKS FOR THIS GREAT MEMORIAL TO YUKON. I TOOK SOME FRIENDS FROM OUT OF TOWN LAST WEEKEND TO SEE THE WOLVES. ONE REALLY HAD NO INTEREST IN GOING BUT WAS GRACIOUS AND WENT ALONG. SHE CRIED WHILE SHE WAS THERE; SAID SHE HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE IT.

We have been thinking of all you two leggeds as well as all four leggeds. We will miss Yukon's physical presence so much. The way he huffed and fluffed, I called him the Colonel as he sort of blustered in his loving affectionate way.

We will remember his handsome gorgeous being, his luscious loving kisses and mischievousness - especially when he wanted to always pee on the poop bucket! I have a series of photographs that Jean took of Yukon deciding (you could almost read his mind) and trying to steal my straw hat from me as I sat on a log in his yard. They are so funny and I love him for his great sense of humour, a much treasured memory.

What sad news... My heart is with everyone who was lucky enough to know and love him - and especially with Spirit, who had been Yukon's beloved companion for so many years. It was absolutely the right decision to help him go peacefully when it was obvious there was no hope. It was not only the kindest thing to do, but it is our obligation as caregiver, no matter how difficult. What wonderful medical attention you had, in addition to the St. Francis family and all that love. I am sure Spirit was well aware of what was happening and I am so glad you included her in Yukon's burial. That sounds so strange to write - Yukon went from being skinny and scared, to bouncy, playful, friendly and above all happy. He and Spirit were so lucky to be given a home with Jean - along with the other NAWA refugees (and all the others of course). Thank you for letting me know - and I am so glad I had the chance to see him recently... It is so difficult to say goodbye - for all the love and care we give, we receive far more in return. I will always treasure my memories of Yukon.

We were shocked to hear from Jean that Yukon had passed away, but happy to know the last few years of his life had been spent in a happy & loving sanctuary. The remembrance letter that Janet wrote moved me to tears, thank you, it must have been very hard for you to write. I felt privileged to have met Yukon & all the other wolves, and never forget how he allowed me to stroke & scratch him, and how he rolled over to have his tummy tickled. It is hard being so far away in the UK & not being able to support Jean as I would have loved to do, but our thoughts are with her & all the volunteers, who were so kind to me when I was attempting to help & learn in the space of a couple of weeks, I can assure you we will be back later in the year, when I can meet up with Spirit & the the others again and everyone else... Our love to you all Margaret & Peter

Dearest Jean, I feel so sad to hear of Yukon's physical departure. But happy at the same time. I will certainly continue my monthly support in his honor. With Love, Christie

Jean, I am so sorry to hear of Yukon's passing - these beloved animals ask for so little and give us so much, I feel guilty at times that I can't do more, but just having them in our lives for however much time is such a blessing. The memories are the most previous gift we can hold onto. -- Valerie --

Dear Jean - ...the loss of our beloved Yukon is a real body-blow... I haven't called because I know how exhausting it is to comfort those who phone to express their sorrow. Suffice to say you know I am thinking of you, and your extended family - and am mourning the loss of dear Yukon with all of you. The consolation is that he had a WONDERFUL home for the last years of his life - he was so well, happy and friendly the last time I saw him - a complete transformation from those earlier dark years. I am sure everyone is concerned for Spirit and how she will adapt to being on her own. She has had such stress with the skin problems - maybe part of it was somehow knowing that Yukon wasn't as healthy as he looked. Lots of love and positive thoughts, Gillian

I am so saddened to hear of Yukon's transition. I remember well meeting him for the first time when Dan and I visited in 2003. You took us to each pen and shared all of their stories. Inside Yukon's pen, he was at first quite shy and paced the perimeter. But interest grew in these new, two-legged creatures who seemed to want to be close to him As we stood and talked, he came up behind me, licked my hand, and rubbed against me briefly then walked away to seeming safety. You said I should feel honored as he was quite shy, and indeed I was. He continued to move around the pen and in and out of his shelter. I silently asked him for a picture before we left, and he immediately stood still, inside the shelter, looking rather proud and allowed me to snap a photo. Yukon, thank you for that brief kiss on my hand and the photo. I shall never forget that day or you. You made me feel quite special when, in reality, it was you who was special. Enjoy your freedom from physical burdens and those strong legs, my friend. Blessings to you, Jean, and to all the volunteers who gave him love and caring and the ability to trust again. Sending much love and comfort to Spirit. Love, Sherry

My Dearest Jean, > My computer was off for a few days and I just read your e-mail about Yukon's passing into the summerland. I feel so much for you in your loss of such a beautiful companion. I truly remember Yukon coming over to me and allowing me to stroke his back years ago. I felt so honored as I think you told me he did not come to many people. I have a sweat shirt with Yukon's picture on it. And it was the same with Beau who used to give me kisses and I felt truly close to him. I just read his story and the tears came. I will send a donation for Yukon's memorial. ... I am holding you in the Light as I always do along with John and all your animals. With Lots of Love and Hugs!!! Peggy

Dear Jean, thank you so much for sharing the news update. I, for one, did not know Yukon had passed on. My sympathy to you and the other workers. I hope to check out the website later today. Warmest regards, Hedwiga Weatherford

Yukon, will be sadly missed by the members of my family who were graced by his gentle spirit in this lifetime. He was simply one of the Best of the Best! Thank you for sharing the story of his passing. All the Wolves of St. Francis know how fortunate they are, but it helps those of us who are far away to hear, so that we may share the joys and tears that are part of life on this plane. I had the privilege of being on the receiving end of his wonderful kisses on the several occasions when I was able to visit in his home at St. Francis. Each visit was a precious one. He was an incredible ambassador for all wolves everywhere. His beautiful face will always be in my memories.

Much love to you all and thanks for everything you do every day.

Judy Kuusisto