I would definitely have to agree that “Third time’s the charm,” especially when it’s your third time visiting Wolf Howl Animal Preserve.  My last visit was in Spring of ’07, when the pups were born.  I meet them when they were four weeks old and, boy, I extremely glad I had the experience of being a wolf nanny. This would be my third time seeing the adults, Ohoyo, Watach, and Waya, but the first time seeing the pups all grown up!  I witnessed their growth on WHAP’s website and forum, and had a heck of a time recognizing them even after just a few short weeks.  Also new to the WHAP gang, were rescue dogs Willy and Tah-lee.  To add to the excitement, Mrs. Maria and Mr. Don were having their house being built.  I have some concerns as to whether the wolves would be alright with a group of strangers nearby and nail guns constantly firing off.  To my surprise, they fared extremely well considering the circumstances.  They were a bit skittish here and there, but that’s to be expected.

The ride wasn’t as long this trip since my Dad and I stopped at some neat places on the way and split the journey up into a few days.  When we arrived, I was so excited to see familiar faces and new ones too.  I found Mrs. Maria working busily in her now overflowing gift shop.  It’s one thing to see the inventory online, but seeing it all together physically really puts you into perspective on how much work packing orders is.  I received a big, friendly hug from Mrs. Maria; it had been two years already!  I found Mr. Don and Sarah Smile together; it was good to see them both.  Sarah was like a different dog, she was accustomed to visitors now and much calmer.  I walked over to the fence where the dogs hang out and was invited to come in by jumping, tail-wagging, excited doggies.  I walked in, and instantly found myself sitting down with Nakoo giving me ear kisses, Willy trying to get my attention, Tah-lee prancing around excited to meet me, Nashoba fighting for my attention, and Juno in the back smiling and waiting for her turn.  I smiled and let myself receive more kisses then I ever had in just minutes.  Probably after a good six minute greeting, the warm, fuzzy welcome began to die down.  Gotta love dogs.

Next I went over to say “hi” to the wolves.  I crouched down and couldn’t believe my eyes, they were so gorgeous!  Ohoyo and some of the pups were the first to inspect their new visitor.  It took me a few days, but with Mrs. Maria’s help, I could pretty much recognize them and get their names down.  Soon they were in their curious stage and possibly began to get a whiff of my scent and remember me from before.  Later I threw some mints over the fence for them, and they merely watched the small, green objects whiz through the air and plop on the ground.  They looked at me.  I glanced at them.

 “Mints for the Wolves!”

They decided I was to be trusted and ran after each mint following the first.  Watach watched the spectacle from afar, as he was still weary of me, and my throwing arm is no baseball arm, I let Mrs. Maria give him a mint when she went into the enclosure later. 

Throughout the few days I spent in my home away from home, I helped assemble CD’s, count inventory, and other little tasks that needed to be done.  Preparing dinner was for a much bigger crowd this time.  (The raw diet, my oh my.)  I watched the dogs scarf down their meal with astonishment.  Then I witnessed Mrs. Maria cart the wolves’ meal to the enclosure on her little red wagon.  The wolves gently choice their piece and ate it slowly and thoughtfully.  They certainly didn’t ‘wolf down their food.’  I laughed, “stereotypes” I mumbled.

The change between the hot of day and coolness of the night was slightly larger then I was used to, but it was a nice change never the less.  All of us sat on the deck and chatted the night away.  I lost myself as I stared into the full moon and all the stars.  There were no lights around to ruin the natural beauty of the sky.  I didn’t want those moments to end, but like many other favorable moments (and unfavorable) they have to come to a conclusion.  My Dad and I headed back to our hotel, packed, and were ready to visit WHAP again, even though it was our last day.

I woke up and couldn’t believe we had to head home so soon.  I took some pictures of the wolves through the fence and my Dad took Sarah on a ”walk” around the land while riding the ATV.  I was going to miss all the canines and the humans too.  The day went by too fast and I hated getting a shower of kisses from the dogs for the last time.  I said bye to the rest of the WHAP gang.  Although it was hard to leave, it was a great way to end my summer vacation.

Upon arrival at home, I couldn’t wait to look at all my pictures and tell my friends about it.  I received a good response from my photos and stories, and only had to teach a few about the nature of wolves.  So here I am, lovin’ my travels, and longing to return once again.  I smile every time I sift through my photos packed with memories.  I like to tell people about my unique adventures and hope that they gain something from my stories, and ultimately look at the wolf from a different perspective.