Hello!
My name is Tioga of Speedwell. My father is Merlin and my mother is Niksa. We are all part of the Speedwell Family of wolves now. I was born in April of 2006. At least I think that’s about right! You see I was two weeks old when my parents, my aunt and me were rescued. Thanks to the Wolf Sanctuary we now have a good home and lots of love and attention. Our rescue took place on May 5th 2006. What luck for us!
Since I was so young it was necessary for me to be separated from my father and mother and Kisha, my aunt. I think the rescue saved my life and Matthew; manager of the Sanctuary took me under his wing and gave me a really good start. He was so kind and gentle, even allowed me to sleep with him. You have to understand I was very small so it was easy for me to cuddle. To him I became family and we went for walks to visit my family through the fence of course. Matthew kept telling me that when I was released from the care of the vet I would go back to the territory where they were. Seemed like a good idea to me.
Seemed like a good idea to me because the attention I was receiving was great! As I was growing by leaps and bounds I met so many wonderful humans. They were volunteers at the Sanctuary and they treated me with much affection.
As I was growing up I kept getting stronger and bigger. After a time I slept on the floor right next to Matthew. I loved all of this but I longed to be near my father and mother. That had nothing to do with my love for my human family but after all I am a male wolf and wanted to run and play in a space that was provided where we would all be safe and free at the same time.
Let me tell you something about Matthew. He has a heart that is bigger than life itself. We became friends right from the beginning and I always felt safe and warm around him. He welcomed me into his world with friendship and training that agreed to the upbringing that my parents would accept when I returned to the pack. He will always be my special friend.
Finally, I am back with my parents and aunt. They took me in as though I had never been gone. Have to admit there were moments of fright when discipline by my dad was to me a bit strange but I learned very quickly to respond to his demands. Also, for the record he was gentle but firm and I have learned. Must admit: I am very frisky and when my human friends come into the pen with us I can get a bit rough. I like to climb up to their faces and nibble.
To explain: I am now fully grown and even bigger than my dad and he is quite the big wolf. I love my family and I enjoy barking at the tourists when they visit for tours. It’s so wonderful to be free and have so many friends. I even converse with the other wolves in different areas. Our boundaries are quite beautiful and sometimes I even hide so that Matthew has to search for me. It’s great fun. My heritage has been quite good to me and I really love attention both from my human friends and especially my family!
Actually I could go on and on about the territory and our freedom. It must have been very difficult for my parents being trapped in such a small living area before but I feel so lucky to have been given this fantastic chance for a really good life with my family and the humans who love me. We know we are safe and one other thing: I love chewing on large deer bones with meat. It’s the greatest.
Must go now, I am being playfully attacked by my aunt. Hope you will come to see me!
