Thursday, June 2, 2016

Farewell Hope



With heavy hearts, we bid our Hope farewell two weeks ago.  She had suffered from a genetic spinal defect.  Too young to pass from us so soon, we were heartbroken to lose her, but we know that she had moved on to a better place, free from any further suffering.

Hope was born at the sanctuary with her brother Aries.  The two of them had met and bonded with our young Lazarus at a very early age and the three had been a pack ever since.  Their very social, friendly demeanor made all three of them very popular among guests and volunteers alike.  Hope was known as our "Fainting Wolf" throughout the sanctuary because of her habit of rushing to greet any caretaker who came to visit  her enclosure and immediately flopping at their feet for a belly rub.  She was the alpha leader of her pack, always sure to keep Aries and Lazarus in line, and she ruled her pack with discipline, love, and lots of fun, though she did not hesitate to ensure that she receive the most attention of the three.  Hope's presence will be deeply missed throughout the sanctuary and we will always keep her memory close to our hearts.   

"Dear Hope, my brain isn’t quite wrapped around your death. So young, we never expected your journey would begin so soon.  We knew you were not feeling well.  Only two months ago, the vet examined you.  You laid beside us so calm, your demeanor a tad embarrassed as the vet checked around and beneath your tail and your hind legs.  We sedated you lightly for the x-rays and were worried by the vet’s expression.  He said that your spine was compacted (a genetic defect) and the nerves were being restricted in your lower back, the prognoses was not good.  He explained that there was no way to know how long you would be with us, but that many have lived for years with this condition.  We are all stunned by how quick you left.  I grasp at memories.  My hand reaches into thin air, a feeble attempt to pull you back.  Just one more moment to capture some glimpse of your sweet face, and hear your gentle melodic howl.  You had a way of always making me smile.  Miss Hope, I will miss rubbing your belly, how you would pin my feet to the ground so I could not escape.  Rub! you commanded, and all of us that had the blessing to occupy your space obeyed.  We all miss you Hope, our Hope.  Thank you for blessing us and choosing us to care for you and give you a happy home.  You are and will always be one of our babes born here.  You knew nothing but love all your life.  Don’t fret as you move to higher hills and cross the bridge on your new adventure with the sun and moon at your heals.   We will care for your brother Aries and your pack mate Lazarus.  You lead your pack with dignity and strength, a true leader until the end.  I am gladdened in heart to know that your family was close by your side in your final hours and could grieve in true wolf form, to help ease your passing with whispers in your own language, and tales from your own nation.  Safe journey my friend, my sister.   Nature blessed your final day with sun, warm and welcoming you to wonder beyond our borders. No more pain.  I wonder did it lift your spirits to have a sunny day with birds singing as you left this plain.  A sunny day was always your favorite time.  I see you running and playing.  Stretching your legs and throwing your head back.  Until we meet again, all my love, all our love…"
Dawn Darlington - President, Wolf Sanctuary of PA




IN MEMORY of HOPE of SPEEDWELL
born: 12-14-2008 / died 05-17-2016

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful tribute to Hope. ❤️

Dani Farabaugh

Unknown said...

Saw Hope at your sanctuary. She was beautiful. I am sorry for your loss.

JeanMarie said...

This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful creature. Thank you, Dawn, for sharing these thoughts. We were fortunate to have met Hope and to know of the dedication you, your family, staff and volunteers show to the life and legacy of the wolves in your sanctuary. Rich and Jean Woolley

Unknown said...

What a wonderful tribute you have penned for Hope. One can easily see how much you love her and all of the packs. Thank you for giving these wonderful animals a place where they can roam free and be as much as a wolf as possible. Roam free on the other side, dear Hope.

BarbBoogie said...

RIP dear sweet HOPE!!! Your life was cut short and we will miss you.

Unknown said...

I'm very sorry for your loss, and all that got to meet Miss Hope. prayers to you all and her pack.

jean said...

What a beautiful eulogy; I wish I could have met her. Peace

Unknown said...

This is heartbreaking. She certainly was a blessing for the short time she had here in this world. I am saddened by your loss. Remember her with love as she will remember you.

Unknown said...

So sad to lose such a beautiful creature at such a young age. She is in a better place where she is with other amazing creatures like herself. Dearest Hope.....You will be dearly missed.

pavloveia said...

I wish I'd gotten to the Sanctuary in time to see you, Hope. I know you look down on all your brothers and sisters now and one day you'll all be reunited. My deepest condolences to your family--both human and wolf.

Unknown said...

I'm sure to have met you, seen how you loved to play, and appreciated seeing your grace and beauty.