Wolf Maidens Greeting

I am a young woman, whom lives, treks, dances and sings with pure wolves. Due to where I live not only do I have the opportunity to have viewed, studied, and experienced living, surrounded by wild born wolves, right on my own land even! But I have also forged a friendship with some captive born pure wolves at my licensed wolf outreach and eco education center in Northern Canada. They have been but one teacher in my life, and I have humbly grown over time with them. It consists of various journeys with various wildlife, and pure wolves as they be, and all their glory. Nothing is ever as great as viewing the wild in the wild, such moments never fail to bring me to my knees in awe, wonder and humble honor. To meet another sentient being on their own hallowed grounds where they belong, brings tears to my eyes. I have an undying love affair and romance with the greatest show on earth...LIFE! and wish to say Namaste' to all fellow earth aliens :0) I hope you feel most welcome here and come back to visit from time to time, perhaps leave your own thoughts and mark to remember you by. It seems that so many are in a hurry these days, and don't just sit back enough and simply BE, I provide a lot of music choices here (Just scroll through them if yee like ) I hope you enjoy your stay no matter how long. I LOVE to meet people and hear their own story. I do feel with my every being, that every morning the sun rises to refresh our souls, and every sunset is honored as a gift, for we are not granted a tomorrow. I have the now to share, and hope you catch the same wild disease. Remember in the words of Dr. Seuss Be who you are, say what you feel, because those who mind dont matter, and those who matter don't mind.

Be Most Welcome Here

Be Most Welcome Here
Please enjoy your visit! My user name is skynymph http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymph

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Independance

Namaste' dear souls!

Every winter I juggle around what wolf will go where, I have a few separation pens to separate the wolves during breeding season, it's but for a couple months and they can be placed then back with their mate for the rest of the year, as wolves unlike dogs, mate only once a year in the winter. But I see no sense in breeding wolves every year only for pups to be placed in zoos continuously, with no goal other than to see wolves in captivity. Plus how many zoos can possibly be out there. Unless there is something specific like for example with my arctics and they needed pups for an endangered species program etc. It is best to just separate.

But let me tell you, even though necessary to do in captivity, (I talk about those reasons in another blog) once you see pups pulled from mom, it rips your heart right out, and I don't care what any zoo keeper or other caretaker of pures says, that they *get* over it...I don't think they do. Do such people speak wolf? I hardly think so. The difference between *dog* moms, and *wolf* moms is this. In the wild the *pack/ family units bonds and ties are STRONG* they are primal in their instincts, their ways have not been altered the ways dogs have been, dogs have been *bred* specifically for pups to then be dispersed as soon as they are weaned, and the dog mothers are only too happy to see them go!

This has over time created dogs, whom can take or leave a pack unit. Dogs that are content to be an only, in a household of humans and at such humans beck and call, they have lost their *independance* and rely heavily on US humans for everything.

Wolf mothers are FIERCE in their protective instincts, and this post reminds me of Stacey and her husband Mike (hawks ) blog for mothers day about mothers. Though yes I have seen this initial instinct in many dog mothers when pups are FIRST born , and for the first few weeks, but have also noticed they start to lose it once pups are weaned. Not so for wolf mothers, that bond has only strengthened in nature between pups and mom, and other family members. You see puppies are very highly valued within a wolf pack structure, it means a packs very survival and fine tuned operation.

I have watched a wolf mother literally dig for a number of MONTHS, all over the grounds a zillion dens and holes looking for her pups that were pulled from the den, and dispersed. This was one mother whom was NOT just forgetting in a few days about her puppies. So when I hear such generalization about such intelligent animals, I simply shake my head and think they have not YET then experienced what I have, or maybe they have and just don't *see* it that way. You have to TRICK many wolf mothers out of the way, in order to get their puppies in captive situations, cause she will NOT willingly give them up to you like a dog will. And if you are lucky to be *trusted* enough to interact with those puppies, whilst they are still so young, that wolf mother *entrusts* YOU enough as a human, to not take them from her too.
I can completely understand pulling and bottle-feeding wild animals for a time if in a captive situation, and then the family unit placed back together once the pups are completely socialized to humans, (Wolf Park comes to mind for this) and thus more safely handled for life then, by human caretakers. BUT the majority of places that breed pure wolves, pups are dispersed and the pack unit is not reunited a few months down the road. (I mean no disrespect, nor am I saying that places that do this are outright *wrong*, some of my pups came to me that way.) But I am complex in my feelings on this topic too, so I mean no insult to other professional colleagues. The longer I have been involved, the more my feelings/ thoughts have evolved about this. They can't not. When you view ALL life as sacred and free thinking, and you have wild animals in captivity, well for ME at least this has been a part of the struggle along the way in my journey.

Maybe some would call this anthromorphizing but if you ever get to see such a look as I witnessed with this one wolf, you would KNOW, and you would FEEL what I say, if you truly have a connection to the sacred circle of life and living. Over the years as I have gotten closer to these animals and their world, I have also gained a different respect than when I first started out, the lessons they have taught me have been invaluable, and it is best to never think you know it all, cause just when you even start to think you may know enough, they may knock you on your collective assets *grin*, to say "You NEVER graduate, so keep studying."

How can you not admire another creature for being what it is, and thinking for itself? Not allowing, no matter what, to be manipulated into something it is not.

But wolves can also get into familiar *habits* of comfortability like humans can. Almost ritualistic in behavior. Is there something you HAVE to do daily, no matter how small like maybe you check the doors twice every night that they are locked, or maybe it is a glass of apple juice right before bed , you get the picture. Do you feel that something may not be quite right if you are taken out of that *comfortable* zone you have forged, and that ritual you have created not played out? It could be as simple as a certain kind of blanket you HAVE to sleep with, heck even on camping trips THAT blanket has to be with you?

Well one wolf this winter had a serious issue with being placed into one particular separation pen, it would have been alright had I placed her in a couple of the others, but just not this ONE. She had never been placed into THAT one before in her life, so instantly she felt *uncomfortable* I thought to myself, she's such a calm animal, she'll do alright for a couple months. WELL, she had other ideas. ;0)

Another thing in *general* about wolves is this, they THINK before DOING they dont take temper tantrums like dogs do when they want something, they simply think and DO. My dogs would sit there taking tantrums like little kids destroying as much they can FIRST, to get what they want. Before then accidentally stumbling their way upon the solution. (Different thinking processes at work here)

I had gone inside to get changed to go in for shopping, and laid out on the bed for a couple seconds, I remember feeling for some reason that she was NOT going to settle into where she was, well then I heard this THUMP (the cabin has a metal roof so even when it rains, it's loud) I shot straight up and yelled "Holy He* she's on the roof!" this is where all that palmolive soap down my throat over the years as a kid, proved it's mad methods not to work, as I had a few cursive words to express ;0)

Ten foot tall, 9 gage, zoo strength chainlink, she climbed and got onto the freakin roof! It's a separation pen, and though fairly close to the cabin, within a number of feet. I have never had a single issue with it with any other wolves till she came along, *grin* and decided to teach me something.

I ran out praying to all the powers that be, that I was wrong. But nope miss smarty pants was up there and grinning at me. I was picturing firetrucks, and oh gawd, how the heck was I going to get her off the roof. I was able to coax her down by throwing weiners into her enclosure. Well I think I can say I have nearly seen it all now. And no, there were no worries or chance of her running away from home. ;0) not on this land, and she loves her home.

In fact I often tell people I could let them all run around my land freely at will, and without worry of them leaving, IF I lived in a world where the rancher down the ol country road wouldn't shoot them, at first notice. So I keep them safe, as they are in my world even though I also allow them to be in their own as much as is possible.
Of course, I took her immediately to another enclosure and she was as content as punch then. I should have *Listened* to her, but I didn't, sooooo being the ever independant thinker, she let me know what she wanted. Paradox thank you, you keep me in check to make sure I am listening. Which also makes me think of Robins post about communication and how it is vital for ANY relationship to have the Respect, Understanding, Tolerance, and most importantly being a GOOD listener. I guess you can say My dear Paradox of Providence was fearless ;0) in her communication.
Photo of my friend dustin with my grey beauty paradox, who comes out to visit the wolves every couple months

26 comments:

Walt said...

Sky, as they used to say, "the truth is stranger than fiction".
So this must be the real story- Little Red Riding Whore?

Every time I play this song I can't help but think of you. Little red hot riding hood

I think you will like the full cartoon too. RED HOT RIDING HOOD.

Michelle said...

What a great post, and some excellent lessons there too. We do *not* always know what's "better" or "right" for the other creatures in the world. I'm glad there are people like you who still listen to the animals.

SkyNymph said...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhahahahahahahahah that is the funniest thing I have seen Walt , Oh My! ha ha. Everyone (((you gotta check out walts cartoon post, of red hot riding hood. I have thought for years there needs to be a different spin on that story, as soon as it started I was sitting here laughing till tears were coming. Thanks Walt! Leave it to YOU my friend. (hugz)

sky

Anonymous said...

Dear sky, I cried (and laughed some too) reading this. I don't believe people who say we are "anthromorphizing". In almost all cases when someone says that to me, I see a person before me who has sadly lost their roots and doesn't even know it. I want to cover my ears because I hear their soul screaming so loudly for help. They are telling me more about themselves than the wild ceatures. I always try to keep an open mind with people, but honestly? my soul knows the truth, and always will. If one has lived with wild creatures and taken time to stop and listen they cannot help but hear the wild voices and feel the wild hearts that beat in tune with our own. The veils drop and the human animal merges with ALL animals.

I am grateful that at least these few wolves live with you and that you "see" and "feel" their souls, because most wildlife the world over now lives in a world that is rapidly changing, a world run by a chaotic and domesticated species (humans), a species no longer in touch with the wild world and Mother Nature.

I guess I cried for two reasons. One, because you see and hear the wolves and two, because I relate to them in my body. I love that deep wild feeling in the pit of my gut. I relate to the wild feral quality in their faces and body posture. We humans think we can live spearate from Earth and our wild brethren...but we can't. Not without repercussions. When we don't revere something we can easily destroy it.

Thank you from my heart for what you are doing. Thank you for listening to and learning from these magnificent beings.

Hugs and love,
RainforestRobin

PS This time I saved my comment in case that cyber-being eats it again!! :)

Anonymous said...

Your posts always have so much to get me thinking. Such great photos also. I can't believe she can climb a ten foot fence! Wow!

When I look at the shot of the sleeping pup, all I can see are those feet!

I think I mentioned that many years ago I heard and saw a few wolves at night after hours in a zoo. I remember thinking how out of place they looked even in a "natural" enclosure.

Walt said...

From the cabalistic fables of the ancients, even unto the very present. We Homo sapiens, continue to project our own dire self image, in the maligning of the nature's noble wolves.

Anonymous said...

I'd also say that you are not anthropomorphizing. You are respecting the creature as WOLF, and seeing how the wolf thinks, feels and behaves in a wolf sensitive way. Being sensitive to the wolf and respecting it's otherness is the opposite of anthropomorphizing it. Lots of people see animals as just being like humans in fur coats, and assume that they will want what humans want, fit in with human desires, behave as you would expect a human to behave. That is true anthropomorphism, and it makes me grind my teeth, as it means another creatures needs cannot be understood or even recognised. Sorry to bang on, it's a pet subject of mine! So...what a great educational post again, and those pictures :) they give me vertigo! Reminds me of having to coax some feral children down from the roof of a wildlife education centre I worked at once - wieners might have worked for them too if I'd thought of it :D xxx

Namaste!

Walt said...

Namaste Hot Stuff, I just stuck my nose in your music box. You really put me to shame girl! And I love it. You know, I once saw a coon crazy dog climb way up in a big tree.

Anonymous said...

Namaste' Will the sleeping pup was only a week at the time and is the arctic legend you have seen a lot of on this site. :0) So yup big feet.

Wolves are like , well, picture tigger. BOING ! they can from a complete stand still with no running start, spring over 8 feet straight up in the air. Standard height is 10 feet. BUT I will say this when people tell me I keep them from running away by using tall fencing. NOPE that's not it I have standard rules to follow due to my licensing.

If ANY of the wolves wished to Leave and were unhappy though, they WOULD leave, ***and not even a 20 foot tall fence could keep them in*** that is just a fact ;0)

When wolves are kept content, and happy, (enriched) and are bonded, they don't want to leave. Once I listened to paradox which was immediate she was fine. :0)

metta
sky

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

A wonderful, sensitive, and sensible post, Sky. When it comes to the animal kingdom, what isn't understood about how animals think and feel, is tossed off as simply, "They don't." To anybody who spends time surrounded by nature and observing animal behavior, it's obvious that they do. Animals are not given enough credit because humans don't understand them. The shortcoming is with humans, not with our furry friends.

Mark said...

Wonderful post Sky. Very funny story about the roof adventure - made me smile. Sorry haven't been active on the blogging scene of late, visiting and posting. Hopefully someday I may be up your way to photograph wolves.

SkyNymph said...

Namaste' Walt, YES is a really great band!!! I love them personally, but yes not really a band you hear a lot from.

Mark it's so nice to hear from you again, thank you...I hope one day you can get up here too.

Bird and sandpiper, THANK YOU although it is nice to hear, that I am not doing this. I also have no illusions about all sides to this topic of other species and how they are looked at, considered, etc by the human species.

Robin, you truly have been gifted I believe with insight, and words to express that insight. Your energy just crashes into a room, and it is a very powerful gift. You are truly using your gift with both humbleness, humility, awareness, and a deep love beyond physical barriers.

Stacey Olson said...

Sky, this is such a beautiful post.. I am sorry it took me so long to read it.. been busy and wanted to be able to sit down and give it my full attention.. They really are clever creatures and have an uncanny way of teaching us what they need. I don't get how people can close themselves off so much that they don't hear and learn from the wild. (and not so wild) world that we live in... thanks for listending Sky and thanks to your beautiful girl for making sure you keep listening...(wink)
(((HUGS)))
Stacey

Mike "Hawk" Huston said...

Hua Kola, Sky of the wilderness.great photos, and love the music on your blog, I don't get to comment on the other blogs too often,but enjoy the chance to see what you are up to there in the north country. you are truly a wildlife warrior and a wild soul... keep your chin to the wind.. Hawk a/ho

Scott said...

Sky, I'm not sure how I missed this post, other than that I've been crazy busy. No excuse... I'm glad I finally read it! I can only imagine your reaction to Paradox on the roof, and how to get her down! As usual, you have such a great way of sharing your experiences with the wolves, and it is important (and entertaining :) ) information that you are sharing.

Be Well!
Scott

Walt said...

As much as I respect and am concerned for future of the wolf. There is another even more endangered species, that I desire to protect at all cost! The Skylars of this world are few and far between. Others must exist, but this rare bird, with the fiery heart of a lion, and the wisdom of Solomon; is the only one that I know. Indeed, the world would be a much darker place without the light from these very special super souls.

Lyra's Guide said...

Skylar! Your last blog was a perfect for ending my day...and you always say 'listen to your inner voice'. Girl I hear your words every moment of my days. It is now my mantra! Paradox was only following her inner voice and she was rather adamant about insisting. I have come to accept that wolves and many sensitive dogs have a complicated thinking process involving many emotions: love, greed, envy, grief to name the top few. I believe that we as humans have inherited ‘THEIR’ emotional processes through the evolutionary time span. It is us that have taken on their emotions and given the emotions rituals. They owned the behavior first Skylar. Peace to you and the wolf-wild life you live!

Walt said...

What do you want to do with your life?
Hey! We're not going to take it!

A Twisted Blast From The Past.

Reflections Magazine editor said...

Great post and the shots are stunning. Hope you are well my friend.

Walt said...

Come up for air! It is not fair to worry me like this, when my heart tells me you are having problems with your health. I can only hope that this is some false spirit, that has been troubling me so. And yes, as your friend, I feel guilty too! For not keeping a closer eye on Little Big Woman.

Walt said...

I pray. It's all I can do.

Walt said...

There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.
George Carlin

Walt said...

YES!! There is a God!

Anonymous said...

Those are some incredible pictures of wolves. Who isn't fascinated with their wildness and beauty?

Dagny
www.onnotextiles.com
organic apparel

Walt said...

Don't make me come up there, for to see about you. I'm afraid a big ol' bear will eat me up!

Anonymous said...

sometime we are so unhuman . Good to see someone listen to animals.