In the wild, where nature speaks in silent whispers, there is always a story that moves us deeply.
It is a story that shows us the amazing power of animals and how they can touch our hearts.
It is a story that urges us to break free from our apathy and embrace our role as protectors of the earth and its creatures.
This is the story of Yuki, a wolfdog with a high percentage of wolf genes left behind by his owner.
Wolves
Wolves are remarkable beings.
They harbor strength beyond mere physical bounds – it’s in their piercing gaze, their sleek stride, their resounding howls that echo through vast wildernesses.
They possess an intelligence that humbles us and instincts honed to such an amazing degree, they form an inherent part of their fascinating social abilities.
In our never-ending quest to feel closer to nature’s magic, humans have walked the path not often trodden and bred wolves with dogs – creating the not so fancied wolfdogs: creatures with the physical attributes of wolves but with predominantly gentle temperament.
Like having a slice of wild amidst our domestic lives, wolfdogs are seen as ‘the best of both worlds‘ because they combine the traits of wolves and dogs.
Yuki was one of these remarkable wolfdogs who had a unique story to tell.
Born with more than 87 percent wolf DNA interlaced delicately with 8.6 percent Siberian Husky and just a sprinkle of 3.9 percent German Shepherd, Yuki was predominantly wolf at heart and spirit, an in fact, one of the highest content wolfdogs at the sanctuary that adopted him.
His captivating personality made him overflow with life; he was outgoing, had the charms to woo women off their feet (said volunteers at the sanctuary), and was extraordinarily engaging, though the persistent shy nature of his “wolfy content” made him less likely to be friends with everyone at the sanctuary.
When Yuki was only eight months old, he found himself in dire straits – abandoned at a shelter in Florida’s east coast because he grew much bigger than his owner ever anticipated and his unwavering spirit proved too much to handle.
But destiny intervened in the guise of Shy Wolf Sanctuary that swooped in like an angel on wings saving Yuki from his bleak situation.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary
Shy Wolf Sanctuary has been a beacon of hope for many like Yuki; this non-profit sanctuary founded in 2001 by Nancy Smith ventures into brave territories where others fear to tread – providing sanctuary to wild and captive-bred wolves along with various other exotic beings that are discarded by society once their novelty wears off.
When he made his way to the shelter back in 2008, the wolf sanctuary had bigger plans for Yuki. They intended making him an ambassador for the sanctuary because of his outgoing personality and the first move for a scout meeting even went through, until it quickly became clear that he had “another side“.
Yuki, with rounds and rounds of aggression, tussled with a palmetto situated where he was kept and ended up with a gash on his right rear knee. He was that aggressive sometimes.
He needed five rounds of surgery before he could once again leap and bound unimpeded – during that time, being regularly confined and “controlled” led him to act out a bit more than usual.
Volunteers describe Yuki as a “ham” and one that always wanted things to go his way. He neither wanted to be restrained or even controlled at the slightest. So the healing days were a bit more than challenging to handle.
Despite his hardships earlier in life, he maintained an undeniable enchantment for women – carefully selecting those who could enter within his comfort zone or what was affectionately coined his ‘harem.’
These beloved volunteers pinned the nickname “woowoo” for Yuki, as that was the sound he made to signal his joy whenever they arrived at the sanctuary.
Yuki was more of an explorer than most pure wolves at the sanctuary.
He would often run straight to visitors and try to assess them. Most often, disliking them, and becoming slightly aggressive and irritated with every move they make.
But for those he trusted and loved, his harem if i may say, he gave his all, yet, he still at any time, kicked out members without warning, and never allowed them back into the group again.
Such charisma made him one of the most interesting residents at Shy Wolf Sanctuary.
Wolfdog’s Two Faced Personality
The problem with many wolfdogs is that despite all attempts towards assimilation, it is essential to understand the unpredictability residing within their spirits; they are constantly pulled between two worlds leading sometimes to challenging behaviors that are hard even for experienced caregivers to manage – which is why domestic animal services believe they are unadoptable.
That’s why they have no other place to go other than the very few sanctuaries like SWS that nurture wild wolves.
Goodbye
Unfortunately, though strong at heart, no creature could escape life’s inevitable march towards its end; it came eventually for brave Yuki who battled blood cancer valiantly before succumbing in 2020 leaving behind an emptiness filled only with memories of his heroic spirit.
Yuki’s tale draws attention not just towards him but rather all animals like him who drift within shelters uncertainly due to human apathy or ignorance while non-profit initiatives like Shy Wolf Sanctuary work relentlessly towards providing them home year after year.
When we remember animals like Yuki, we pause for a moment in our busy lives and feel the compassion we need for the majestic nature around us. Wolves are among the creatures that teach us valuable lessons about survival beyond mere existence every day.
And when we think of Shy Wolf Sanctuary — a place where more than 60 animals find a permanent home every year, and many others are rehabilitated and returned to the wild, we can’t help but see a shining example of empathy and conservation for all living beings, something we need more than ever in these dark times.