We have been listening to a lonely, lone Wolfdog howling for his pack for several years. We had not been fully aware of each other’s interest until the last year, and then we got to work. We started talking to others, praying for some kind of intervention, working out strategies, and generally planning for a new life for Akela. We live in an area where local authorities get involved only if the animal does not have the bare minimum (shelter, food, water), even if it is inadequate. Akela has that. What he does not have is attention, veterinary care, and concern for his needs and wellbeing.
He also does not have a Wolfdog companion. Wolfdogs (hybrid wolves and dogs), like all dogs, are social creatures. Akela was purchased at 6 months old as a breeding mate for an older female Wolfdog. It’s now 6 years later. The supposed-to-be mate died long ago. There was another dog in the pen that used to torment Akela, so he was re-homed. That was years ago. This lonely Wolfdog has the most haunting and beautiful song, as he continually howls for his pack. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.
One of us provides some nutrition-rich food and treats for Akela, and one of us takes that food to him a few times a week. This feels good and he really enjoys the company and treats, but it’s not nearly enough. This dog needs to be re-homed, but finding a home for an unsocialized Wolfdog is not an easy task. Akela has not been out of his pen since he was 6 months old. He does not know how to walk on a leash. He has not been seen by a vet since he was a puppy. He cannot be petted or handled. In spite of this, he is not aggressive toward the person who visits him and brings him food. Wolfdogs are smart, and so is Akela. He recognizes her car and is always happy to see her.
Recently, our prayers and intentions were met with a synchronicity and a possible solution for Akela. We have a wildlife sanctuary in Texas that has agreed to take Akela. His sanctuary mate will be a female Wolfdog named Awa who recently lost her pen mate.
This sanctuary is a dream! It has a large space for Akela and Awa, with a variety of terrains, and an inside structure for inclement or hot weather. It was created and financed (with fundraising) by a young woman with a dream to educate about environmental conservation by sharing information about different animal species and their needs.
Our fundraising goal is $3,000 and here is what it will be used for:
- We will need to purchase Akela from his owner.
- The Sanctuary will come to pick up Akela. One of us may travel with Akela to the sanctuary; this person is a trusted friend of Akela's. She will need to pay for her own lodging, meals, other unknown expenses and a flight back home.
- We will donate anything that is left to the sanctuary in gratitude for the work they do so they can continue their programs even better than before. We will be thrilled to be able to offer the excess to this progressive, wonderful sanctuary.
If you are an animal lover like our little group, please consider donating to our cause. Even small donations from several animal lovers will help us reach our goal! We will post updates here, and you can hear about Akela’s story as we go through this process.
Please send prayers for Akela's re-homing! Blessings to all.
~~~The Akela Team
