Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center January 2014 newsletter

conservation · education · preservation

JANUARY 2014 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

the wolf...

God looked down on the mountains, rivers and valleys and said I need somebody to manage this wonderful land. Somebody to stop over grazing and keep the rivers on course.

Somebody to manage the wildlife; cull the sick and the weak so the ...strong and healthy endure. Somebody with a strong sense of family who would be loyal to his mate and children, raise them and protect them from all harm.

Somebody who would bring wonderful songs to the mountains that would make some stop and listen and others cry, somebody who would reflect another’s soul when they were able to look into each other’s eyes. So God made the wolf.

- Laura Tatum-Cowen

DARLENE AND HER LOVE-STRUCK WILEY...

TAKOTA

in memory of

My memories of Takota are of watching him grow up from a kit to a major member of his family. When I think of him, I see him laying in the sun and enjoying life. I also remember when he was first diagnosed with cancer and how much of a trooper he was going through several surgeries and chemo. Unfortunately, he lost his battle with such an ugly disease, but nothing can ever take away the precious memories of a fox who was so sweet and gave so much not only to the people who cared for him, but he also played an important part in conservation about why we need fox in our eco system and the truths about fur farms that are so very cruel and are allowed in the US. Maybe someday this shameful practice will go away forever. Thank you Takota for everything.

WE LOVE AND MISS YOU DEEPLY. Forever in our hearts, Darlene, Yuma, Lika & Nevada Takota was an inspiration to so many people.

He was so sweet and courageous right to the very end. Rest in peace sweet boy. We all love and miss you very much! – BETH Thank you John for this beautiful art of Takota

719.687.9742 PO Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814 www. wolfeducation.org

Takota’s Skyway I see you in a forest I sense you in a breeze Missing your soft eyes I sing lullabies of love – Sandaura

My sweet boy Takota, I love you so very deeply. Your valiant struggle will always be a reminder to live life to the fullest. Your bravery is my reminder to face my own demons. I will cherish the time that you graced us with. – Catherine My sweet Takota, words cannot describe how much I miss you. You were always my favorite, from the very first time I met you when you were just a tiny kit. I loved the way you enjoyed having your soft fur stroked, even going so far as to sit in someone’s lap and churr. I think it was your endearing personality that made you stand out, and I’m sure going to miss your gentle nips at my heels during feeding time, as if to say “Hey! Don’t forget me!”. Sweet Takota, you will never be forgotten. I know that you are running free on the other side of rainbow bridge, with your mom and all the other critters who went before you.

We’ll meet again someday. – Michelle Takota was the first fox I ever touched and I will never forget that interaction. He was so sweet and he will always be my inspiration for the continued fight against the fur industry. RIP Takota, I will see you again at the Rainbow Bridge. – Diane Takota. You taught me about strength, hope, beauty and the magic of foxes. I will miss your beautiful face and sweet nature. You will always have a very special spot in my heart. – Katie

a note from

The Humane Society of the United States It was a very happy new year for all animals around the world thanks to your support in 2013. We’re so glad you stand with us to protect animals from cruelty.

Now, the new year is here and we have big plans.

In addition to providing care for at least 100,000 animals through our rescues, sanctuaries, veterinary services, street dog sterilization, and other programs, we’ll be working on our top five priorities for 2014, which I invite you to take action on and help us start the year off right for animals: • Secure humane breeding standards in all 50 states to crack down on puppy mills.

• Root out dogfighting and cockfighting, including the spectators of the cruel fights.

• Put an end to the “soring” abuse of horses in show competitions.

• Require non-lead ammo for hunting, and protect Michigan wolves and Maine bears from cruel trophy hunting practices.

• Shut down the illegal Philippine dog meat market and end dog meat trade from Thailand to Vietnam.

We will also continue to fight the King amendment that would repeal animal welfare laws and to battle ag-gag bills, which seek to make it a crime to investigate cruelty. And wherever animals are at risk, in need, or in crisis - we’ll be there.

Thank you for all you did for animals in 2013 and I look forward to seeing the impact we will have together in 2014.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We’re there for all animals, across America and around the world.

It is unfortunate that US Wildlife Services is not protecting our wildlife.

This article from the Center for Biological Diversity is sad and very eye opening. It is also disturbing for the future of our wildlife. As some populations diminish in areas, it has been documented that inbreeding has begun to occur. Cruel and inhumane methods of killing are barbaric and they are treating animals with not respect. This is not management. Look what a mess humans has done to this planet and we think we can manage wildlife? We cannot even manage ourselves. Please be a voice and call USWS. Let them know that they are paid to protect our wildlife and not be influenced by political reasons and special interests.

Millions of animals every year are being killed -- including bears, foxes, otters, badgers, wolves, coyotes, wolverines and songbirds. Since 1996 it has killed over 22 million animals, with virtually no public oversight or accountability.

It uses every killing method imaginable: spring-loaded cyanide cartridges, leg-hold traps, poison, guns, helicopter gunning, drowning, asphyxiation and even starvation.

Rep. Peter Defazio (D-Ore.) called Wildlife Services “the most opaque and obstinate department” he’s ever dealt with. The Sacramento Bee called it “the killing agency” whose “brutal methods leave a trail of animal death.” The Center for Biological Diversity calls Wildlife Services what it is: a rogue agency killing America’s wildlife.

And in 2014 we’re going to stop it. Please help us by donating today to our Endangered Species Protection Fund. Your gift will go directly to shining a spotlight on this secretive agency and taking legal action to stop the killing. Donate at http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ Stories of Wildlife Services employees illegally killing pet dogs, burying golden eagles and torturing coyotes are true. But even more devastating is its systematic killing of millions of wild creatures.

In 2012 alone the agency killed 503 gray wolves, 76,000 coyotes, 567 black bears, two grizzlies, nearly 25,000 beavers, 533 river otters, 78 osprey, 396 mountain lions, and thousands of hawks and foxes.

You’d think any agency that uses taxpayer money to slaughter so many animals would be tightly overseen and strictly guided by rules and ethical standards -- but it has none. It is the only federal agency I know of with no internal regulations guiding its actions.

To stop the killing the Center has filed a legal demand with Wildlife Services to establish rules to protect endangered species, ensure all animals are treated humanely, and publicly document all animals killed: where the agency kills them, how it kills them, which industries benefit from the killing, and why nonlethal tactics aren’t being used instead.

We will have to go to court in 2014 to back up our legal demand. At the same time the U.S. Inspector General will be auditing the agency, and our congressional allies will be pressuring the agency with reform legislation and demands for public accountability.

After decades of shadowy, uncontrolled killing the tide is turning against Wildlife Services.

2014 is our best, and maybe last, chance to hold this rogue agency accountable once and for all.

Please help by donating generously today to our Endangered Species Protection Fund and passing this message on to your friends and family.

Kierán Suckling

Center for Biological Diversity

Please join the ASPCA, The Humane Society of the United States, the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, Colorado Voters for Animals, Colorado Citizens for Canine Welfare and fellow animal lovers Thursday, February 20, in Denver for Colorado Humane Lobby Day. This is your opportunity to let state lawmakers know, in person, that you support animal protection and oppose laws that would allow animals to be hurt and exploited.

Colorado Humane Lobby Day will provide animal advocates with a structured, comfortable setting in which to meet their elected officials. We’ll organize meetings with your legislators and help you prepare for them with insider tips and an overview of pending or upcoming legislation that directly impacts animals.

This annual event is critical to our lobbying efforts, is a great networking activity, and is invigorating, inspiring and very personally rewarding.

Don’t miss out—register now!

Questions? Please email grassroots@aspca.org.

First Baptist Church of Denver Miller Hall Room 1373 Grant Street Denver, CO 80203 Thursday, February 20, 2014 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Registration closes Feb 15. www.eventbrite.com and search lobby day

A NOTE FROM PROJECT COYOTE You may have heard about our efforts to stop the unconscionable Coyote & Wolf Killing “Derby” in Salmon, Idaho where prizes will be awarded for the largest wolf killed and the most female coyotes killed and children as young as 10 are encouraged to participate.

I wanted to let you know that we mobilized and joined forces with allies to stop this hunt on public lands. Recently we sued the US Forest Service to block the contest and require the Forest Service to conduct a formal review to assess the impact of such events. Our letter to the Bureau of Land Management helped to ensure that the hunt will not take place on BLM lands. Now we need the US Forest Service to do the same.

You can read about the controversy in an article in Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/24/ usa-hunt-idaho-idUSL2N0K21DX20131224) that is reaching audiences across the globe as well as in my blog on Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ camilla-fox/twoday-holiday-killing-de_b_4471553.html) Since we first issued an action alert and catapulted this issue to center stage national media outlets and organizations have joined us in exposing this atrocity. And it will take a groundswell of outrage and political will to ban these senseless killing sprees.

This effort requires financial support. I hope you will make a donation to Project Coyote to help us press for an end to this barbaric exploitation of our wildlife. This insane cruelty and disrespect must stop. And we are committed to propelling that change.

Camilla H. Fox, Executive Director Project Coyote Project Coyote is a national non-profit organization based in Larkspur, California that promotes compassionate conservation and coexistence between people and wildlife.

Follow Camilla Fox on Twitter: www.twitter.com/projectcoyote

“Our wildlife anymore is one big revenue contest. There is no respect.”

WYOMING TO OFFER “SUPER TAG” RAFFLE FOR HUNTERS Cheyenne - A new raffle will allow hunters in Wyoming to draw tags for any of 10 species in the hunt area of their choice.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Dept. is launching the “super tag” system to boost revenue amid budget cuts. Hunters who pay $10 will be entered for the chance to draw a super tag. Winners will be chosen for each of 10 species: elk, deer, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, black bear, gray wolf, mountain goat, mountain lion and wild bison. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that Game and Fish also is introducing a “super trifecta.” That raffle costs $30 to enter, and the winner will get to pick 3 licenses.

The tags will be raffled off in early May.

Wolves Work Hard For Their Dinner…

Wolves don’t carry AR-15 assault rifles, drive expensive rigs, ATV’s or snowmobiles. They don’t use traps, snares, bows, poison, bait or wounded animal calls to catch their prey.

Wolves are fed by their feet (Russian Proverb). They use their wits, incredible stamina and sense of smell as pack members join together in cooperation to feed their family. They may travel twenty to forty miles to find food, longer if necessary.

Even then, their hunting success rate is low, just one in ten wolf hunts results in a meal. Can you imagine how hard life is for them under the best of conditions? Now they face even greater obstacles to stay alive. Hunted and demonized, by an unrelenting campaign to drive them back to extinction in the lower 48. - Howling for Justice

Full Moon Tour

Meet and greet Keyni our ambassador wolf before the tour. Tour starts immediately after and lasts approximately 1 hour.

One Saturday night a month!

Full Moon Feeding TouR

This tour combines our FEEDING TOUR with our FULL MOON TOUR. The Friday before and Sunday after our Full Moon Tours.

ADULTS: $25 (13 years+) CHILDREN: $15 (8-12 years) No kids under 8 Wear warm clothes and good boots

Bring a camera and a flashlight

Check wolfeducation.org for dates and check-in times

Full Moon Valentine’s Day WITH THE WOLVES

FEBRUARY 14, 2014 4:30 check in · 5-7 pm event Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Wolves under the full moon.

Meet and greet Keyni our ambassador wolf.

Take a tour of our resident animals and join in a full moon howl.

Wear warm clothes/good boots • Bring a camera/flashlight Cocoa and coffee will be provided

ADULTS: $30 · KIDS: $15 (8-12) No children under 8

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center Reservations Required

719.687.9742

NEW ALPHA PHOTO SESSION $150 for the first two guests, $50 for each additional guest, up to four people. (must be 18 or older)

Get up close and personal with our wolves or foxes. Not only will you be able to interact with our wolves, but a staff photographer will also capture this ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. Each group will receive up to 15 photos on a CD to take home.*

Standard Tour

*We do our very best to capture the perfect photos with our animals, however, some days may be better than others, as each animal has an individual personality.

You will receive up to 15 photos. Some will be natural and it’s possible to get a posed shot, but there are no guarantees. Your time in with the animals can vary, depending on how cooperative they are.

ADULTS $15 · CHILDREN $8

10 am, noon and 2 pm Tuesday-Sunday

One-hour educational tour of the sanctuary.

All tours have limited space and have our no-cancellation policy.

Reschedules are allowed May-October only!

FEEDING Tour

YOUTH FOX PHOTOS

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

ADULTS $20 · CHILDREN $10

$100 for up to 4 children

$75 PER PERSON

(must be 8 or older)

Reservations for Thursdays or Sundays

Your child will have their picture taken with our red fox!

What could be better than a guided nature walk in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with a wolf?

Every day except Thursday (and Monday) One-hour educational tour while your guide feeds the wolves! Learn about hunting, howling & hierarchy.

Communicate with the pack in a group howl!

Patrick getting some Na’vi lovin...

Double kisses

Shannon and Keyni

Na’vi gets a belly rub

ALPHA PHOTO SESSION New Years Eve with Micah

Kekoa does occasionally kiss men

Keara and Guest

Timid and Under-socialized Dogs

719.687.9742 PO Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814 www. wolfeducation.org

Having a quaking dog who wants to run away from people and other dogs is no fun. Many people who have fearful and skittish dogs work to keep them away from the world. Ironically, that is the opposite of what needs to be done. Sheltering fearful dogs will only make them more fearful, and some may progress to the point they bite. Two main reasons I see timid dogs is nature and nurture, and sometimes they both work together to create even more problems. Training and socialization can help.

Dogs who are timid by nature may appeal to some owners because these dogs are often clingy, which can be mistaken for affection. Wherever the owner goes, the dog often follows like a shadow. These same dogs will also be uncertain about anyone who comes over. Although they retreat to the person they feel secure around, what the dog really needs is to learn how to overcome his or her fears.

Although some dogs have a timid nature, other dogs may be less secure because the dog didn’t get the correct kinds of socialization which is extremely vital for puppies. To become secure, dogs need to be taken out into our world and exposed to different things. People who acquire a dog, and never take the dog out anywhere except frightening places such as a vet’s office or a groomer, not only fall short of adequate socialization, these kinds of experiences will often times nurture insecurity.

Some people are fooled about how much socialization dogs actually need. They may take a puppy to puppy class and feel their job is done.

That marginal amount of socialization may work for a few dogs, but for many dogs, especially dogs with a more reserved nature or who are timid, this is not adequate.

Dogs need socialized to different people, a variety of dogs, and to other animals including cats, household pets, and livestock. Although a puppy class offers some exposure to other dogs and to people, many dogs will become secure about the few dogs they meet in the puppy class, but remain aloof with other dogs they encounter.

Behind the problem is that some dogs view the small class like a family, leaving the dog insecure about other meeting new dogs. Likewise, during a puppy class, ideally the pup is being socialized with other people. But, this is only begins the process. One thing a good puppy class can allow is the opportunity for the puppy to be handled by adults and children. If no children are present in the puppy class, then that kind of introduction needs secured elsewhere.

Having taught puppy classes, I do have some guidelines and cautions for people looking to begin their dog’s social experiences in a class. If you have a timid dog, you will need to be all the more selective with your puppy class. Make sure your instructor has experience with working with less secure dogs. Don’t just settle for a “yes I do” answer. Ask the instructor to tell you how he or she works to help these kinds of dogs.

When looking for a puppy class, make sure that play is monitored correctly. The way I did my puppy playtime was to allow the more rambunctious puppies to play before the class, then after class, those puppies went home. At that time, the less secure pups were allowed to play. With the rowdy group, I’d make sure if things got too intense that the puppies were interrupted, and allowed to settle down before they could resume play. Of course, you’d sometimes encounter one or two pups that

needed a lot of guidance in the “play civilized” department. Puppies who were insecure where handled differently. If a pup was far too insecure to play with others, I’d allow the dog to observe from a safe corner. After two sessions most puppies find the courage to venture out. If not I’d bring in an adult dog who was calm around puppies for a one-on-one. The fun part about puppy playtime was that sometimes I’d see a more timid individual graduate to the rambunctious gang after a few weeks.

After your puppy class, you need to continue your dog’s socialization as well as add some diversity. That means introducing the pup to a variety of dogs, and to men, women, and children who are different sizes, shapes, and ages. Ironically, some dogs take issues with men with beards, so find at least one friendly bearded man for your dog to meet. Don’t forget that people have different demeanors. Some people have a nervous energy about them, and that may put off a dog, especially if the dog is more timid. Others may have a large and powerful presence. The secret to successful socialization with people, including children, is to allow the puppy enough time to relax in the presence of that person. But, don’t expect to do all of your socializing in one day.

If you try and do too much at once, the dog can become overwhelmed.

So watch for the dog to show reluctance. With more timid dogs, you will find one person at a time will be all they can handle, at least at first. You can expect to need to work on socialization of your dog for at least the first year and a half, and up to three years with certain breeds or individuals.

Some of you may be reading this information, and realize that you missed an opportunity to acclimate your dog when he or she was a pup.

Of course, dogs with a timid nature will take more work at any age, but given time, you can make social progress, even with an adult. Just be sure to take things at the dog’s pace and to end on a positive note.

One category of adult dogs that I have worked with for socializing as adults are mill dog rescues. This kind of dog has an extra challenge. The dog is often not comfortable with me in the beginning. I find it takes about half a year for the dog to learn to overcome a lot of their fears. I am glad to report that the dogs I have worked with have not only left behind their timid nature, you can’t tell when you meet them that they began their lives caged and secluded.

Socializing a dog, when done right, helps build confidence in a dog. As well, it creates a more pleasant pet. Although timid dogs may seem clingy, this is really not the same as loving you, and often these dogs become so dependent on their owners that they can suffer from separation anxiety when the owner leaves the house. If you find your dog is having issues with separation anxiety, there is training you can do to help resolve the problem.

Peggy Swager is a behaviorist and dog trainer. Her new video, “Separation Anxiety, a Weekend Technique,” tells dog owners how to not only help retrain dogs with separation anxiety, it helps retrain dogs who are more timid and shadow their owners. Some of the sections of the video cover building confidence in dogs, mistakes dog owners make which result in a less secure nature in a dog, and using calming signals to help out a less secure dog. In her book “Training the Hard to Train Dog,” there is a chapter called “Nervous Nellies” which tells how to socialize insecure dogs. More information is available at her website www.peggyswager.com.

ADOPT

BUDDY

SLV Animal Welfare Society 719.587.woof (9663) www.slvaws.org Private Shelter Monetary Donations Needed

SLVAWS Peapod I am outgoing and very cuddly.

I have velvety soft hair and love to be pet! I get along well with other cats and my best friend was a dog! I love to play and entertain, so I am hoping my special someone will find me soon!

I do have some special needs so give the office gals a call or swing by and they will fill you in.

CWWC will pay $200 towards the shipping to a qualified home from either of these shelters...

TCRAS

PETEY Danny I am shy. I do need time to become comfortable in my new surroundings, but I will soon be your new best friend. I am an energetic guy who will benefit from regular exercise and maybe even some basic training.

SLVAWS

TCRAS the no-kill shelter in Divide, CO 719.686.7707 tcrascolorado.com

working together to find loving forever homes TCRAS

PAWS - Costa Rica - PAWS is a non-

Vieques Humane Society - Vieques, Puerto Rico, a small island located off the

profit organization with its sole purpose to help improve the overall well-being of the animals in our area. “Our Mission is to provide no-kill solutions to reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs, through education, rehabilitation and re-homing.” www.pawscr.org

mainland’s east coast, for many years offered no veterinary or animal rescue services. During the early 1980’s, a handful of concerned immigrants from the states and a few local residents took a serious interest in improving the welfare of the animals. They began by feeding the island’s multitudinous strays and soliciting the help of veterinarians from Puerto Rico to sterilize them. By 1987, the Vieques Humane Society and Animal Rescue, Inc. was officially established as a non-profit organization. Today they still offer the only veterinary services on the island and have developed strong community based programs. www.viequeshumanesociety.org

The World of Wolves iPad app featuring The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is NOW AVAILABLE on iTunes.

Also on iTunes, download the free CWWC app for your iPhone or iPad.

working together to make a difference “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanual Kant

Natural Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org

www.aza.org www.projectcoyote.org

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” www.bornfreeusa.org

~ Martin Buber

Mexican Grey Wolves www.mexicanwolves.org

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

TO: _______________________________________________________________________________ FROM: ____________________________________________________________________________ FOR THE AMOUNT OF: _________________________________________________________________ AUTHORIZED BY: ______________________ EXPIRES: _____________________________________ Excludes holidays and special events · Please mention you have a gift certificate when making reservations Year round tours by reservation only: Tues - Sun 10am · 12pm · 2pm + 4pm in the Spring and Summer

GIFT CERTIFICATE

Dedicated to educating the public about wolves, wolf dogs, foxes, and coyotes. Although these elusive animals are not often seen in the wild, through our guided tours you will have the opportunity to view them in the most natural setting possible. You will have the chance to view some of some of the endangered species that live at the Center.

719.687.9742 · www.wolfeducation.org P.O. Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center Gift Certificates Make the Perfect Gift for Every Animal Lover...

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For current wolf articles and to be a voice through knowledge

Wild Earth Guardians

www.wildearthguardians.org

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