This is the image most of us conjure up when we think of a wolf. An evil beast that howls at the moon in the night, amber eyes watching from the woods, sending chills down our spines.

 But, unlike humans, wolves kill only to eat. Wolves in the wild are afraid of us, and will do everything they can to keep their distance.

From the Yellowstone Insider...during the 100 years of the 20th century there were between twenty and thirty attacks in North America (including Alaska and Canada, which have relatively high populations of wolves). Of these, three were fatal, all because of rabies. No attacks have been recorded in Yellowstone since the reintroduction of wolves more than a decade ago. For comparison, during the 20th century there have been 71 fatal grizzly (brown) bear attacks in North America. Each year in the United States, 16-18 people die from dog attacks.

                              The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation

There is a place in Guffey, Colorado that is a sanctuary for abused and abandoned wolves. The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation , a non-profit 501 3C, was started by Mark Johnson in 2001. It sits just outside the eclectic town of Guffey, on 35 acres that was donated for 'life' by caring neighbors.

I had the privelege of visiting there this past Sunday, and the experience was one I'll never forget! To see why, click here - (seriously, you've GOT to see this!)

I Was A Chew Toy For Wolves

Mark provides 'sanctuary, rehabilitation and and environmentally natural housing for captive-born wolves and wolfdogs who have suffered from injuries, neglect and abuse'. The Foundation's Mission Statement is:

"Encourage an interest in and understanding of wolves by providing opportunities for people of all ages to interact with wolves, to learn about wolves and living safely with wildlife, and to understand the important role we humans have in the continual survival of wolf populations".

There are four wolf pups at the Foundation, three of which are Ambassadors. Mark welcomes visitors to come and interact with the pups, takes them out on 'field trips' to schools, organizations, and other events to help promote a better understanding of the wolves and our need to develop a better understanding of the role we humans have in the survival of wolf populations.

A visit here will help you to better understand why wolves are not a good idea for a pet, and their plight at the hands of many of those who discover this the hard way. The tales Mark tells of the abuse many of these animals have suffered would break your heart.

The Foundation is open to the public by appointment for tours, and gladly accepts donations for the upkeep of these beautiful animals. You don't have to visit to help. You can go here, to the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation website to learn more about how to be a part of the solution.

         Excuse me? Uh.... What's the story with the boot?

                                             LOL