About 4 minutes after I sent the email off, BAM! I get a reply from John, one of the co-founders of the sanctuary saying to get in touch with him immediately. I'm not even prepared of what to say to this man. I need a plan you know about what I would like to accomplish with the internship more specifically. I was thinking I'd have atleast a day or so before I even got a reply, but this guy totally caught me off-guard. Not that I mind at all just now I really need to crack down tonight and prepare.
I'm going to begin by looking on other sites from the rescue page on my blog that offer internships to see what that may entail. From the few I have looked at some require the interns to learn wolf knowledge in order to give tours and public speaking...not really what I'm looking for, and this sanctuary looks like its not open to the public in that it is purely a rescue and sanctuary rather than an educational experience like Seacrest or Shy Wolf.
I guess I'm interested in their behavior. They're such elusive creatures you can't help but wonder about them. Of course, the behavior we see in the sanctuary is only a glimpse to how they would act in the wild since they're in a controlled environment. Also their interaction with humans is just priceless to experience.
I'll look tonight when I get home since I'm leaving work in about 10 minutes and have some things outlined to discuss with this guy when I give him a call. And if they can't offer an internship then I'd be willing to volunteer....since basically I'll be unpaid most likely. I'll post here with my ideas!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Big step!
I just sent an email off to Big Oaks in Jacksonville asking if they would be willing to offer an internship...so we'll see how that pans out. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
If that doesn't work out, I'll send inquiries to the other two sanctuaries here in Florida. I picked Big Oaks first because of the contacts I have in St. Augustine. I could most likely stay with the Nicks and get my job at the Market in downtown St. Augustine.
I'll have to bring this up to Barrel sometime soon. I really don't want to leave town now that I'm in a new relationship. Though I know he would support me, despite not wanting me to go naturally. I wish there was a wolf sanctuary closer to the city I'm in now.
If that doesn't work out, I'll send inquiries to the other two sanctuaries here in Florida. I picked Big Oaks first because of the contacts I have in St. Augustine. I could most likely stay with the Nicks and get my job at the Market in downtown St. Augustine.
I'll have to bring this up to Barrel sometime soon. I really don't want to leave town now that I'm in a new relationship. Though I know he would support me, despite not wanting me to go naturally. I wish there was a wolf sanctuary closer to the city I'm in now.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pack Straggler!
I feel like I've been so behind in everything its not even funny. I was suppose to launch and send out the first newsletter to the organization I'm starting but that hasn't happened. I'm thinking it probably won't be done until around Thanksgiving/Christmas time. I hate to do it but I think its best if I postpone it for now. I've been slacking at putting money in the jar as well. After all this World Cup business, when this 2nd job with the jail gets in order, and things in general kind of tone down...which seems like a major contradiction when it comes to the holidays, I'll crack down and get things in order. So I apologize to anyone, if you've been waiting around for it. I guess I want to use this chance now to maybe see if anyone will be at all interested in receiving a copy of the newsletter? I'll probably end up posting electronic copies of them here on the blog as well.
Monday, June 7, 2010
News I've been neglecting
A lot has been going on in the news concerning wolves and not for the better. I've been more or less neglecting the issue because well, its depressing and while I'd rather not dwell upon it I should share it. So instead of post them in an individual manner I think every week I'll post a collective news reel. Most of where I'll be getting my info is from the groups I'm a part of on Facebook and through Howl Colorado - probably one of the better news sources concerning wolves that I've seen since they are constantly updating the news section.
Right now, as you know the oil spill in the Gulf has been big news and it looks like it still will be for the rest of the summer and well into the fall. The biggest controversy to come out of it is how to deal with the helpless victims who have been caught in this thick wake. This article comes from Cosmic Log on the MSNBC webpage prompting the question: Clean the birds, or kill them?
Colorado rancher hopes for wolves (Feb 8, 2010)
Public meetings held regarding proposed Montana wolf hunt plans - From Howl Colorado, 3 other articles are highlighted within, which I've placed here with "bullet" marks:
-Many blast wolf management at FWP meeting on upcoming hunt (June 3, 2010)
-Public weighs in on wolf hunt quotas (June 3, 2010)
-Biologist: wolf hunt only way to reduce population (June 3, 2010)
44 dead this year as Montana continues aggressive wolf management (June 3, 2010)
-15 wolves from 5 packs killed in Montana (May 31, 2010)
Judge rejects Alaska plan to begin killing wolves - A bit of good news! (June 4, 2010)
Wolf-recovery program now 'at risk of failure' - concerning the Mexican Gray wolves (June 6, 2010)
Anti-wolf Web site proposes illegal poisoning of wolves - This I find to be most disgusting! At the end of the article is the link to the website, Lobowatch. I have not clicked the linked because I don't know if I'd be able to scroll through with restraint. Feel free to click the link at the end of the article if you can brave it. (June 7, 2010)
Boise wolf hunt suspended (June 7, 2010)
That's a look at what's been going on this month alone. You can find these on Howl Colorado's Facebook, though you'll need to sign up (if you aren't already) and friend them before you can see them or simply check out there own page I listed further up in the post.
Right now, as you know the oil spill in the Gulf has been big news and it looks like it still will be for the rest of the summer and well into the fall. The biggest controversy to come out of it is how to deal with the helpless victims who have been caught in this thick wake. This article comes from Cosmic Log on the MSNBC webpage prompting the question: Clean the birds, or kill them?
Colorado rancher hopes for wolves (Feb 8, 2010)
Public meetings held regarding proposed Montana wolf hunt plans - From Howl Colorado, 3 other articles are highlighted within, which I've placed here with "bullet" marks:
-Many blast wolf management at FWP meeting on upcoming hunt (June 3, 2010)
-Public weighs in on wolf hunt quotas (June 3, 2010)
-Biologist: wolf hunt only way to reduce population (June 3, 2010)
44 dead this year as Montana continues aggressive wolf management (June 3, 2010)
-15 wolves from 5 packs killed in Montana (May 31, 2010)
Judge rejects Alaska plan to begin killing wolves - A bit of good news! (June 4, 2010)
Wolf-recovery program now 'at risk of failure' - concerning the Mexican Gray wolves (June 6, 2010)
Anti-wolf Web site proposes illegal poisoning of wolves - This I find to be most disgusting! At the end of the article is the link to the website, Lobowatch. I have not clicked the linked because I don't know if I'd be able to scroll through with restraint. Feel free to click the link at the end of the article if you can brave it. (June 7, 2010)
Boise wolf hunt suspended (June 7, 2010)
That's a look at what's been going on this month alone. You can find these on Howl Colorado's Facebook, though you'll need to sign up (if you aren't already) and friend them before you can see them or simply check out there own page I listed further up in the post.
Monday, May 31, 2010
To live in dream
I think I just had the best dream ever this morning! And about wolves of course. I dream that in Orlando they have an internship program working with wolves...which would most likely lead to a decision to pursue my Masters at the UF. It was a short dream but I enjoyed nonetheless.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hoorah for Chimps! But not all is good news.
I hope I made a chimp smile today! I just donated $20 to Brandon's cause and I'm feeling good. Unfortunately I'm a little behind in putting my change in the jar for my wolves.
I wish this post was filled with brighter news but sadly it isn't. This week it looks like Wolf Mountain Sanctuary in Lucerne Valley, California will be shut down by the California government. They're in desperate need of a lawyer to work their case pro-bono. This is a letter from Wolf Mountain explaining some of the circumstances: URGENT ACTION LETTER
Also, a few of their wolves were used as studies for Twilight's New Moon film.
Please visit their site and see if maybe there is anything you can do to help! http://www.wolfmountain.com/
I wish this post was filled with brighter news but sadly it isn't. This week it looks like Wolf Mountain Sanctuary in Lucerne Valley, California will be shut down by the California government. They're in desperate need of a lawyer to work their case pro-bono. This is a letter from Wolf Mountain explaining some of the circumstances: URGENT ACTION LETTER
Also, a few of their wolves were used as studies for Twilight's New Moon film.
Please visit their site and see if maybe there is anything you can do to help! http://www.wolfmountain.com/
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Dog Behavior answered!
Q: Why does my dog misbehave so often? A: Often what humans view as misbehavior -- excessive barking, counter surfing, jumping on people -- is just normal behavior from the dog's point of view.
Obs: Also if your dog, like mine is a constant window watcher, and sometime seems like there's nothing there but continues to bark anyways. It's annoyning and frustrating but the dog is making sure you know what's going on outside the home, like "Hey, there are some weird people out here! I don't think they're a threat but I just want you to know." They just want to protect the pack.
Q: Why does my dog keep hiding behind her toys and blankets behind the sofa?
A: Despite millennia of domestication, dogs are still wolves at heart. Your dog is just minimizing their exposure during vulnerable hours when they're asleep.
Obs: My dog usually hangs out in the laundry room also known as "the cage". Its where we kept her as a puppy and where she's usually sent for punishment. Some days she'll stay in there most of the day doing as describe as sulking because she'll give you a look like she's guilty of doing something wrong. And she wanted to get ahead of you by punishing herself. But I guess it's like her home and she feels comfortable there.
Q: Why does my dog eat grass even thugh it makes them sick?
A: Sometimes dogs eat grass because their tummies are upset.
Obs: Don't be too alarmed if your dog starts ripping at grass like a cow. Their tummy is upset and most likely all you'll have to worry about is the regurgitated contents of their stomach in a corner somewhere. For the most part that'll be the end of it and things will settle into their normal routine. It's best not to punish your pooch because they didn't really do anything wrong. Just give them a little extra TLC to see them through.
Q: Why does my dog insist on rolling in smelly things?
A: They're hiding their scent as any good predator would. A duck might be alarmed by the scent of 75 pounds of wet dog bearing down on it, but a rotten banana is not on its enemies list. Of course with a dog's heightened sense of smell, all scents are interesting, frightening, exciting, delicious, etc. -- but never disgusting.
Obs: I'm not too certain of this explanation, in fact it's the only one I'm at odds with. Again this is most often a wolf-rooted behavior. My dog in particular used to love scent rolling - rubbing their cheeks or shoulders - in owl scat, which is very pungent in odor. I think dogs are attracted to strong smelling substances and roll them to inhance their own scents.
I also found this in "Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation" by L. David Mech and Luigi Boitani:
"Scent Rolling: The tendency of wolves to roll on pungent substances is difficult to explain (reviewed by Reiger 1979). This ritualized behavior involves lowering the head and shoulders onto the substrate, followed by rubbing the chin, cheeks, neck, shoulders, and back on the odorous substance. Natural stimuli for scent rolling, such as rotten carcasses, typically have very strong odors that humans find offensive.
Tests with captive wolves have resulted in extensive lists of potential scent-rolling stimuli, both natural and unnatural (Goodman 1978; Ryon et al. 1986), but they have not conclusively demonstrated the function of this behavior. Possibilities include (1) familiarization with novel odors or changes in odors (Fox 1971a; Ryon et al. 1986), (2) strong attraction or aversion to particular odors (Ryon et al. 1986), (3) concealing one's own scent with something more pungent (Zimen 1981), and (4) making oneself more attractive by applying a novel odor (Fox 1971a). Female African wild dogs roll in the urine of males whose pack they are attempting to join, perhaps to coat themselves with an odor that would be familiar to the pack and to increase the chances of acceptance (Frame et al. 1979)."
Some other little tidbits from the BJ's article:
-Dogs' noses have over 300 million scent receptors -- 50 times more than a human nose -- allowing them to literally "see" their world through scent.
-The average dog can understand about 165 words, but the smartest breeds know upwards of 250 words -- that's on par with a human 3-year-old.
-Dogs' super-sensititve whiskers can sense tornadoes and earthquakes days before they happen.
(source: BJ's Journal - I cut out their product placement! - along with my own observations thrown in)
Obs: Also if your dog, like mine is a constant window watcher, and sometime seems like there's nothing there but continues to bark anyways. It's annoyning and frustrating but the dog is making sure you know what's going on outside the home, like "Hey, there are some weird people out here! I don't think they're a threat but I just want you to know." They just want to protect the pack.
Q: Why does my dog keep hiding behind her toys and blankets behind the sofa?
A: Despite millennia of domestication, dogs are still wolves at heart. Your dog is just minimizing their exposure during vulnerable hours when they're asleep.
Obs: My dog usually hangs out in the laundry room also known as "the cage". Its where we kept her as a puppy and where she's usually sent for punishment. Some days she'll stay in there most of the day doing as describe as sulking because she'll give you a look like she's guilty of doing something wrong. And she wanted to get ahead of you by punishing herself. But I guess it's like her home and she feels comfortable there.
Q: Why does my dog eat grass even thugh it makes them sick?
A: Sometimes dogs eat grass because their tummies are upset.
Obs: Don't be too alarmed if your dog starts ripping at grass like a cow. Their tummy is upset and most likely all you'll have to worry about is the regurgitated contents of their stomach in a corner somewhere. For the most part that'll be the end of it and things will settle into their normal routine. It's best not to punish your pooch because they didn't really do anything wrong. Just give them a little extra TLC to see them through.
Q: Why does my dog insist on rolling in smelly things?
A: They're hiding their scent as any good predator would. A duck might be alarmed by the scent of 75 pounds of wet dog bearing down on it, but a rotten banana is not on its enemies list. Of course with a dog's heightened sense of smell, all scents are interesting, frightening, exciting, delicious, etc. -- but never disgusting.
Obs: I'm not too certain of this explanation, in fact it's the only one I'm at odds with. Again this is most often a wolf-rooted behavior. My dog in particular used to love scent rolling - rubbing their cheeks or shoulders - in owl scat, which is very pungent in odor. I think dogs are attracted to strong smelling substances and roll them to inhance their own scents.
I also found this in "Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation" by L. David Mech and Luigi Boitani:
"Scent Rolling: The tendency of wolves to roll on pungent substances is difficult to explain (reviewed by Reiger 1979). This ritualized behavior involves lowering the head and shoulders onto the substrate, followed by rubbing the chin, cheeks, neck, shoulders, and back on the odorous substance. Natural stimuli for scent rolling, such as rotten carcasses, typically have very strong odors that humans find offensive.
Tests with captive wolves have resulted in extensive lists of potential scent-rolling stimuli, both natural and unnatural (Goodman 1978; Ryon et al. 1986), but they have not conclusively demonstrated the function of this behavior. Possibilities include (1) familiarization with novel odors or changes in odors (Fox 1971a; Ryon et al. 1986), (2) strong attraction or aversion to particular odors (Ryon et al. 1986), (3) concealing one's own scent with something more pungent (Zimen 1981), and (4) making oneself more attractive by applying a novel odor (Fox 1971a). Female African wild dogs roll in the urine of males whose pack they are attempting to join, perhaps to coat themselves with an odor that would be familiar to the pack and to increase the chances of acceptance (Frame et al. 1979)."
Some other little tidbits from the BJ's article:
-Dogs' noses have over 300 million scent receptors -- 50 times more than a human nose -- allowing them to literally "see" their world through scent.
-The average dog can understand about 165 words, but the smartest breeds know upwards of 250 words -- that's on par with a human 3-year-old.
-Dogs' super-sensititve whiskers can sense tornadoes and earthquakes days before they happen.
(source: BJ's Journal - I cut out their product placement! - along with my own observations thrown in)
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