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)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Blog specific contact
Just went through the painstaking process of getting an AOL email and instant messenger addy in case anyone wanted to contact me specifically concerning charitable organization I'll be setting up or anything further concerning wolves.
staynthwds@aim.com
The AIM screen name is the same: staynthwds
staynthwds@aim.com
The AIM screen name is the same: staynthwds
With Love, From Michigan
My mom is busy trying to plan a family vacation. Only problem? She doesn't know where she wants to go. She's gotten a few tour book guides from AAA. Right now she's thinking Colorado or Utah, the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, D.C., Maryland, and the Virginias), and Michigan or Wisconsin. A Michigan magazine came in the mail the other day, I was flipping through it and the state looks absolutely goregous. I hope the pictures do the state justice. I don't want it to be like those fast food menu pictures, where the fries and burgers look just scrump-didilee-umptous but when you get them they look a little less apetizing. So I think I'm voting for Michigan. We've already been to Utah and Virginia. They also have a picture of the baseball stadium for the Detroit Tigers and it looks awesome. Gy-normous tiger statues at their gates!! Who wouldn't want to visit?
One of my good friends and roommate is living up in Michigan now attending Graduate school. Maybe if she's still up there, we could visit. She sent me a few links regarding my masters quest; The Student Conservation Association and Emory Laney Graduate School - Neuroscience and Animal Behavior (Psychology track). No doubt I'll be looking into these, especially the SCA and about their internship opportunities. Thanks Linza!!
And to leave you, while I get ready for my insanely short day at work. Department of Natural Resources and Environment - Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus)
One of my good friends and roommate is living up in Michigan now attending Graduate school. Maybe if she's still up there, we could visit. She sent me a few links regarding my masters quest; The Student Conservation Association and Emory Laney Graduate School - Neuroscience and Animal Behavior (Psychology track). No doubt I'll be looking into these, especially the SCA and about their internship opportunities. Thanks Linza!!
And to leave you, while I get ready for my insanely short day at work. Department of Natural Resources and Environment - Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ruff Love
(source: AARP, May/June 2010)
The human-animal bond is mighty sweet:
The human-animal bond is mighty sweet:
- 24% of pet owners 55 and older celebrate their pets' birthdays
- 57% of pet owners 55 and older say their pets are more likely than their significant other to give them welcome-home kisses
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Wolf Fundraising and Awareness Organization
Again thanks to Brandon and Make a Chimp Smile, I want to start my own campaign. I've got the idea, the name, the logo and I've already started raising funds from my own pocket! I'm not sure I want to reveal anything just yet...I think I need it to simmer for a little bit longer, but I will go into how I'm getting money right now.
For every day of the month I will putting away money. Each day will determine how much money goes into the pot. For instance, 1 cent for the 1st of the month, 15 cents on the 15th, 25 cents on the 25th and so on until the end of the month and the cycle will repeat. I realize this doesn't raise a whole lot of money in one month...but for a semi-poor college graduate with a part-time job of $8 an hour and bills to pay...its a lot and every bit helps in the end....I'm also doing the same thing for my graduate school fund right now. I figure though at least every month will have a set amount of money, that way no one month is way lower than the next. To keep myself and everyone updated, I'll have a money count at the end of the month, and then two counts at the end there after (1 for the current and the other for the months combined to record how much was saved).
Currently, I have $0.55....I'm projecting by the end of April (and every month consisting of 30 days), I'll have raised $4.65 ($4.96 for months with 31 days)
It's going to be a long way to graduate school -.-
I'm starting this a little quietly so I can learn more about it before I present it to the masses. This way I'm hoping to work out all the bugs. As Bob would say, "Baby Steps". If you care for more information, shoot me an email.
For every day of the month I will putting away money. Each day will determine how much money goes into the pot. For instance, 1 cent for the 1st of the month, 15 cents on the 15th, 25 cents on the 25th and so on until the end of the month and the cycle will repeat. I realize this doesn't raise a whole lot of money in one month...but for a semi-poor college graduate with a part-time job of $8 an hour and bills to pay...its a lot and every bit helps in the end....I'm also doing the same thing for my graduate school fund right now. I figure though at least every month will have a set amount of money, that way no one month is way lower than the next. To keep myself and everyone updated, I'll have a money count at the end of the month, and then two counts at the end there after (1 for the current and the other for the months combined to record how much was saved).
Currently, I have $0.55....I'm projecting by the end of April (and every month consisting of 30 days), I'll have raised $4.65 ($4.96 for months with 31 days)
It's going to be a long way to graduate school -.-
I'm starting this a little quietly so I can learn more about it before I present it to the masses. This way I'm hoping to work out all the bugs. As Bob would say, "Baby Steps". If you care for more information, shoot me an email.
Friday, April 2, 2010
♥♥WOLF BABIES!♥♥
Just got off the phone with Seacrest; they'll be waiting for our arrival on May 8. The gentleman I talked to, should have got his name, was excited with the date because he said that's when the wolf pups should be out and about. What's more precious the big wolves swarming around you? It is little squirmy and squiggly wolf puppies!! I cannot wait to go to Compass Lakes. This should be just about the best visit yet. One thing I can check off on my "bucket list" of things to do before I die.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
"Make a Chimp Smile"
No, you read correctly, Chimps! A young Florida boy featured today in our local paper is hoping to raise awareness about our close relatives, and money to get them moved to a chimp sanctuary in Ft. Pierce. Just click on the page tab "Make a Chimp Smile" for more info or head on over to his blog makeachimpsmile.blogspot.com. He is a great kid!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
One small pawprint toward the larger picture
This afternoon I'm off to a good start. Got done with my volunteer orientation down at the local Humane Society. The whole process only took about an hour and a half. The coordinator went and broke down all the areas we would be needed in. I'm most interested in involving myself with the dog care - which includes dog walking and I think some training and obedience. I'd love to do foster care but I'm not sure my parents would be go for that. Then I also put down that I would like to help with their community events and fundraisers.
We also learned about Humane Education and Pet Therapy, which I also put down that I would be interested in, though its a separate entity from the Humane Society. This where the volunteer and their own animal, after passing a training course are able to go out into the community and act as companions to say the elderly in nursing homes or hospitals and even young people. I especially like the idea of their "Paws to Read" program. This is where kids read aloud to animals instead of their teachers or other people who make them feel intimidated about reading. There seems to be a huge response to this in getting young people to read. I would like to get involved with this, so I'm hoping my parents are kosher with it because I'll be using Starr to achieve this. She has a good temperment with people and she just adores the elderly and children...well people in general.
But finally, I'll be getting to work with animals even if it isn't a job prospect but this should help me to have experience at least.
Also, I wanted to add again because I thought I had done it before but I guess I hadn't, because there seems to be quite the list I've added a page that lists mainly wolf and wolf-dog/hybrid rescues and sanctuaries by state and even in Canada. No doubt this list will be growing and expanding as I become aware of other organizations.
And on a last note, a little shoutout to my "cousin" Kimmy up in Alaska for getting an award on a project she did on wolves!! It makes me so happy that someone else in my "family circle" is passionate for these wonderful creatures. Maybe I'll send a little wolf-something in her direction.
We also learned about Humane Education and Pet Therapy, which I also put down that I would be interested in, though its a separate entity from the Humane Society. This where the volunteer and their own animal, after passing a training course are able to go out into the community and act as companions to say the elderly in nursing homes or hospitals and even young people. I especially like the idea of their "Paws to Read" program. This is where kids read aloud to animals instead of their teachers or other people who make them feel intimidated about reading. There seems to be a huge response to this in getting young people to read. I would like to get involved with this, so I'm hoping my parents are kosher with it because I'll be using Starr to achieve this. She has a good temperment with people and she just adores the elderly and children...well people in general.
But finally, I'll be getting to work with animals even if it isn't a job prospect but this should help me to have experience at least.
Also, I wanted to add again because I thought I had done it before but I guess I hadn't, because there seems to be quite the list I've added a page that lists mainly wolf and wolf-dog/hybrid rescues and sanctuaries by state and even in Canada. No doubt this list will be growing and expanding as I become aware of other organizations.
And on a last note, a little shoutout to my "cousin" Kimmy up in Alaska for getting an award on a project she did on wolves!! It makes me so happy that someone else in my "family circle" is passionate for these wonderful creatures. Maybe I'll send a little wolf-something in her direction.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Absentee Update
So the absence from the web. Well not not entirely true; I have been on Facebook in order show my friends and family of whom I don't see everyday that I am in fact still alive, and sites like Craigslist and other job search engines to find a job. Which I did find one by the way, of all places through Facebook. I'm working behind the register at the Roger Dean Stadium Team Store during their Spring Training season. I'm one month down and one more to go before its over. I've been working there just about every day this month so I haven't had too much leisure time to sit in front of my laptop to type a blog.
I'm almost finished with Shaun Ellis' book The Man Who Lives With Wolves and I've thouroughly enjoyed it. At some parts it just seemed so unreal what he was putting himself through in order to understand and learn about wolves. Though most of the scientific community looks down on his actions, I commend him even though it was dangerous.
The graduate search is coming along. I'm getting away from Animal Behavior tracks and looking more into Wildlife Ecology and Conservation programs. The Wildlife Society has a wonderful site of which includes a list of universities and colleges offering wildlife biology and management degree tracks. Right now, mostly because of costs I'm looking at UF. However, I have high hopes for University of Minnesota. For someone wanting to work with wolves I think this place would be ideal. It is "somewhat close" to the International Wolf Center in Ely by only 5 hours. Not only that, David L. Mech is an adjunct professor. A wolf behaviorist and the founder of the wolf center. What I wouldn't give to be a grad student under him. It would be a dream. I'm going to scour the rest of the list at the Wildlife Society site to seek out other schools.
Since my grades aren't much to get me into grad school alone, I've been looking for entry level positions at animal parks, sanctuaries, etc, but so far all I've found are unpaid volunteer and internship positions. I'm looking specifically at different wolf parks. Again, mostly unpaid. Ah the life of living in limbo...
Watching: Bones, season 3
I'm almost finished with Shaun Ellis' book The Man Who Lives With Wolves and I've thouroughly enjoyed it. At some parts it just seemed so unreal what he was putting himself through in order to understand and learn about wolves. Though most of the scientific community looks down on his actions, I commend him even though it was dangerous.
The graduate search is coming along. I'm getting away from Animal Behavior tracks and looking more into Wildlife Ecology and Conservation programs. The Wildlife Society has a wonderful site of which includes a list of universities and colleges offering wildlife biology and management degree tracks. Right now, mostly because of costs I'm looking at UF. However, I have high hopes for University of Minnesota. For someone wanting to work with wolves I think this place would be ideal. It is "somewhat close" to the International Wolf Center in Ely by only 5 hours. Not only that, David L. Mech is an adjunct professor. A wolf behaviorist and the founder of the wolf center. What I wouldn't give to be a grad student under him. It would be a dream. I'm going to scour the rest of the list at the Wildlife Society site to seek out other schools.
Since my grades aren't much to get me into grad school alone, I've been looking for entry level positions at animal parks, sanctuaries, etc, but so far all I've found are unpaid volunteer and internship positions. I'm looking specifically at different wolf parks. Again, mostly unpaid. Ah the life of living in limbo...
Watching: Bones, season 3
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Reading!
I probably shouldn't have but I bought Shaun Ellis' The Man Who Lives With Wolves. It nearly cost me an arm because I'm still without a job (though I might because I had a good interview today!). It isn't with a vet or animal clinic but I'm still happy its something.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Smoothly
So my mom returned from Nicaragua this evening and she asked about that job offer I got from our neighbor. I said I didn't want to work in the jail and that it was something I wasn't all that interested in that line of work; she said why not...of course. I was plenty nervous and talked kind of fast but I got it all out in the end. All seems really good :) She says that it might be good too because whenever they brought up the psychology thing I would get kind of mopey and flat about the conversation and that now I seemed more engaged and lively when I talked about it. I'm most excited to have her onboard, my dad too. Now I have to break the news to everyone else in the fam and friends.
Oh and in regards to the last post, I was able to find that one of the schools listed of which I can't remember which one does offer Animal Behavior as a Masters track. I'll have to go back and see which one.
Right now, I'm trying to gear my job searching track to animal shelter/clinics as a kennel assistant or vet technician. I tried giving my resume to a clinic thats right down the road from my house but that is turning out to be a no go. I sent in a follow up letter to them and am moving on to the next. We'll see where I go from here.
Oh and in regards to the last post, I was able to find that one of the schools listed of which I can't remember which one does offer Animal Behavior as a Masters track. I'll have to go back and see which one.
Right now, I'm trying to gear my job searching track to animal shelter/clinics as a kennel assistant or vet technician. I tried giving my resume to a clinic thats right down the road from my house but that is turning out to be a no go. I sent in a follow up letter to them and am moving on to the next. We'll see where I go from here.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Master's Degree in Animal Behavior and Ethology
So this was suggested by one of the women who contacted me from Shy Wolf and I've decided to look into it.
It's "a program that focuses on the scientific study of the psychological and neurological bases of animal sensation, perception, cognition, behavior, and behavioral interactions within and outside the species. Includes instruction in ethology, behavioral neuroscience, neurobiology, behavioral evolution, cognition and sensory perception, motivators, learning and instinct, hormonal controls, reproductive and developmental biology, community ecology, functional behavior, and applications to specific behaviors and patterns as well as to specific phyla and species."
from: http://www.myplan.com/majors/animal-behavior-and-ethology/description-26.0708.html
Schools offering the degree:
University of California- Davis; Davis, CA
Southwestern University- Georgetown; Georgetown, TX -this looks to only be a Bachelors program
Bucknell University- Lewisburg, PA -might only be Bachelors
Franklin and Marshall College- Lancaster, PA -bleh Bachelor too I think...
Northern Arizona University- Flagstaff, AZ - they have a Graduate program but I'm having trouble finding the degree for Animal Behavior...
Eckerd College- St. Petersburg, FL -again this looks to only be a Bachelors program :(
So far this is looking like a bust...I'll probably send out an email asking A) if they offer the program I'm looking for and B) if its a Graduate or Masters program. I may ask Claudia where she is pursuing her degree. Could be an online program...that may be the route to take. I may need to look under a different degree heading to expand the net of schools. Which might be good because I'm not very good when it comes to Neuro-terminology, maybe with practice I can get better. But enough for tonight.
It's "a program that focuses on the scientific study of the psychological and neurological bases of animal sensation, perception, cognition, behavior, and behavioral interactions within and outside the species. Includes instruction in ethology, behavioral neuroscience, neurobiology, behavioral evolution, cognition and sensory perception, motivators, learning and instinct, hormonal controls, reproductive and developmental biology, community ecology, functional behavior, and applications to specific behaviors and patterns as well as to specific phyla and species."
from: http://www.myplan.com/majors/animal-behavior-and-ethology/description-26.0708.html
Schools offering the degree:
University of California- Davis; Davis, CA
Southwestern University- Georgetown; Georgetown, TX -this looks to only be a Bachelors program
Bucknell University- Lewisburg, PA -might only be Bachelors
Franklin and Marshall College- Lancaster, PA -bleh Bachelor too I think...
Northern Arizona University- Flagstaff, AZ - they have a Graduate program but I'm having trouble finding the degree for Animal Behavior...
Eckerd College- St. Petersburg, FL -again this looks to only be a Bachelors program :(
So far this is looking like a bust...I'll probably send out an email asking A) if they offer the program I'm looking for and B) if its a Graduate or Masters program. I may ask Claudia where she is pursuing her degree. Could be an online program...that may be the route to take. I may need to look under a different degree heading to expand the net of schools. Which might be good because I'm not very good when it comes to Neuro-terminology, maybe with practice I can get better. But enough for tonight.
Checking out my options
I sent out a few emails today inquiring about information on what to do for graduate school and was blessed with some swift replies:
I was up online last night looking at some books to start reading or even reread. I'll star with the few books that I have. I might start with Shadow Mountain: A Memoir of Wolves, A Woman, and the Wild by Renee Askins. Its been sitting on my shelf since earlier in the summer so I might as well start it. One that I would really like to read is The Wolves of Mount Mckinley by Adolph Murie.
My dad just walked in. He had been talking to our neighbor across the way who works at the jail. Aparently he wants to talk to be about getting me into the jail for a few days or something out of the week. I wouldn't be paid but it would get my foot in the door. I was just kind of like "Great...." trying to show my total lack of enthusiasm but I don't think it got across. Maybe I'll go for a day or so and then walk in the house and say "This is not what I want to do." That would be a good way to break the news to my parents that I'd rather spend my life with wolves than people. I'm supposed to be getting in touch with someone my uncle knows as well. I almost wish I had never said the words Forensic Psychology, meh.
Hi, M----. One of our volunteers wishes to pursue a similar course - she might be better able to help guide you as she is currently still in school. I kind of fell into it and have no college training relating to the wolves. I can tell you any career would have to be research or government based as there are few paid positions in sanctuary/rescue/non-profit orgs. Claudia? Deanna
Hi M----;I'm still waiting to hear back from someone up at Seacrest. I'll most likely send a similar email up to the International Wolf Center tomorrow. Its kind of funny because today in the mail I got an invitation to Marymount Univ to come up and listen in on a talk by faculty members on Counseling and Forensic Psychology. To think that's what I had wanted to do up until a few months ago.
I would Google schools that have Major: Animal Behavior and Ethology as a Masters program. I am considering this but as of today, I am in BA in Biology and moving towards an Environmental Science Masters. My BA would allow me to work with the animals or allow me to work in Wildlife Biology, Candid and Habitat Conservation. You can also take paid or pay for internships in wolf behavior practicum or internship in some of the wolf parks. Also http://www.ecojobs.com/ will give you an idea of what jobs are out there and what degrees are required for these positions. Then you may want to look at which universities are supporting these Masters programs and look at what they have to offer. Research opportunities sometimes show up if you keep checking. Claudia
I was up online last night looking at some books to start reading or even reread. I'll star with the few books that I have. I might start with Shadow Mountain: A Memoir of Wolves, A Woman, and the Wild by Renee Askins. Its been sitting on my shelf since earlier in the summer so I might as well start it. One that I would really like to read is The Wolves of Mount Mckinley by Adolph Murie.
My dad just walked in. He had been talking to our neighbor across the way who works at the jail. Aparently he wants to talk to be about getting me into the jail for a few days or something out of the week. I wouldn't be paid but it would get my foot in the door. I was just kind of like "Great...." trying to show my total lack of enthusiasm but I don't think it got across. Maybe I'll go for a day or so and then walk in the house and say "This is not what I want to do." That would be a good way to break the news to my parents that I'd rather spend my life with wolves than people. I'm supposed to be getting in touch with someone my uncle knows as well. I almost wish I had never said the words Forensic Psychology, meh.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Breaking free
So I think I've pretty much abandoned my Forensic Psychology track. Why not begin the new year with a new career choice...haven't told my mom yet so I don't think she's going to be that happy. I've told her that I want to work with wolves. She didn't think it to be a realistic career. Well I'm just going to have the bite the bullet with this one. Not sure exactly how I'm going to break the news, maybe it be best after I do a little more research on programs and schools then maybe looking into the two wolf preserve/sanctuary they have here in Florida.
This is going to be my second branch of a "career blog", but not only that; I want to dedicate this to helping people learn about wolves even though there are so many sites like that already...so it'll be as much more for me as a learning track. I'll also have the latest wolf news and updates (may put them into a box on the sidebar. If anyone who happens to stumble across this page has any information on what they may know or have heard, send it on down!
There is a wolf in me...fangs pointed for tearing gashes...a red tongue for raw meat...and the hot lapping of blood--I keep this wolf because the wilderness gave it to me and the wilderness will not let it go. - Carl Sandburg, "Wilderness"
This is going to be my second branch of a "career blog", but not only that; I want to dedicate this to helping people learn about wolves even though there are so many sites like that already...so it'll be as much more for me as a learning track. I'll also have the latest wolf news and updates (may put them into a box on the sidebar. If anyone who happens to stumble across this page has any information on what they may know or have heard, send it on down!
There is a wolf in me...fangs pointed for tearing gashes...a red tongue for raw meat...and the hot lapping of blood--I keep this wolf because the wilderness gave it to me and the wilderness will not let it go. - Carl Sandburg, "Wilderness"
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