Written by Pups at One Year program participant: Patty & Kate Kierski This week Lucas did something interesting during feeding. All the retired wolves were given deer legs. Lucas got a front leg, which has less meat than a back leg. Lucas backed away from his leg and then Lakota ran over to his. Luca went over to Lakota's leg, which was a back leg, which also meant more food for him.
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Pups at One Year participants were asked to describe each wolf and their behavior that they observed during their weekend at the Center. Malik was described as being indifferent and opportunistic, laying in waiting. We seem to believe that when Malik gets increased confidence he seems to take a few moments to test Shadow. He was viewed doing just that, Malik saw his moment and in high tail proceeded to do a ride up on Shadow.
Malik had a good winter; He gets 2 cosequin and 1 vitamin daily. I'm not sure if we can prove the effectiveness of Cosequin, but we haven't observed Malik limping in months. He still pushes Shadow's buttons and can growl with an intensity that makes everyone take notice, but at this time, it's all show. Usually by now, the hormone cycles from the Testosterone of winter to the Prolactin of summer. So far, the wolves seem to be influenced by testosterone and estrogen. It gets pretty noisy around here some days.
Former Wolf Curator Janice Templeton was on site to assist with the medical exams. She inspected the neutering incisions on Malik and Shadow. Everything looks good. Mackenzie showed aggressive dominance toward Shadow and was very possessive of Janice, not allowing the pups to approach her. Lucas appears to be regaining pigmentation back in his nose"
Staff had good interactions with all wolves. Shadow and Malik's incisions are look good, but there is still a little bruising. Malik started play biting at Lakota's neck, instantly Shadow joined in with more intensity. Mackenzie came over and Shadow stopped immediately.
All active, Lakota play bows and initiates the other wolves to chase her, all five wolves in den at one point (den dimensions 4' x 8'). Wild wolf tracks and bed depression directly behind fence, wolves intensively howling past several mornings.
Vitamins to all wolves, Ivermectin given today for heartworm treatment. Good use of holding pens to isolate individual wolves for their HeartGuard tablets. Thanks to Veterinarian Dr. Jim Allen, from the Oak Knoll Veterinary Hospital for donating the HeartGuard.
Good interactions with all wolves, Mackenzie continues aggressive dominance to Shadow. Lori Schmidt brushed all wolves, Sherry Jokinen photographed. All very relaxed."
Put in more wood chips, Mackenzie remaining away from pack. All other wolves laying under the building eaves, Mackenzie laying by herself in the rain.
Nancy Gibson and Dave Mech were on site to visit the wolves. The pups really enjoy seeing Nancy who bottle fed them and began their early socialization for the first 8 weeks of their lives. Mackenzie's eye is still reddish, Lori Schmidt will begin treatment tomorrow.
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