shadow – Jul 25, 2010 12:00 AM

Shadow has been a real treat to work with since retirement. His greetings are like no other wolf on site, and his relaxation as he transitions into the retirement life is very apparent. In an effort to increase his weight, we are now feeding Shadow at least 5 lbs of meat on a daily basis in addition to the twice a week larger feedings of deer or beaver. Shadow readily eats, so the issue of his weight loss is probably more due to stress and competition from his time in the Exhibit Pack. Shadow does initiate howls to the main pack, but overall, spends his time resting. It is interesting to note that Shadow hasn't bark howled since he's been retired. Bark howling is a warning communication generally directed towards strangers in the wolf yard and a responsibility of the pack leader to place himself between the strangers and his pack. Shadow certainly doesn't appear to show any of the behaviors of guarding the pack, I guess that's why they call it retirement.