Found a coyote, I think

[RandyBell]

Hey John just got a new Picture of Sandy and thought I would send it.

 

[Depmandog]

Great picture. Thanks for posting.

 

[Raspy]

Thanks Randy!!

Liye is really excited and keeps looking at the picture.

Looks like she's doing well. Curious and involved. Well cared for.

 

[RandyBell]

Well John the unthinkable happened, we lost our female wolf Shadow! She got a tumor the size of a basketball in her abdomen, this thing grew in like 3 months. The Vet said when she was in March getting her teeth cleaned and toenails clipped there was no sign of anything! She was not showing any symptoms of anything till the last day, the day previous she was playing with the grandkids following them around, then the next morning she went out to "potty" and got down and wouldn't get up and squalled when she was touched. She spent the day at one vets having tests run, they decided she needed x-rays and they didn't have the ability, so I got her into our old vets. They found a tumor in her abdomen the size of a basketball pressing on all her internals. They gave a less than 30% on surgery due to it growing into her lungs and spline, kidneys and liver. She was vomiting blood by this time so we did the best thing for her, we let them put her down! That was the first of the month, She was only 11

 

[Mace Canute]

Randy, I'm very sorry to hear that. At least her suffering was very minimal and her time with you I am sure was the best that any dog, or wolf, could hope for. You have my heartfelt condolences.

 

[Raspy]

Randy,

Thanks for letting me know. What a heart breaker.
Our dear friends find a way into our hearts that is so powerful and touching. I have thought about it a lot. It seems their vulnerability, purity, joy and simple acceptance of life as it is, brings out such an unconditional love. A simple relationship with such depth and trust.
Find peace in the fact that you gave her your best and lived in the moment with her. She obviously loved you very much. Yours is the only story I know of a wolf being successful in a domestic world. You've done something very special and reaped high rewards for it. Not many of us have known a wild dog, much less gained their trust and their love. Thank you.

 

[Raspy]

Randy,

I just told Liye about Shadow. She and I have talked about you and your story many times since this thread started. She wants to know if you've considered writing your story about your dogs. It would be a great story and a great value to the rest of us and all those who haven't had a chance to know a wolf. I hope you'll consider it.

I now realize that Sandy's story will take a while longer than I wish it would. This year has been harder than expected and I've been very distracted. Even so, progress is being made and she lives vividly in our minds.

As I write this, the wild ones are out on patrol and the yipping is coming from close by. Bei Bei rises and listens intently for a few minutes, then relaxes. Then listens again with ears up and eyes wide. The warm high desert night is alive. We go out for a few minutes and marvel at the sky and the coyotes. Beautiful. It never ceases to amaze me that wild dogs are all around. The few that are their descendants and get invited into our homes and lives, reveal the beauty and intelligence of these wonderful animals. Where would we be without them?

Take care.

 

[DABSGT]

Randy sorry to see you lost shadow. John is on the money I'm sure like myself many would like to see your story. What a tribute to shadow.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[RandyBell]

Thanks guys it is tough to lose a companion in any circumstance, it is amazing how those little bundles of fur can work themselves into your life!
I will have to put some thought into the writing of Shadow's Life, my fear is that I can tend to get off subject. The wife says I have ADHA, sometimes I agree with her, but I will see if I can work something up.
Thanks again

 

[Raspy]

Randy,

With me and Sandy's story, I want it to be as good as I can make it, interesting and accurate, etc. But sometimes the story can be lost because of wanting perfection or worrying about saying it in the right way. I see her in my minds eye, and wonder if I can ever convey the emotion or make the point.

I know nothing about Shadow, but I'd love to hear of her ways and how a wolf could live in your world. Please don't worry about the structure. If you feel like it, just tell us about her as a wolf. Who was she? How did she work her magic on you? Why did she, as a wild thing, choose to live in your world. Remember, I've been asking the question all through this thread: What is the difference between a wild dog and a domestic dog? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

On a PBS special recently, they stated that all domestic dog genes can be traced to the Mexican Grey Wolf. Hmmmm. Interesting.

A few things I've learned is that wild dogs cannot digest grains, that they cannot understand human pointing and that they are not programmed to please us, so they don't really care about coming when we call or doing what we ask, etc. Barking is more of a domestic dog trait and may reveal that they have adapted to our language methods more than we have adapted to theirs. All things that were, or seemed true with Sandy. What about Shadow?

Feel free to share if you'd like.

Take care.