Friday, August 13
Wolves and meteors

A drive down Durango way delivered us to a planned visit to the daughter of our friends, Ron and Joan. She and her husband live out in the boonies near the burg of Ignacio on a high mountain slope with dynamite views. All eyes here, however, are on the wolves. Paula and Craig inexplicably transformed from people seeking a labrador retriever at the Flagstaff humane society years ago to folks consumed with saving wolves from the horrible abuse heaped on them by humans. The animals in their care number 77, and always more are in need of their kindness and understanding.

They have accepted wolves and wolf/dogs in many stages of disease, pain and mutilation. One female had been chained to others for so long that her neck muscles were atrophied rendering her unable to hold up her head. Another can scarcely put weight on a mutilated foot after being caught in a coyote trap. They’ve been beaten with baseball bats, kicked in the head frequently enough to cause convulsions, had their legs and ribs broken, and internal organs damaged. Often, their lives are shortened because of what they have endured.

When they come to WolfWood Refuge, they receive whatever is necessary to rehabilitate them. Paula offered us a tour, something she does by appointment only, and amazed us with her extensive knowledge and love of these animals. She emphasized that the goal is not to domesticate the wolves, but to socialize them and allow them to have lives as full and normal as possible.

None of them can be released; instead, Paula puts her considerable understanding and intuitive sense into determining which wolves should be housed together, alone, with a dog or alpha companion and many other possible combinations, always discerning what is best for each individual animal. Some have claimed a territory where they were initially penned and cannot be happy in a larger enclosure or away from where they are comfortable.

Countless times each day and night, she climbs the steep hill along which are dotted the enclosures just above her house to feed, medicate, observe and interact with the canines. Her knowledge of the species in general and experience with each of those entrusted to her is phenomenal.

And every bit of the wolves’ needs are met by private donations, further made possible by volunteers who assist in the huge job of caring for them. They have been saved from abuse by individuals and from euthanasia by public agencies. A few can be adopted out to carefully screened homes. Most are at WolfWood for the remainder of their lives; here they find a compassionate environment where every effort is made to provide the best physical, mental, social and psychological situation for every wolf and wolf/dog.

We very much appreciated our tour of WolfWood and will highly recommend them as a worthy recipient of monetary tax-deductible contributions. The 24/7 work involved and expenses for veterinary care, medicine, surgeries, fencing, transportation to the many educational programs, food and facilities are staggering. I can’t imagine the job these people have set for themselves, but Paula says, “We get to live our passion.” And such would it have to be in order to maintain this consuming schedule and life. (Note to self: contact information is www.wolfwoodrefuge.org, www.wolfwoodrefuge.com, wolfwood1995@hotmail.com, or P.O. Box 312 Ignacio, CO 81137.)

We took advantage of being near the city to lunch at Fiesta Mexicana in Durango where we previously enjoyed the fare with Jon and Leslie. Reminder not to eat at the Pagosa restaurant across the river from the springs. It is always so tempting because of the wonderful view from the deck overlooking the San Juan and the springs; however, after three trips and three times eating there and always saying I'm not going to again, I forget, or its convenience entices me. We don't eat out much, so it's more disappointing to have a less-than-memorable meal when we do.

Balloon and night skies . . .

On the way to WolfWood, we enjoyed seeing this hot air balloon descending beyond Pagosa Lake.

A late-afternoon visit to the springs was especially restful. We had a nice conversation with an 85-year-old man who had flown out from his home in North Carolina to vacation at Pagosa with his daughter and son-in-law. They seemed to be having a fine time and we got to talk about Mom and Dad W. in N.C.

Knowing that the Perseid meteor shower was upon us, I arose last night at an absurd hour after about 30 minutes of mentally beating myself into giving up my warm bed. Chris declined my invitation to join me with a muffled one-word sensible response.

Dressed and wrapped in a blanket, I settled into a camp chair to observe the dark night. At this elevation, the stars are nothing short of astounding. My only obstructions were one very tall ponderosa pine and the Totee. Before coming outside, I noted the time, 3:10, because I knew my sleep-befuddled brain would lose it. I was soothed by the river’s rushing just below me. Almost immediately, I was rewarded by the sight of little zippy streaks of light across the sky. Those seemed to be everywhere; at times, there were longer brilliant vapor trails that remained in sight for longer periods of time.

How amazing to enjoy the most prolific meteor shower I have ever seen! I didn’t really want to give it up but sitting out there barefoot in rain-soaked flip-flops at last convinced me to retire. I felt so fortunate that the early evening wind- and rainstorm lashed us with a vengeance and then cleared the skies for perfect viewing.

When I returned, I again noted the time: 3:33 exactly. I had counted precisely 23 meteors - one for every minute I was there.