I have told you before about my adoration of wolves. The book, Women Who Run With the Wolves literally changed my life and started this passion for La Loba, the Wild Woman, as well as wolves in general. They are my "token animal," the creature I feel most connected to. It's interesting because though I love dogs, I am more of a "cat person," admire their independence and playfulness and sleek way of carrying themselves. They share these traits with wolves, as I found out on my last birthday when Beren took me to Shy Wolf Sanctuary for a tour. I was able to see the wolves up close and personal, spend some time petting and cuddling them, got the whole tour of the sanctuary...it was absolutely amazing. I immediately knew I wanted to volunteer, but it's over an hour away and not something I could do very often. Still, I filled out my application, got approved and waited for the right time. That day was yesterday. Beren had a business meeting in the area so I drove over to meet him Tuesday night, had dinner and a lovely evening together, then Wednesday morning he headed off to work and I went to my wolves. Oh, I can't even tell you how wonderful it was to spend time with these magnificent creatures..I was able to enter into their pens, play with them, brush them..really get to know them. For the two hours I spent there, I was in heaven. I drove home completely filthy, covered in wolf kisses, yet with a peacefulness I've never felt before. Truly, it was a magical experience. I will not wait another year to go back, am already planning a way to make a monthly visit there. It was good for the animals, yes, but I am sure I reaped even more benefits myself. It was good for my Soul.
If any of you have the opportunity to do so, please take the time to visit Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Naples, FL. Even if you are not obsessed with wolves as I am, you'll enjoy seeing all of the other animals and you'll leave there with a greater respect for Mother Nature and all of her creatures.
6 comments:
I'm so glad you had another chance to visit there. I can't wait to hear more about it as time goes on!
I love wolves as well, they are such majestic creatures...
As you know, that is one of my all-time favorite books too!
What an awe inspiring experience that must have been!
It was interesting to me that most of the volunteers there were women, and that several of the pens had signs posted that read, "No men allowed." I was told that animals in general are more comfortable with women because we are gentle, our voices and softer, and of course animals that were abused need all of gentleness they can get!
But I also believe, like Clarissa Pinkola Estes, that there is something in the soul of women that is drawn to the wolf, to La Loba.
Jen, thank you for stopping by the castle, I do hope you'll visit again!
Hey, M ~
I'm thrilled you were able to make it back to the sanctuary, and hope you do manage to visit on a regular basis - sounds as if it's equally energizing and cathartic... :-)
Susan, I am missing the wolves already, already trying to figure out how I can get back there..this week! ;-)
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