What is a Wolf-Dog? — Elsewhere Offline

Four years ago, if you asked me what a wolf-dog was, I probably would've given you the same answer most people do.

"Like... a wolf that's also a dog?" Technically, sure.

But after four years helping build a wolf-dog sanctuary, rescuing animals, cleaning kennels, speaking at wildlife hearings, educating thousands of people, and earning the trust of animals who had every reason to fear humans... I don't think that answer even scratches the surface.

Nonetheless, a wolf-dog is a cross between a wolf and a domestic dog. Bred in most part because of trends and aesthetics. Theyre too wild for most homes, yet too domestic and far removed from the wild, to survive in it.

Often, people don't see the reality that follows after contributing to that trend for whatever sick reason. From the surrendered animals, the rescues, the owners who weren't prepared, and the sanctuaries running out of space. The volunteers and staff working through rain, snow, and 110-degree summers because someone has to show up. And they need every single one of us.

I didn't even know of that reality, myself. But then I started to help build a sanctuary without having ever met a wolf-dog or been to a wolf-dog sanctuary. And it ended up changing my life.

Over the next four years, id spend thousands of hours working for wolf-dogs. Almost every single day was about them. Even when I wasn't physically at the sanctuary, I was mentally there.

I learned how differently every animal communicates. How trust isn't given, it's earned. How maintaining enclosures, hauling food, repairing fences, fundraising, advocacy, education, conservation, permits, and filing taxes are all part of the same mission. How the whole point and mission in life is to stand for humility, care, and respect.

But I actually just relearned that.

All because of a wolf-dog.

You start to see through all of the chaos. That, of course, seasons have changed, people have changed, and we've grown older and wiser from what we've learned through our times along side wolves.

You become too busy to put yourself first and realize that your life is passing you by. Your friends have long forgotten about you. You cease to belong to a life that was once yours because some people are simply selfish.

Some people are so selfish that they buy a wolf-dog just to say they have a "wolf." They buy animals just to sell them empty hopes and dreams of a life, only to toss them away after one week. Sometimes a month... sometimes two, if you're lucky. But sometimes they discard them even after four years.

Just because it doesn't suit their needs anymore. Or they suddenly feel their wolf-dog is too wild to be in their home.

So they toss them away. They don't ever look back. They never ask about them again. They even tell their friends, family, and colleagues that they had to get rid of their dog because it just didn't fit their lifestyle anymore, that it was too much to coexist beside them.

But in telling that story, they often reveal far more about themselves than they realize.

It starts with a story on how their wolf-dog wasn't adjusting... then it shifts to how their wolf-dog wasn't listening to commands. Then, finally, it’s that their wolf-dog is too "aggressive." Fiery, if you will.

Yet, they tend to forget they’ve unconsciously trained their pet to be reactive. Mind you, as a result of their own actions and neglect.

On the first day they’ve adopted or bought their wolf-dog, they tend to lash out. They were unprepared. They get mad at it. Mad that it didnt magically fit their expectations. Giving it no breathing room or time to adjust.

Just commands and orders.

Then continue to bottle up this silent hatred towards an animal still relearning how to be.

Mad it’s not adjusting, mad mad mad.

“How dare this wolf-dog not be submissive?” They think. “i’ve brought it into my home, given it shelter, yet its not doing what I want.”

The question from the outside looking in, is actually “how dare it believe you had the best intentions?”

Because once they're done telling everyone that story on aggression and have discredited many of these wolf-dogs, it becomes very clear. To the outsiders, at least. How they've just told on themselves. How easy it was to turn their back and decide that this wolf-dog is no longer their problem, after the animal has put its full trust in having a pack.

And dont get me wrong, thats just one scenario out of endless wolf-dog surrenders. But when all of that is said and done, that's where the rest of us step in. The people who do the work. Those who show up rain or shine. Those who decide to volunteer, like a photo, donate online, or give what they can because they want to be a part of change. Theres people who care enough to step in, even after the evil and selfish. After the ones, who've decided to toy with these animals for their own amusement. One second they want them there, the next they want them gone.

And sometimes, it doesnt always come to light right after they dump their “dog.” Some are repeat offenders, even. So eventually, this innate human nature within said offenders, is revealed.

So yes, basically, a wolf-dog is an animal that taught me patience, boundaries, resilience, and community. And how to keep showing up even when nobody cares. Those lessons eventually found their way into everything else I built. Into Women for Wolves, into Elsewhere, into the journals I share today.

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OKAY, lets recap, class:

WTF is a wolf-dog?

Answer: It's one of the most misunderstood animals you'll ever meet. It's a reminder that our choices have consequences long after the excitement fades. It's an animal that doesn't belong in your living room but it absolutely deserves to run free and belong.

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But for me, a wolf-dog became the beginning of a journey that completely changed the course of my life.

Sometimes it's not "What is a wolf-dog?" It's, "What happens when you work for them?"

You might just end up with your own blog, marketing agency, and vessel for change, all because someone introduced you to a friend with a wolf-dog.

Thanks, Omar.

- See you offline.

Learn more about wolf-dogs here:

Explore what wolf-dogs really are, why they exist, the challenges they face, and what responsible ownership and lifelong sanctuary care actually look like.

Learn More