Transformation of Wolfdog Who Was Rescued at 3 Months Old Proves Love Can Heal All Wounds
As much as I wish every animal had a safe and loving home, the reality is far different. While more and more pets are surrendered each day, animal shelters around the world are in need of donations, volunteers, and space. I can hardly stand to watch another heartbreaking commercial about animal rescue, but I know it's the efforts of animal advocates that give these pets a fighting chance. With the right support system behind them, an animal is much more likely to heal, decompress, and find a perfect home.
Strider is the perfect example! This stunning wolfdog found his way to Apex Wolves' sanctuary when he was just three months old, and the transformation that followed is truly inspiring. He was injured, distrustful, and in a whole new environment, but the pack and people at the Los Angeles County sanctuary gave him a whole new lease on life. Just look at the way he's nuzzling up to his rescuer in this January 12 video!
Wow--Strider is gorgeous! This non-domestic wolfdog's black and gray fur reminds me of the 'black smoke' Maine Coon cat, though that's where the similarities end. After all, you won't hear anything like a cat's meow coming out of this guy's mouth!
Related: Wolfdog and Owner Surprised While Hiking When Coyotes Answer Howl From a Distance
I would be enchanted to come face-to-face with such a majestic animal, and it breaks my heart to know there are people who would do wolves harm. It's terrifying to even consider what would've caused a severe injury like a broken skull, but the most important thing is that Strider is out of that horrid person's care. With @apexwolves, he's always going to be treated with respect and love! It took this big dog a long time to trust people again after being saved, and his rescuer is going to do all she can to nurture that trust.
What's the Difference Between Wolves and Wolfdogs?
As you may have guessed, a wolfdog is a dog that has any percentage of wolf DNA in their recent, detectable ancestry. (If you're not sure about your dog, consider investing in a canine DNA kit!) Even if a dog is only 1% wolf, they can be considered a wolfdog, and it doesn't matter which parent carries the wolf ancestry.
According to W.O.L.F sanctuary and nonprofit, there are four parental combinations that can result in wolfdog offspring:
- a pure wolf and a purebred dog
- a pure wolf and a wolfdog
- two wolfdogs
- a wolfdog and a purebred dog
Remember--dogs and wolves share over 99% of their DNA! For Strider and his friends at Apex Wolves, though, it couldn't matter less whether he's 1% wolf or 100%. All that matters is that he's leading a happy, healthy life!
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