Soleil

Mission:Wolf first heard about little Soleil (French for “sun”) in July 2005… a blonde wolf puppy living on a 30 foot chain in someone’s West Virginia back yard.  She originally came from an exotic animal breeder in Ohio who was selling wolves and bears as family pets to passers-by.  Soleil’s owner bought her because he was fascinated with wolves, was convinced she could be turned into a great pet, and to be bred with a malamute to produce more puppies to sell in the future.  However, after months of watching her run to the end of her chain at the approach of anyone, her owner brought in a professional dog trainer for help.  The dog trainer took one look at Soleil and her owner that this was a bad idea.  With the encouragement of a friend, the owner was soon convinced that Soleil needed to find a new home.  The friend emailed Mission:Wolf, looking for help. 

After much planning and worry, a volunteer pilot with an organization called Flying Paws (www.flyingpaws.org) picked Soleil up in West Virginia and flew her half way across the country.  Flying Paws is an amazing group of big hearted pilots that spend their time flying homeless animals to their forever homes.  The pilot met a Mission:Wolf staff members in Illinois and handed over Soleil.  From there, Soleil made the long 18 hour drive back to the refuge by car.

As Soleil took her first timid steps around the vet building, everyone fell in love with her.  Soleil’s mile-long legs quickly earned her the nickname “Stilts” and her boisterous personality was contagious.  It was apparent that she really wanted to make friends with the staff, but couldn’t quite bring herself to trust humans yet.

One month later, Mission:Wolf took in another wolf puppy named Orion.  It didn’t take long for the two pups to bond with each other and start rough-housing in the vet building.  As they spent time together Soleil and Orion came out of  their shells.  They started to trust the staff and greet visitors in their enclosure.  The staff even had the grand ambition of turning them into traveling Ambassador Wolves.  Soleil and Orion had a different idea. 

 As they matured, they became more independent and kicked Kona, their surrogate dog mother, out of the pack.  The staff tried to separate them and introduce them to older wolves for guidance, but they wouldn’t hear of it.  Both Soleil and Orion took on their mentors and challenged the older wolves for leadership while still less than a year old - something that’s never been seen before.  In short order, Soleil and Orion were back together and raising themselves. 

Now middle aged, Soleil and Orion rule the roost from their hill-top enclosure.  Soleil spends her days showing off to other female wolves through the fence, occasionally sniffing a visitor’s hand, and romping with Orion.  It is funny to watch them trying to teach each other that there is nothing to be afraid of when people come up for a visit.