News, Spring 2008, page 3

Newsletter Centerfold - Rajan

Rajan Given Sanctuary

After Faelen, we were scared we would never find the right companion for poor Kiki. But the Universe had a different plan. The next day, an emergency rescue alert came through for a young male in Illinois needing help now. Wolf-dogs are illegal in IL, so the owner was told to get rid of him pronto or animal control would confiscate and kill him. A friend of ours who runs The Grey Wolf Rescue in Wisconsin was frantically trying to help. She emailed photos of him, named King. He was forced to live in a 5’ x 9’ prison cell covered in mud and feces, and on a chain. He was only being feed 2 cups of dry food and 1 raw egg a day.

Still grieving, we knew we had to take King. We just could not allow this innocent animal to meet an early end. The very next day (29 March), his “owner” drove him to Nebraska and met Connie and Patty, two wonderful ladies who rescue domestic dogs full time. They drove King non-stop to Wolf on Connie’s birthday. It was dark when they arrived with King in a caged area in the back of their minivan. He had eaten through the tether and was free. So how do we get him out without him escaping? Kiley gets into the van and starts scratching King through the gate. Fortunately, he was very sweet, and eagerly greeted her with kisses and tail wags. She was able to reach his collar while Steve opened the back hatch and grabbed the leash. Trouble averted!

King was placed in the containment area of Kiki’s run and given massive amounts of food. He exited the kennel quickly, and smothered his new human pack in kisses. We still aren’t sure if he could possibly be any sweeter. He would spend a few days in that area until he got a clean bill of health and we knew he would get along with Kiki. Any doubts the two belong together quickly dissolved the next morning. They were caught playing at the fence, bouncing at each other, and running the fence line together. We had found the perfect companion!

Unfortunately, it also snowed six inches overnight. You have to love Colorado weather. Connie’s van did not have 4-wheel drive, so it had to be towed to the paved road. Thankfully, that went well, they made it home safely, and both ladies thoroughly enjoyed their adventure.

Upon getting to know King a little more, we decided he needed a new name more becoming of his new life. We once again gave Brandy the honor. She picked Rajan, which actually means King in Hindi, but definitely suits him. He makes his title well known while demanding you scratch the royal inner thigh before losing all dignity and plopping over on his back for you to rub his belly. In short, he has an awesome personality and easily won the heart of the staff, volunteers, and Kiki instantly.

The initial meeting of the two animals was uneventful. Kiki was more concerned about the humans, and Rajan only wanted to explore the enclosure. So the humans left. Then it was play time! Without the fence, the two chased each other all over the enclosure, bounced all over one another, and generally had a great time. They are now inseparable, until a human visits and Rajan demands all the attention. This is just fine by Kiki, who prefers to stay away.

Rajan is doing very well here. He is starting to put on some much needed weight. This isn’t very surprising considering he eats 20 lbs. of dry dog food and 20 lbs. of meat every week! We believe he loves it here almost as much as we love him.

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