Lucan

sex: male
born: 06 August 1998~
birth place: Wisconsin

deceased: 05 September 2008

given sanctuary: 01 June 2006

 

Lucan's Memorial
see Newsletter - Fall 2008 (click)

Lucan's Story

No one knew how old he was, or much else about his life. That information went with his previous owner when she died unexpectedly in May of 2006. Lucan, at least we think that’s his name, was not alone. There were twenty additional wolf-dogs living on chains in intolerable con­ditions. They were breeding stock for a backyard breeder. As time went on, the circumstances grew worse. No one, it seems, realized that their owner was ill for several weeks before her passing. As the days passed, the water ran out, there was no food and the animals’ situation deteriorated.

This was all taking place in Wisconsin. Finally, a friend of the breeder's’ arrived to check on her when he couldn’t reach her by phone. What he found when he arrived was horrendous. His friend was close to death. The wolf-dogs were dehydrated and malnourished. Several of the animals were also close to dying. The small Wisconsin town rushed emergency service to help her, but was ill-equipped to handle the rescue of that many animals. It was at this point the Animal Humane Society (AHS), from a neighboring town in Minnesota, was asked to help with the wolf-dogs. Their “owner” did not survive her illness, Sosity died from starvation, and Trekker and Lance were so ill from dehydration and malnutrition it became necessary for the AHS to euthanize them. In addition to all this horror, Happy, the youngest of the wolf-dogs, was missing.

Wolf received a call from the AHS to ask if we could take the wolf-dogs, and the WideAwake Rescue began. Lucan was one of eighteen who would make the long trip to Colorado from Minnesota. Unfortunately, even rescue would be a horrible experience for them. During the catch-up of the animals, the transport people found it necessary to use a catch pole noose on all the animals. We were also told that the animals would be transported in an air-conditioned trailer and that a vet tech would accompany the animals to care for them in the event of an emergency. None of this occurred. They were packed in a horse trailer so tight even water could not be given to them.

Furious about the way these animals had been treated on their trip, Wolf volunteers immediately started to unload them and place them safely in their new home. Lucan and the others would never have to worry about food, water or being on a chain again. They had room, trees, and each other. Physically, they would all have a comfortable place to live.

Lucan was by far the most calm and social of all the animals. He allowed scratches and eagerly took goodies from your hand, making him a favorite of all the volunteers. He was paired with Kasota after his neuter, and aided her recovery as well. Their relationship was spectacular.

They continued to do well at their temporary home for 2.5 years. Lucan had hip issues, and received pain killers daily to help. After the issue seemed to get worse, we went up Nov 4, 2008 for general exams and vaccinations. Although he exhibited a few old age symptoms, overall Lucan appeared in good health.

We received a call the next day that Lucan was found dead in his enclosure. Everyone went into shock. His body was taken for an necropsy, where they determined he died from severe kidney stones. His blood work showed no sign of kidney issues at all. The kidneys apparently will function normally until over 75% of them are dead. We are still grieving his loss.

 

 

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