St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary

St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary

December 18, 2019

A friend recently shared a meme with me that said the medical term for owning too many dogs is called a Roverdose and as the saying goes… “if the name fits.”  It’s true though, I love dogs. Actually, I love all kinds of animals but for some reason dogs have always held a very special place in my heart. There was one dog that I especially loved. He belonged to a co-worker of mine and his name was Vinnie. He was a white Bichon Frise that was VERY cute and he knew it! He was all boy even though he was the smartest, fluffiest little thing. I loved dog-sitting Vinnie every chance I could. He kept me laughing and my heart was full when I was with him. I still remember the trance he would put me in with those squinting eyes. If you’ve been in the presence of a Bichon, then you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about!

I recently fell in love with what some might call the TOP dog, also known as the wolf, when I discovered the St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary. They're currently located in Montgomery, not too far from Grand Central Park; just a good 30 minute drive or so on 105 West. They have a fascinating story of how they got started and it’s no mystery at all! I say that with the utmost humility and respect because it was all because of “Mystery” that the sanctuary came to be!! At one point there was a wolf sanctuary in Conroe called North American Wolf Association (NAWA) and a wolf who would later be called Mystery lived there, but escaped. She, yes, SHE, roamed around the woods for about a week before getting shot and caught. The good news is that Mystery didn’t die. A local vet took her in and cared for her, but didn’t know what to do from there as NAWA didn’t take her back. A wonderful lady named Jean LeFevre felt compassion for the “Mysterious Wolf” who roamed about the woods of Montgomery County and was determined to do whatever she could to take Mystery in. In fact, that’s how Mystery got her name! After getting a license, Jean opened her own sanctuary on the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, on October 4, 2002 which is where the name St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary came from. How cool is that? What’s even cooler is that Mystery lived to be 18 years old!!

There are so many things to do at the St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary. Check this out:

  • How Night & Camping with the Wolves - takes place twice a month around a campfire and is a great way to learn about the animals. Food and drinks are provided. $30 for adults and $20 for children.
  • Sanctuary Tour - $10 per person though visit their website for details on discount day. Be sure to book in advance to secure a spot. VIP tours are also available for an even more up close and personal tour.
  • Cub Scout & Girl Scout Programs - $20 per participant, which includes a Akela award patch. Scouts will have the opportunity to learn about captive wild animals and help create enrichment items as a service project for the animals to enjoy.
  • Birthday Party Experience - the best birthday party experience for kids who love wolves. Parties include private tour and presentation on wolves and wolfdogs.
  • Open Day - Festival of the Wolves - annual open house with keeper chats and enrichment activities involving the animals, silent auction, bake sale, tons of kid friendly activities and MORE. Usually takes place mid-October.

I’m not even scratching the surface as there’s so much more to learn and discover about the St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary. I encourage you to schedule a visit today!

 

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