In October of 2014 Shy Wolf Sanctuary was contacted by individuals concerned about the welfare of a young wolfdog being offered for placement or rescue.  The owner had purchased the dog from a known breeder prior to being diagnosed with a serious medical condition which required her to move into her daughter’s home.  Kiya was being kept in one room due to the daughter’s dislike of large dogs and had somehow escaped in June. While out, the young pup was hit by a vehicle and had two broken legs.  The person who contacted us had seen photos of Kiya with an old beat-up surgical cone and duct tape leg dressing and was very concerned the dog would lose its leg.

Due to the sensitive nature of this rescue, and needing to get the dog surrendered by the owner, two of our more experienced volunteers agreed to go evaluate the situation and condition of the pup.  As prior adopters, they both had a great deal of experience with wolfdogs and were able to win the trust of the owner.  Our volunteers were able to win the trust of the owner and get her to release Kiya to them.  Their first stop was to a veterinarian to get Kiya’s legs x-rayed and to determine how to proceed.

The story was one of serious neglect.  One leg had been surgically repaired while the other was poorly splinted by the owner using duct tape.  Kiya lived in a house full of smoke and had to go to the bathroom in the one room she lived in.  She hadn’t even had a bath in the months since the vehicle accident.

With all that Kiya went through, it is no surprise that she had a confidence issue.  No matter what our volunteers did, she always preferred being outside and they had to “win” her trust over again and again.  Circumstances changed and the sanctuary had the opportunity to introduce Kiya to one of our residents.  She wants to be outside, wants to play, and is overall a happy and loving girl.  It was a huge success and Bogie became Kiya’s new beau…with them sharing the foot tub and running and playing all day at the sanctuary!