Wolf Dogs with Keara Peterson
Mrs. Keara Peterson, MS Science teacher at OHVA shares: "I chose the "live to give" mindset because it is my hope that by donating my time and resources that I may inspire others to give what they can too!" "In 2014, I began getting involved in animal rescues by providing free transport for American wolfdogs. As a child my grandmother raised this challenging breed and I learned early on to not fear these sweet giants. I have now helped to transport over a dozen animals cross country for multiple rescues and have been asked to moderate two rescue pages that help connect families in need with resources to better understand the long term needs of this breed, connections to training, enclosure requirements and sanctuary placements when needed. This is Asher. This bonded pair found a home in a sanctuary together in the mid-west. My co-pilot and I made the trip in 38 hours."
"How old were you when you first became interested in your passion?"
My earliest memory of my grandmother’s wolfdogs was when I had wondered into the female’s area and a nearby train began blaring its horn. Natasha used her muzzle to nose me into her dog house and then promptly sat at the entrance blocking my exit. I remember this so clearly because I had a red sucker in my mouth, and I pulled it out and was waiving it about with my arms sticking out beside her head trying to get my grandmother’s attention. I pushed and complained and all I got for my trouble was a fur covered lollipop. When the train had rumbled away in the distance Natasha stood up and let me waddle out. I turned on her and began scolding the mother wolfdog in my sassiest voice. In response Natasha gently took the lollipop out of my hand and ate it. Startled by a new sound I turned to see my grandmother sitting on the back steps laughing at the antics. Later I learned she has been there the whole time and knew Natasha’s temperament with children and had allowed the event to unfold.
"What about it intrigued you?"
Much later in life, at the age of 13, my grandmother had come home from shopping to find a starving abandoned young female wolfdog tied to her garden post in the dead of winter. This was not an unusual occurrence as people often brought her sick or homeless animals that she would feed, heal and place in their proper surroundings. But this girl was special. Grandma knew by the condition of her coat and gums that she was severely malnourished and that she would be with us for some time on a high fat and high protein diet to get her body weight up. She was kept in the barn so she could have space and quiet to feel safe to rest in her new surroundings but on December 31st she gave birth to 12 puppies just a week after her arrival. Grandmother was shocked as she was so thin NOONE could have guessed she was carrying any puppies. It came to grandma, grandpa and I to bottle raise all 12 puppies because their mother did not have any milk. This was a huge challenge.
"What do you do to feed your passion?"
Now I care for 4 adult wolfdogs myself and manage three facebook pages dedicated to wildlife, wolf and wolfdog rescue. In totally we have almost 20, 000 followers. I work to help place animals and give tips to new owners. I have even taken part in a few rescues by trapping and transporting animals to a sanctuary.
"How do you weave your passion into what you do for a living?"
Educating others is a big part of my life and doing that online via social media is just another outlet for that.
"How do you link your passion into your daily life?"
Having 4 wolfdogs in my own care, I get to learn more every day.
"Do you share your passion with others? How?"
Until I receive that license, I am limits by law to share my animals with others, so my primary way is to provide education online via the facebook pages I run. I also take part in large group weekend hikes with other wolfdogs owners in my community at state parks in and around Cincinnati.
How do you plan to pursue your passion in the future?
In the future I wish to receive my USDA license for educational purposes, so that provide that I can hold demonstrations at parks and local libraries that allow me to use my own animals to teach the public about the breed, their needs and requirements as well as the differences in their behaviors that make them so unique. Additionally, I hope to share with others the laws related to the care and well being of these animals and way other can get involved within their ability levels.
