History
Dusty came to Wild Spirit with her companion, Specter, after a long and complex life. Along with five other wolves, the pair belonged to a family that was ripped apart by divorce. The husband decided to relocate the animals to a foster home in Canada. The new caretaker lost her lease, and the 20 wolves and wolf-dogs she was carrying for were relocated to Washington. After an accident occurred, several of the animals escaped. After the incident, the original owner contacted Leyton and asked if Wild Spirit would take the animals, but the Sanctuary had no room. Leyton then decided to make arrangements to board the animals on his property, and the two drove to Washington to pick up Dusty, Specter, and the other five, leaving the other animals with the woman. The animals were put in enclosures on Leyton's property - four in one enclosure, three in the other. One month later, the female caretaker dove from Washington to New Mexico, onto Leyton's property, and poisoned the seven animals with antifreeze. Since alpha wolves get to eat first, three of the animals ate the contaminated meat, leaving the other four without. The three alphas died the next day, but Dusty, Specter, Bao, and Raina survived. Raina died later of cancer. Bao was brought over to the Sanctuary to live with a wolf named Juneau. Both Bao and Juneau have since passed away.
How Can I Help Dusty?
It takes fifteen sponsors to provide the basic care for each of our wolves and wolf-dogs for an entire year. This does not include the cost of medication, vet visits, enclosures repairs, or enrichment treats.
Profile
Bio: Dusty is a high-content wolf-dog.
Living Arrangements: Dusty lives with her long-time companion, Specter.
Am I On the Tour Path? "No, I live at the back of the Sanctuary. However, if you are a sponsor of mine and would like to say hello, ask someone in the office if you can come up for a visit."
Personality: Dusty is a very shy animal that can warm up to people and environments with enough time and patience. Many caretakers have been able to create a limited bond with Dusty, enough that she will take food out of their hands. Although shy around humans, she is very frisky with neighbors and enjoys starting arguments through the fence.
Likes: Observing other enclosures from the top of the hill, fence-fighting with neighbors, and Specter.
Dislikes: Getting approached heads-on, new volunteers in her enclosure, and loud noises.
Fun Fact: When Dusty and the rest of the animals were located in Washington, several of the animals escaped. They were all captured except for one - Dusty, who ran free for several weeks. The original owner contacted Leyton who offered advice over the phone for her capture. Finally, Dusty was lured into an old lady's kitchen with a pot of spaghetti.
My Wishlist: "I developed a tumor on my front leg that is going to need constant care. If I am in good health when the tumor gets too large, I can go to the vet's to get it removed. Help with my reoccurring vet care at Canyon Crossroads in Tijeras, NM would be wonderful!"
