| Shunka was born with her brother in a puppy mill in New Mexico that specialized in mid-content wolf dogs. The breeder kept her adult animals in tiny cages and did not socialize any of the new cubs. Unfortunately, although the animals are treated cruelly, the breeder is just inside the laws of animal cruelty and neglect, and so cannot be shut down. The breeder called us, hoping that we could take Shunka and her brother, Wambli, for they were too wild for her to sell. We accepted, and the two cubs came here when they were 15 weeks old. At first, the cubs were very skittish of people and unsocialized. A staff member kept the two in her bedroom, where they hid under her bed for a few months. Finally, they began to come out and become accustomed to people. |
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Shunka was still very shy around people, and it took patience and a close connection for her to warm up to someone. She could be kind and inquisitive, but was also easily startled, so it was important to be gentle around her. If she really grew close to someone, she would try to scentroll on the unsuspecting victim! Shunka lived with her mate, Napi, and the two got along beautifully. Shunka would usually spend her time either in one of the many dens Napi built, or lying on top of her cave. When Napi passed away, we introduced Shunka to Fenris. The two were going to move in together right away, but Fenris became stuck in one of the holes in Shunka's enclosure. After we filled the holes with rocks, the two moved in together. They were sweet with one another, and would usually just spend the day sunning in the enclosure. When we had a vet come out and visit, he took a look at both Fenris and Shunka, and recommended euthanasia for both due to Fenris' hip problems and bone caner in Shunka. Fenris was brought to the vet and euthanized, and Shunka followed suit a week later.
Shunka was a low to mid-content wolf dog. She passed away at the age of sixteen. |
