Old-timers tell the story of a New Mexico homesteader who was making a little moonshine on his ranch during the days of prohibition. Making this illegal liquor takes sugar, but the government kept a close eye on folks buying sugar in large amounts. The rancher came up with the clever plan to make and sell pinion nut candy as a front for his moonshine production. Local patrons came to get candy over the counter and "candy" under the counter. Soon, the homestead became known as "The Candy Kitchen" and name stuck. Today, Candy Kitchen, New Mexico is a small mountain community that is home to over 300 residents and 50 wolves and wolf-dogs.
Nearly 60 years after Candy Kitchen, New Mexico, was founded, artist Jacque Evans purchased the abandoned ranch to be her home. Jacque had a great love for wolves and wolf-dogs and became aware of the increasing number of unwanted animals and their special needs. She realized her land could become a refuge and opened her life and home to the animals. In 1991, Jacque founded "The Candy Kitchen Wolf and Wolf-dog Rescue Ranch" and supported animal rescues by selling her artwork. News of Jacque's devotion to the animals quickly spread, and soon, the rescue ranch began to expand.
Barbara Berge was rescuing wolf-dogs in Albuquerque and met Jacque through a rescued animal named Sable in June of 1992. Realizing a common dream, Barbara moved to Candy Kitchen in 1993 to help Jacque transform her rescue ranch into a non-profit organization.
In October 2003, Candy Kitchen Rescue went through reorganization and became Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. At this time, Leyton Cougar took over the position of Executive Director.
A Tour through History
We are privileged to share with you videos, newsletters, and publications exploring the evolution of the Sanctuary. Please browse through the following links to experience a first-hand perspective of our growth.
"The Howling Reporter" Newsletter Archive
- Howling Reporter Winter 2011 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Fall 2011 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Summer 2011 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Winter 2010/Spring 2011 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Fall 2010 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Summer 2010 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Spring 2010 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Winter 2009 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Fall 2009 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Summer 2009 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Spring 2009 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Winter 2008 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Fall 2008 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Summer 2008 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Spring 2008 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Winter 2007 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Fall 2007 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Summer 2007 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Spring 2007 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Summer 2006 - pdf
- Howling Reporter Spring 2006 - pdf