After opening Kechara's Korner we have had questions from folks about getting their very own "Kechara." Keep in mind they will never be a "Pet."
Like all animals and people, Kechara is one of a kind. She is unique. "Your experience will vary." is the word of caution here. You must understand getting your own wolf or wolf-hybrid is a life changing event!
Read everything you can find on this subject. Spend time thinking about the commitment needed to make this work. If anyone can talk you out of this "crazy" idea, let them. Most wolf / wolf-dog adoptions ends in the animal being abandoned - dead - or worse!
Reality Check!
If you answer "Yes or agree" to even one of the following statements DON'T think of adopting a wolf based animal!
My state or city prohibits or regulates wolves or wolf-dogs.
My lawn and shrubbery shows my status to my neighborhood.
My furniture / clothing is important to me.
A dog must obey my every command.
I expect my dog to protect the family.
I have very small children.
Shedding would bother me or a family member.
My dog must spend most of every day alone.
I have neighbors who would be bothered by howling.
A fence like a prison camp would be out of place.
I often follow the latest trend or fad.
I travel a lot.
I Don't Care - I Just Gotta Have One!
Kechara and Sweet Pee nap together.
Well, Ok - but you have a lot of work to do to get ready. First use our links and as many others as you can find and read all you can about owning your wolf dog. Please read .... So You Think You Want A Wolf and Wolf Park - "Guidelines for Keeping Wolves and Wolf-Dog Hybrids". Based on what we read, we chose to start with a very young, properly raised pup. It seemed like the best way and it has worked well for us.
We now feel that, for many, adoption of an animal from a wolf / wolf-dog rescue is a better choice. The primary advantage is that you get to meet the animal and see traits and personality - in a ready to go package.
The population of these animals needs to be controlled for the sake of the animal. If you can't put the animal's true welfare first - then, please adopt something else!
Remember: "Your Experience Will Vary!"
Keep in mind these animals will live and be your responsibility and hopefully your beloved companion for 13 to 17 plus years. During that time food, vet care and housing expenses can run $200.00 plus a month. If an animal is sick, injured or develops a chronic disease the costs can increase dramatically.
We feel that the basic guidelines for these wonderful animals are:
A thorough understanding of what you are getting yourself into.
Companionship - Love - Affection
Quality nutrition and abundant hydration
Spay or Neuter the animal
Suitable Living Environment
Proper Veterinary Care
Identification and electronic Chip ID
Plenty of exercise and play-time
Deal Breakers
Existing Pets: Are you bringing the new WD into a household with existing pets? How an animal is integrated into a new home and what you will accept can make this the first "deal breaker." Do you have existing pets? How will they accept the new animal? If they don't, who is given away? How would you feel if in a try for dominance a beloved pet is seriously injured or killed?
This isn't unique to the introduction of wolf hybrids. Dogs and cats have trouble adjusting to new arrivals all the time. Do you have birds or other creatures? A wolf is intelligent, curious and problem solving by nature. Disapproval while you are watching is one thing - while you are gone to work or even the store, it may become a different set of "wolf" rules.
Past Experience: At any time in the past if an animal proved too "problematic" to keep, that would indicate a "deal breaker" on adopting a wolf hybrid.
It's Mine: To us, the single most troubling behavior was what in wolf parlance is called; the "It's Mine" game. At random an item (any item) is selected, stolen and possessed. Getting the item away intact is unlikely. It is chewed, crunched, eaten or just kept. Attempted removal is met with barred fangs, deep meaningful growls and protective lunges. If the item is needed (car keys), expensive (electronic equipment remotes), prized (clothing), or dangerous to the WD it is necessary to get them back. Not really meaning to (this is a game) you can still get a painful bite. "deal breaker"???
WOLF PROPERTY LAWS
If I like it, it's mine.
If it's in my mouth, it's mine.
If I can take it from you, it's mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.
If it just looks like mine, it's mine.
If I saw it first, it's mine.
If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
