Cheyenne's Howl

Printed in Mountain Messenger on Friday April 4, 1997

Wolf/Dog Hero

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Last week I told you about a reward that has been offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons that shot the second male wolf known as R-28. Its body was found shot and dumped into the Madison River in Gatlin County. This alpha wolf was 150 pounds and a member of the Nez Perce pack, however it had not be traveling with the pack for several months. The actual location of the shooting is not known. Since biologists had been unable to locate R-28 for several weeks, additional sites were checked out on the last monitoring flight. A mortality signal was received and the area was then checked out on foot. The wolf's body was found frozen in the river; its collar was intact and functioning. As I mentioned last week the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the Defenders of Wildlife have offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer(s). I will keep you informed as new information is received. Now on to other things.

I was reading my latest issue of Wolf Hybrid Times and came across an article that I would like to share with you. There have been many stories of how a humans companion animal has rescued its keeper from a dangerous situation. The story I am about to tell you is about a wolf dog that saved a man from a raging bull in Escalon, California. This wolf dog is being hailed as a hero for saving the Modesto, California mans life.

It all started when Mark Cazares stopped by his parents' Escalon ranch to feed the animals. His sister, Lisa Craft, said that apparently, when he saw that the bull was not moving, he climbed into the pen to see if it was okay. Surprise, it was okay alright. The 2000 pound bull stood up and charged, attacking the man.

The bull chased him and threw him into the air fifteen times. Nikki, the wolf dog, raced into the pen and attracted the bulls attention by attacking it. Cazares barely escaped. He suffered broken ribs and bruises and had to be air lifted to the hospital. Nikki was not injured and left the pen as soon as Cazares was safe.

Once again, the bond between the two-legged and four-legged has proven to be a tie that can not be broken. We are here on Mother Earth to be partners in existence, to share, to learn, and to respect each other.

P.S. I want to say "Hello" to Dean at the Buffalo Restaurant and Bar in Idaho Springs. Mom and Dad went there last week and had a great meal with great service from Dean. The only problem was that they ate everything and did not bring me home any scraps. I still have not had any buffalo meat. Dean, if you ever get up to Silver Plume, please bring me a sample. Charge it to Dad. Thanks.

Cheyenne