Kate adopted a Maremma Sheepdog named Wolf when he was only a year old. By that time, Kate was already Wolf’s fifth owner.
When his previous placement failed, the rescue agency contacted Kate. She jumped in the car only to meet him. However, she fell in love at first sight and returned home with Wolf.
Wolf was Kate’s first rescue dog. She had previous experience with big dog breeds but had no intention of getting one, let alone a Maremma. Wolf, according to Kate, was difficult to handle at first. He is beautiful, fluffy, and fun, but he is also a lot of work. To train and work with him successfully, she needed a lot of patience, respect, enthusiasm, and a strong will.
Four years later, Wolf became an excellent cuddle bug and protector with the help of a behaviorist. He is gentle with babies and the elderly. The gentle giant is caring, loving and looks after the younger, weaker, and more fragile animals. He has also assisted Kate and her daughter with the rescue of kittens. He is incredibly patient and compassionate with them.
Wolf also serves as a therapy dog at Kate’s school, reaching out to students who need support. He will enter a room, move about quietly, and then sit down next to the child who seems to need help. The children sometimes require a big Maremma hug. Other times they need someone with whom they can connect. In more than one instance, Wolf has even alerted Kate to save the life of a suicidal child.
Wolf has become an inspiration and a source of great comfort to those around him. So even when rescuing may come with challenges, Kate finds it all rewarding in the end.
Kate also stressed the importance of looking for a dog that is a good fit for one’s experience, skills, and environment. People should do their homework and not get any dog just because he is beautiful. Kate went on to say that being with loving animals that would otherwise not have a chance is the biggest reward for her.
Credit: Master Bowie