Most people that I know are either fervent admirer’s of the wolf or at the very least, curious about this elusive and often misunderstood creature. Most, however, are not aware that for years wolves have been bred with our most loyal pet, the dog. So, as a wolf groupie, would you like to know more about this phenomenon? If so, you need to visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary located on highway 1A, about 15 minutes west of Cochrane, AB. (about an hour east of Banff).
I have visited the sanctuary a number of times and learned much about these timid creatures whose origins are thought to date back to fur farms where they were bred for their pelts. Executive Director, Georgina De Caigny explained that it was the captive bred tame wolf that was bred with dogs to create some of the most common wolfdog bloodlines we see today.
Georgina grew up near Canmore, AB. and worked at a sled dog kennel near that town. That’s where she first encountered wolfdogs and in 2009, she adopted one of her own. That’s when she realized that she wanted to pursue her passion for wolfdog rescue. In 2011, Georgina started Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary on a small property near Canmore with the goal of creating a safe haven for displaced wolfdogs and stand up against the myths surrounding them. Then, in 2015, she was able to move her organization to a 160 acre plot just outside of Cochrane where she can now house more rescued wolfdogs and invite people to tour the sanctuary.
Georgina explained that as the popularity of wolfdogs as pets became more popular in Canada, she identified a need for a knowledgeable and experienced rescue organization that would make the rehabilitation and re-homing of displaced wolfdogs a priority. The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is not only one of the largest sanctuaries within Canada, but one of the only sanctuaries to balance educational programs with a highly successful adoption program too. Approximately 50% of wolfdogs come to the sanctuary as owner surrenders, the other half are transferred from other rescues and shelters.
The number of wolfdogs that can be accommodated at the sanctuary depends on the number of enclosures that are set up. The last time I visited, there were 18 wolfdogs but due to expansion the sanctuary can now house upwards of 30 animals.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or book one of the guided tours offered at the sanctuary. There is also an interactive tour where you can enjoy an up close and intimate look at wolves and wolfdogs.
To learn more about the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary and tour times, visit their website at: www.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com
I have visited the sanctuary a number of times and learned much about these timid creatures whose origins are thought to date back to fur farms where they were bred for their pelts. Executive Director, Georgina De Caigny explained that it was the captive bred tame wolf that was bred with dogs to create some of the most common wolfdog bloodlines we see today.
Georgina grew up near Canmore, AB. and worked at a sled dog kennel near that town. That’s where she first encountered wolfdogs and in 2009, she adopted one of her own. That’s when she realized that she wanted to pursue her passion for wolfdog rescue. In 2011, Georgina started Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary on a small property near Canmore with the goal of creating a safe haven for displaced wolfdogs and stand up against the myths surrounding them. Then, in 2015, she was able to move her organization to a 160 acre plot just outside of Cochrane where she can now house more rescued wolfdogs and invite people to tour the sanctuary.
Georgina explained that as the popularity of wolfdogs as pets became more popular in Canada, she identified a need for a knowledgeable and experienced rescue organization that would make the rehabilitation and re-homing of displaced wolfdogs a priority. The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is not only one of the largest sanctuaries within Canada, but one of the only sanctuaries to balance educational programs with a highly successful adoption program too. Approximately 50% of wolfdogs come to the sanctuary as owner surrenders, the other half are transferred from other rescues and shelters.
The number of wolfdogs that can be accommodated at the sanctuary depends on the number of enclosures that are set up. The last time I visited, there were 18 wolfdogs but due to expansion the sanctuary can now house upwards of 30 animals.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or book one of the guided tours offered at the sanctuary. There is also an interactive tour where you can enjoy an up close and intimate look at wolves and wolfdogs.
To learn more about the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary and tour times, visit their website at: www.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com
