Wednesday

Recently almost 30 wolf-hybrids were rescued from a remote mountaintop property near Alexandria, New Hampshire. 

It started after the resident was evicted on Sept. 20th and ended after a 16-day operation led by the Upper Valley Humane Society with support from at least five local law enforcement agencies and national and regional animal welfare groups.

Because of the location, a remote property atop Oregon Mountain, at the end of a 21/2-mile washed-out logging road accessible only by four-wheeler or a military-issue Humvee, this rescue was described as “logistically the most complex.”

When the rescue team members arrived they found 40 wolf-hybrids in about 20 different pens on the property. One was found dead and a second was found dead a few days later. Nine of the wolf-hybrids had to be humanely euthanized because of severe illness or aggression.

The remaining 29 (who ranged from age 4 - 14 yrs.) received medical and behavior evaluations before being transported down the mountain. Of these 29 only 4 are expected to become adoptable and are undergoing behavior modification at the Upper Valley Humane Society shelter in Enfield, New Hampshire.

The other 25 animals who were identified as those who "truly need a sanctuary lifestyle," were taken in by the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center, a California-based nonprofit that recently acquired the former Loki Clan Wolf Refuge in Chatham, N.H.

Jesse Cloutier photograph

The owner of the dogs was identified as William Russell, who ran Dancing Brooke Lodge, a wolf-hybrid rescue organization that had been on Oregon Mountain for about six years. He was evicted for unknown reasons along with his wife, Anna Jean Russell. However, his website for the organization, which said it was a nonprofit, still has a notice asking for fundraising help to purchase the land.


Alexandria Police Chief Donald Sullivan said, “At this point, there are no charges, but I can tell you that there is an active investigation … as far as the potential cruelty (charges).” He also praised the Upper Valley Humane Society by saying," “We’re extremely grateful for the Upper Valley Humane Society because without them, we wouldn’t have been able to place any of the dogs anywhere. They really were the ones that spearheaded finding placement for these dogs.”

Jesse Cloutier photograph

Deborah Turcott, executive director of the Upper Valley Humane Society, said humane society officials plan to meet with lawmakers to help improve the laws that govern wolf-hybrids. As it stands now, the animals live in a legislative “no man’s land. They are not domesticated like dogs and are therefore not “traditionally adoptable,” but they are not wildlife, so they are not handled by fish and game officials. There’s no governing agency. No one is responsible for licensing or for the sanctuaries themselves.”

Turcott added that the former owner was cooperative in seeking assistance once evicted. Because of New Hampshire’s vague legislation, she said, “I believe there are very well-intentioned people who collect animals who otherwise may have nowhere else to be, and sometimes it gets out of hand. … By the time eviction was served, he realized he needed help.”

Jesse Cloutier photograph

Responses to "29 Wolf-hybrids rescued from remote mountain top hoarding situation that was started as a hybrid rescue. (Photos)"

  1. Anonymous says:

    I would love to have a real wolf one day they are beautiful. I hate that there's so much animal cruelty going on in this world. I hope that you continue to save the animals that need saving. Thank you

  2. Anonymous says:

    I had a wolf-hybribs she was 98% wolf and rest was dog,,,, she was such a lover,,,, I wish people would learn some lesson on this issues,,,, I miss her so much she die of cancer seven years ago

  3. Anonymous says:

    Wild animals are happiest in the wild. Think of the animals ,not romantic ,but selfish wishes .I derly love wolves .I have a dog..

  4. Anonymous says:

    I would love to have one or two of them I have 2 malamutes old now and I use to have and an expert on malamutes and wolf hybrids I live in the desert of Arizona but I have well kept land and over 20 years of experience in the wolf hybrid and malamutes. Yet I am in my senior years now with my husband and we both are retired but that does not stop me from handling and caring for a few.Yet I am in Arizona and too far away I guess but offering alittle love and care for a few....................[=

  5. Anonymous says:

    I just lost my lifetime friend Codah , a timber wolfand am looking for a special pal , i have 44 acres for it to roam on and would cherish the chance to save another wolf , I miss my buddy , and am looking foreward to living with another . I am Robert d. Grose in Crawfordville Florida , e mail aswpt.1946@gmail .com Please consider what i am offering , the chance to give a new friend a new Beginning .









  6. Anonymous says:

    I had a hybrid male years ago. I cannot emphasize enough that the majority of hybrids do not do well as urban pets because of their wolf DNA. And there are very few experienced humans who are equipped to care for hybrids. I'm glad that these hybrids have been saved.

  7. Anonymous says:

    It would be cruel to own a wolf

  8. Wolf-hybrids, wolf-dogs - no matter what you call them - there is a wild instinct inside. And all have different personalities. Some want to be wild and outside, others want the couch to be near their people pack members. The biggest key to any Hybrid is respect and the understanding that the "freedom" side is always there. The one that wants the couch will run if not leashed. Thank goodness these beautiful animals were found and can now have the second chance they deserve....

  9. Anonymous says:

    I have a wolf/hybrids all white blue eyes.5 years old I love him very much,he love me very much.I got him when he was 6 weeks old.17 ace,fenced in ,dog door he can come in or out the house,has a bed by my bed,drinks coffee with me in morning love my boy

  10. Anonymous says:

    i live with 2 hybirds my boy are very loving ,they are my boys .they sleep with me go places ,have cookies &milk with me ,they love my grandkids, i got them at 5 weeks old and they have been by my side everyday. they are very loyal ,they are the must beautful animals and i'm glad that they other hybirds are getting a second chance.

  11. Unknown says:

    Wolves are wild creatures who belong in the wild.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Wolves and Dolphins are my favorite animals,but BOTH belong in the wild. Just my opinion.

  13. I patted a wolf in the Belgrade zoo.Be careful.They can turn on you.

  14. Anonymous says:

    These are wolf hybrids, not wolves! They love their humans...raise them from a puppy, and you are their pack!

  15. Anonymous says:

    The spiritual connection of any thing in life is a blessing. Each and every human, race , religion is unique. Native americans had them as pets before"dog" was mans best friend.

  16. Anonymous says:

    unbelievable what the world has programed into the brains about wolfs/ hybrids. I have 1. He is wonderful. Yes respect them and care and love for them like u would for your kids. I have 3 kids, ages 11,9 and 6.!, my hybrid is 8 years old. We did live in burbs a few years, he did fine. Now in country , he is family, not a dog or even a zoo exhibit.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Did u know that humans lived in the wild, oh guess what? Some still do!!!!! :P

  18. Annie may says:

    I have a wolf /hybrid, he is 6 now and what a wonderful boy he is. He loves all children, and woman. He is ok with men, but will keep an eye on all men. He is my baby.
    Wishing all the other wolf hybrids the best .

  19. Annie may says:

    If people would learn to take care of them it would be a better place for them.
    Yes I would love to get another one before my boy gets yo old. Wishing ever one all the luck with there babies

  20. Annie may says:

    I have a wolf /hybrid, he is 6 now and what a wonderful boy he is. He loves all children, and woman. He is ok with men, but will keep an eye on all men. He is my baby.
    Wishing all the other wolf hybrids the best .

  21. Unknown says:

    Down here in southeast Texas people breed alot of wolf hybrids. One day a lady who had been shopping came out to her truck to find a six week old starved puppy. She brought into the pet store I work at and took the baby home. She was litterally shink and fur ontop of bones, covered in sores but full of kisses and love. Today she is 16 weeks and the best puppy in her taining class. She has a high prey drive but hef best buds are a pit bull and a 10 week old old kitten. She is NOT wolf and she is not dog, but she is a wonderful friend.

  22. Anonymous says:

    well ive been following a few different programs for the wonderful wolf. I know in reality they cant ever become pets like a lot of people would like! but to me they deserve there freedom and every animal out there has its purpose in thecircle of life. I try to do my best by spreading the word for the wolfs;and I will never stop loving and caring about these beautiful babys; THE WOLF HAS MY HEART!!!

  23. Felecia Kucala says:

    My father went there last month to visit these wolf hybrids and he was very rudely turned away, he said these animals were being neglected then! This man and his wife still have a website that advertises needing donations and what not but when my father drove almost 3 hours these people were nothing more than rude and aggressive! I would love to adopt one they are wise, loving companions that need love and care and it is not cruel to own one it is a priviledge yo have one in your family!

  24. Felecia Kucala says:

    You are very wise :)

  25. Anonymous says:

    i always feel so sad when i see these things... these poor animals have no control over their breeding, and so often end up in the hands of ppl who don't really understand them. and that's when it becomes dangerous. wolf-dogs do make good family members, but this depends on the individual animal. more dominant type individuals should be in a non-human pack, like their wild brothers and sisters, the more submissive individuals can be with humans with no problems.
    before anyone decides they're going to bash what i'm saying, keep in mind i've been around wolf dogs my whole life.

  26. Anonymous says:

    I had a wolf for 16 years. I raised him since he was 3 weeks old, bottle fed him, the whole thing. He was my baby and I raised him as you would any other dog. I loved him and would love to have another some day

  27. Anonymous says:

    I have a wolf hybrid; she is now three soon to be four on Christmas day.She is very gentl, aims to please, and loveable. I cant picture anyone mistreating these majestic animals. She is 86/14% 86 being wolf, and 14 being german shepard. Previous to this we had a 75/25^, and now have a 50/50 mixed with lab also.

  28. Anonymous says:

    I have been living with a pack of Arctic and Mexican Gray wolves. I love them like my own children. if you have never had one do not get one. Wonderful animals but the underlying instinct of wild aggression and testing Alpha behavior is very visible- and potentialy lethal.

  29. Anonymous says:

    Its important to remember these people ran a rescue. It was an effort to help these animals that others had acquired and no longer wanted. These people definitely knew the animal and did their best to help them. I do believe these people had the best of intentions and become overwhelmed. That is the case with many rescues. Always wanting to help just one more.

  30. I unfortunately don't live in USA or Canada, but live in Australia. My love for wolves began when I owned my beautiful Kathleen, who was an Alaskan Malamute and she was so much wolf with her gorgeous yellow eyes and beautiful red long fur, it is then I then started to read about wolves (and fall in love with them)) and found out where Malamutes came from. They are the closest dog to the wolf and I truly believe with all the killing off of them, that the government is allowing, if they can be adopted as family pets and raised with the knowledge of their heritage, then maybe, just maybe they will survive and be loved unconditionally. I also follow all the petitions for wolves and sign them, where the government is allowing them to be killed off cruelly in the hope that they will listen and allow these majestic animals to live in harmony. My wish is to one day come over and spend some time with the wolves and just love them to pieces. I send all my positive energy to these fantastic people who have saved these animals and wish them all the best in finding loving homes for them

  31. Anonymous says:

    In response to Felicia, I know these animals well and they were not being cared for appropriately. Your father was probably turned away because DBL never was technically open to the public since they didn't have the proper permitting. However, in the past, hikers were often given tours, and most offered donations, however, the owners knew change was coming and were probably more focused on protecting their turf by keeping strangers out. In general, it's a good idea to make contact with any rescue facility/sanctuary in advance of visiting because special permitting is required in order to receive visitors who become liabilities.

  32. Rebecca L says:

    I have rescued a wolf hybrid and had to give her up due to financial issues. I miss her. She was not happy except when I visited a friend and she could race and run to her hearts content. Some hybrids are more doggy and can be happy in human lives. Unless you live in a cabin on a mountain in the wilderness you have no business having a hybrid. They need to hunt and run through the woods to be happy. Or as sled dogs they can be happy. Wolves belong in the WILD where they can be FREE. Mixing them with a dog just makes a confused animal who is likely to be unhappy, because they don't know if they are dog or wolf. They need a pack to be happy of their own kind and be able to live in a pack situation not in kennels caged up or tied out on a lead. That is cruel and inhumane. A dog can adapt and be OK with it. A wolf hybrid or full blood cannot. You HAVE to be the Alpha at ALL times or you will get bitten and attacked as that is the Wolf way. They discipline weak individuals and dominate them with their fangs and other behaviors. Hybrids are Not good pets. Dogs are. We bred wolves for tameness and got dogs. Some breeds the wolf is kept strong like in the Husky breeds and German Shepherds. Because it was bred into the lineage early on. A Pomeranian is about as far as you can get from a gray wolf. Wolves are kind and loving creatures to their pack members and gentle with the offspring. Though sometimes they try to discipline our offspring as they do theirs and you have to be vigilant and train them otherwise. They belong in the Wild roaming free not in our homes and yards people.

  33. Anonymous says:

    Several years ago we adopted a hybrid from the local shelter...papers stated a shepherd husky mix...but we know where he came from and who is initial owner was ...with his build and characteristics there is no doubt about his DNA....biggest loverboy ever....only one scuffle with the other dog over a rawhide and nothing since....all this big boy ever wanted was a hug and a soft bed!!!

  34. Anonymous says:

    I just lost my wolf hybrid last fall, to cancer. She was almost twelve years old, I got her when she was seven weeks old. She was the most loving, beautiful animal I have ever had, and everyone who met her agreed. She did not belong "in the wild". She belonged where she was, with me!

  35. Anonymous says:

    I raised a wolf hybrid since a puppy. She was a rescue. She is nine years old now. A hardy breed to be sure. Very loyal and devoted. I admit I was scared at first to rescue her because of all the stories I heard, but she has been the sweetest furbaby. Yes, she went through her destructive adolescent stage -- loved to tear up pillows for some reason, but we got through it. I have learned so much from her to. Just remember, if you ever get one, it is for life. You must be committed. They don't easily rehome once bonded with someone.

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