Mission of Wanagi Wolf Fund and Rescue
To stop the breeding of wolves and wolf-dogs as pets and to protect those that are already here by spaying & neutering to let them live their lives out with respect.
Stephanie Kaylan
I’m Stephanie Kaylan, the founder and president of the Wanagi Wolf Fund and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. I have been involved in wolf-dog and wolf rescue since 1994 and I have been nominated for the New Mexico Milagro Award (for Animal Protection) three times.
Educating future generations is one of my main goals, because children are the future. The Wanagi wolves and wolf-dogs often have a very special bond with children. The more young people volunteer to help the Wanagi Wolf Fund and Rescue, the more we can educate the next generation about these wonderful animals, the brighter the future will be for the animals. And the more love and joy the animals will feel.
My beloved canine, Wanagi, died of lymphoma, never reaching his 7th birthday. Wanagi (Lakota) means ‘the one who guards and protects the spirits of those who have passed onward.’ I want him and his name to live on, to do good and to save lives.
Breeding exotic animals — including wolves and wolf-dogs — is illegal in only 11 states. To clarify, we should not use the word hybrid to describe these animals, because they are not genetically altered. It is a wolf crossed with a dog, creating a wolf-dog. When wolf-dogs are surrendered to animal shelters, they are considered exotic animals and are given a death sentence. I have been trying to help get stricter laws passed to stop the breeding of these animals.
As wonderful as they are, the abuse and neglect that I have witnessed is appalling. We must stop the breeding. When humans manipulate nature, nature suffers. When people ‘puppy-mill’ or claim to be breeders of wolves or wolf-dogs, they are doing a disservice to nature. Puppy milling will not make anyone rich, and it will only give these lovely animals a rough and unstable beginning in life. We all would do a greater service by going to our local shelters and rescuing canines that desperately need us.
Breeding a wolf, an animal that has innate wild tendencies, with a dog is not showing any kind of wisdom. As a canine behavior consultant, I understand their brain, temperament and attitude and help to socialize and then place these loving animals in secure and loving homes. They are not released to anyone until they are fixed and properly seen by vets. They deserve to live their lives out peacefully and respectfully in caring, loving family homes.
I pray that our organization, the Wanagi Wolf Fund & Rescue, will help set an example for others and that the abuse, neglect and breeding of wolf-dogs will cease. I am but one being trying to make a difference. I cannot do it alone. Nor do I want to or should I. I believe we can all make a difference for the better. We just have to wake up, look beyond our own noses and get involved.
If you would like additional information or to be contacted, you may email the Wanagi Wolf Fund and Rescue. Be sure to include your name and PHONE NUMBER and we will contact you as soon as possible. It is ESSENTIAL that you include your phone number.
Wolf Rescue History
In 1995, Jacqui Evans, the founder of the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah, NM, (formerly known as Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch) graciously entrusted two high content wolf-dogs to me. These were a husband-and-wife pair named Washté and Wopila.
These two special beings entered my life and changed me forever. Since I first met Washté and Wopila, many others have come and gone. I have rescued and placed countless wolves and wolf-dogs in loving, respectful families and homes. They inspired, and continue to inspire, my passion and determination for wolf-dog and wolf rescue. I want to help as many of these wonderful animals as possible, to work to end the breeding of wolves and wolf-dogs as pets, and to provide opportunities for people to get to know these marvelous creatures.
Washté was a white German Shepherd mixed with gray wolf. She passed away in October 1998. Wopila lived to the healthy, happy age of 19!