Archive for 'ComancheElem'

Hokshila, whose name means “a young man who has proven himself” (in the Lakota language) truly lives up to his name. He is Wanagi’s wolf ambassador, and as such, has participated in all public events since his arrival at the refuge in 2003. Hokshila is a magnificent male timber wolf that stands more than six feet tall on his hind legs.

During outings and presentations, Wanagi’s Ambassador Wolf-dog, Bindi often simply lies down in the midst of all the commotion — that’s how relaxed and comfortable he is!  While he’s lying around, he loves to either sleep or (better yet) have his tummy rubbed by just about anyone!

In her unending quest to engage students in the discussion about wolves and wolf-dogs, Stephanie encourages and invites questions from her audience of 4th-graders.  She has found that children often ask some of the most interesting and thought-provoking questions . . . and she has answers for almost all of them.

During the discussion about wolves and their characteristics, Hokshila allowed Stephanie to show the audience of 4th-graders his formidable teeth.  This photo is testament to the mellow, trusting temperament of this amazing wolf ambassador, Hokshila (who truly has proven himself).

Wanagi volunteer Rob Shackleton sits with Bindi and the two 4th-grade student volunteers during the presentation.  The relaxed, mutually-respectful and trusting dynamic among adult, children, and canine is evident in this photo.

Although she spent most of her time bonding with Bindi during today’s presentation, this female 4th-grader still found some time to bond with Hokshila.  This young lady most certainly would tell anyone who would listen about how amazing these Wanagi ambassadors are, and how thrilling it was to spend time with them.

Long-time Wanagi volunteer Andrea Westwood loves spending time with Hokshila, reaffirming their mutual trust and affection for one another.  Andrea is a tireless and dedicated worker who attends virtually every Wanagi event, and supplies the rescue with an unlimited number of photographs.

Artist and Wanagi volunteer Rick May has established a wonderful rapport with Hokshila and the other Wanagi canines.  He not only volunteers at events and presentations, but also spends considerable time at Wanagi helping Stephanie and becoming increasingly comfortable with the wolves and wolf-dogs.

Prior to Wanagi’s visit, 4th-grade students were asked to bring any unwanted stuffed toys to the presentation to give to the wolves.  Bindi especially loves stuffed toys, and was overjoyed when he received this large green frog!

These two photos show Wanagi volunteers with Hokshila (and Bindi) during the presentation at Comanche Elementary School.  In the left-hand photo, volunteers Rick May and Andrea Westwood provide affection and comfort to Hokshila.  (Bindi is in the photo, too . . . he’s just hidden behind Hokshila.)  In the right-hand photo, volunteer Rob Shackleton spends time with Hokshila.