He is NOT on the Tour Path.
On January 13th, 2025, Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary received more intake requests than we typically do in a YEAR… Over 450 wolves, wolfdogs, coyotes, red foxes, skunks, raccoons, and more had been left behind at an Ashtabula, Ohio fur- and urine-collection farm following the death of their owner. We were called in to assist in placing as many canines as possible, but with a timeline of just two weeks to save them…
Because these animals were there for the collection of their urine and fur, the conditions they lived in were horrific, but they were never meant to leave them alive. What’s worse, many were already deceased upon arrival, and approximately 80 more had to be euthanized due to the neglect they had endured. But we came to get them out.
We made the trip to Ohio not once, but twice, to aid the organizations spearheading this mission in moving animals off-site. As this all occurred during the coldest part of the year, it was paramount to remove animals from their unsuitable conditions to prevent them from continued suffering.
On the first trip, Wild Spirit selected eight animals to spend the rest of their lives in our care. Among these were seven wolfdogs (Kirara, Niohuru, Jethro, Korah, Princess Poppy, Eevee, and Aurora) and one coydog (Captain).
After dropping off our new rescues in New Mexico, the team immediately turned back around for a second trip to Ohio, where we assisted in catching up fifteen more wolfdogs before transporting them to WolfWood Refuge in Colorado.
Naturally, Wild Spirit wasn’t the only organization contributing to this mission, and thanks to the quick response of so many, over 3/4 of the animals were able to be saved! One such organization was the Indiana Coyote Rescue Center (ICRC), which provided emergency placement for 6 animals from the fur farm: Mimi, Milnor, Okami, Nova, Buku, and Ifria! However, when no other options became available for finding them new placement, the ICRC–a smaller facility that unfortunately lacked proper fencing for larger canids–turned to Wild Spirit in hopes we could provide them with a permanent home. For that reason, we once again stepped up to bring in 6 new critters, bringing our total up to 14 rescues from the Ohio fur farm.
Each of Wild Spirit’s new rescues have begun settling in at their own pace, and despite the horrors they endured, they’ve proven to be remarkably comfortable around their new human Caretakers. We hope that in time they’ll learn to trust us more fully, and allow us to show them how good life can actually be.
This was undoubtedly one of the most taxing rescues we have ever been a part of, but knowing approximately 350 animals were saved in less than 3 weeks makes it one of the most rewarding.
Okami is a fiercely affectionate fellow, so much so that he often takes his frustration out on the nearby fenceline if pets are not delivered promptly. This little cuddle bug is either the sweetest bean, or the God of Chaos–the determining factor is if you give him the love he demands.
Fun Fact: Okami translates to “wolf” or “God” in Japanese, and is associated with the God of Rain/Snow (which nicely fits his white coat). However, others may recognize his name from the game “Okami”, where you play as a white wolf named “Amaterasu”, which is the name of the Goddess of the Sun in Japanese mythology!
This story has likely conjured a number of questions regarding the fur- and urine-collection industry, so we will be writing an article to provide more information about these practices in general, and to provide more information about this one specifically.
