After several sanctuaries turned down requests for his rescue, Irwin was placed with a second owner in a private home in Oklahoma. Unfortunately, after more than a year in his new home, Irwin once again demonstrated some unpredictable behaviors resulting once more in the need for sanctuary placement. Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary was initially contacted and asked to take him in, but at that time we did not have any single females that staff believed he might be compatible with. As a result, his request for rescue was declined.
Months later, however, we found a potential opening for handsome Irwin. As fate would have it, our lovely high-content wolf-dog Naia had been removed from her shared habitat with Arctic wolf, Flurry, as the two had become incompatible as Naia grew older. As such, we began to consider a new companion for her and Irwin came to mind immediately. Being much younger than Flurry and with higher energy and (ideally) greater patience with Naia, we hoped that the two might be a great fit!
“Operation Irwin” took place in October of 2020 when Executive Director, Brittany McDonald, and Grant Coordinator, Kendra Kain-Woods, set out on the two day journey to retrieve our new rescue and bring him back home!
During the drive it was difficult to get a proper feel for Irwin, and though he did eventually warm up enough to allow Brittany and Kendra to pet him through the chain-link, it was still unclear what his response to new people and animals might be. But upon arrival at the sanctuary, Brittany was able to take Irwin’s leash and lead him from the rescue van and into his new enclosure without issue. Since then, he has been attached to her hip during all of his initial meetings with the team. So far, Irwin has demonstrated that he is a sweet boy but is not yet fully confident in his new surroundings. He loves belly rubs and has been known to lie on his back for long periods, languishing in the pampered treatment.
It’s hard to know at this point how Irwin feels about the lovely Naia next door but truth be told, he seems a tad bit intimidated by her confident and playful demeanor. However, we have begun to catch moments of the two playing between their shared fence line, which seems to bode well for a potential future pairing!
Are you taking in any female low-mid content wolf dogs? I have 2 females (sisters) that need to be rehomed and I want them to go to a rescue and not private owner. One has dark amber eyes with tan multi layers fur, the other is silver black fur with black tip tail. They are little over 3 yrs old, I have had them since birth. Due to change in job I am gone 12-13hrs or more a day, and it’s having an impact on them. They have always been inside and are starting to get destructive. They are at that age where left alone like that is not good and not fair to them. I need to find them a place where preferably they could stay together as they are very bonded to one another. Please let me know if you would be able to take them or if you know of another rescue that might be able to. I live in northern Florida. I pray that I can find them a good sanctuary home as I could not be at peace if I don’t know that they would be safe. I can send pics if you would like. Also they are up to date on shot, but are due for their annual checkup. Thank you for your time.
Hi April! Thank you for reaching out to us. We have an application process that helps us better understand the important information regarding a potential rescue. Please complete the Rescue Inquiry form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
I want to make a small donation
Hi Carol! Here is our page, 8 Ways You Can Help, including an online donation form! Thank you!
I am so glad Irwin now has a permanent loving home.
Thank you, Jim, we are super happy to have him in our family!