It appears that Ole Man Winter is not yet done with us yet. Alberta was getting hammered yesterday and of course the NT had it’s own fair share of heavy snow…so much so that visibility was minimal at best. One cannot complain however, given the horrific devastation other areas around the world have faced, severe tornadoes in the Southern U.S., hurricanes and the like. We are fortunate this far North.
The last few days have been balmy believe it or not, plus temperatures saw a melting snow, making it much easier to get to LOKI. Snow is deeper now, but has not affected my determination to make sure he is well fed and safe.
Yesterday saw heavy snowfall, the white fluffy stuff, that is fun to roll around in…and LOKI and I did just that. I continue to be in awe of his gentle and playful nature, his inherent curiosity and the trust we share together. I had brought him out a blanket (which he has taken in the past) and he delighted in his attempts to pull it out from under me as I lay horizontal across it. In the end, he did trot off with one of my handmade hats.
These photos were taken yesterday during the snow storm. Despite the storm it was actually a beautiful and pleasant day, if one is dressed for it.
I found LOKI quite relaxed surveying his domain…
aware of the swirling flakes around him, yet seemingly unconcerned.
April 4th is also the 8th anniversary of my father’s passing, and I must wonder what my father would think of his daughter today…going out in all manner of weather, slipping, sliding and often falling awkwardly in order to spend time with a beautiful feral wolf hybrid in the middle of the Boreal Forest of the NT. I doubt he would laugh, I know he would not criticize…he bore witness to my lifelong dedication and commitment to all animals and stood by me, regardless to the numbers and species that I would rescue and bring home to care for.
I know in my heart that my father would be amazed and likely proud….he would also marvel at the relationship and trust that has been built between LOKI and I. He would consider LOKI to be the gentle spirit that I see in him, and he too would continue to admire his will to survive.
Having spent time with him early yesterday afternoon, I was delighted when I went out to top up my bird feeders, and turned around to see LOKI portraying himself as King of the Hill on the large mound of snow piled up from my driveway. Once again we were given the time together that is is very precious. Later in the evening he returned and of course was served a warm meal and fresh water.
Just a half hour ago, he again gifted me with his presence here at my home, and having trotted off with a large piece of fresh meat, I prepared his plate and crossed the snow laden small bridge to meet up with him in his domain.
How did he know? But he did, that I would follow him…he sat patiently watching and waiting as I crawled up the side of the deeply snow covered ravine.
LOKI has become, is an integral part of my life. He has taught me so much about who I am, he has touched my inner soul and awakened that spirit within that I embraced as a child. LOKI has also touched the hearts of so many around the world, complete strangers that continue to marvel and to care about his survival. He has brought to me new friends, around the globe, that I will never meet in person. One such friend is Sharon who despite the distance between us, cared enough to mail to me a treasure…a St. Francis medal which I continue to wear faithfully. St. Francis is the Patron Saint of Animals.
Prior to moving to the North, from Ontario, I had developed an affinity to wolves, seeing in them the true spirit of freedom. In studying First Nations beliefs and traditions, as well as various other cultural traditional beliefs, I learned about the spirit, and what each animal represented culturally. I learned about what is termed ‘Familiars’ those animals that come to one in dreams, that guide us.
Little did I know that over twenty years later, the wolf that came to me in my dreams, and whom I then called LOKI, would be an important part of my life today. Dreams are said to reveal the soul, and the journeys that the wolf of my dreams and I shared remain with me vividly today. I do not believe in co-incidence, therefore I cannot believe that the beautiful Pewter wolf head that I wear today, purchased as a gift to me from my mother prior to leaving Ontario to head North, is a co-incidence. Friends have told me that it was my destiny to make the journey to the North, leaving the comforts of an established career and lifestyle far behind me. That it was meant to be, that I should be here, that I would fight for the rights of animals and see the new NT Dog Act legislated. Perhaps they are right…..I do know that it took crossing provincial borders and facing a great deal of change to bring me to this place, this time…and to bring LOKI and I together.
I shall be eternally grateful for this amazing gift.
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