My Visit to a Wolf Sanctuary

My husband and I recently took a vacation to Sedona, AZ. Before our trip, I Googled “things to do if   you don’t want to go hiking.” The Sedona Wolf Sanctuary came up. I’d never heard of it, and I was intrigued. You must make an appointment to visit, and you are allowed inside the enclosures where you can interact with the wolves.

After visiting their website and reading the rules, I booked an appointment. They are very strict about clothing and what you can bring inside the enclosures. Also, you have to be over 18 to visit the sanctuary, and you are not permitted to use a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You can’t wear sunglasses because wolves need to see your eyes. We were good with all the rules put in place to protect the wolves from stress.

We arrived at the remote location, paid our cash donation, and the first thing our hosts did was tell us about the wolves and the Native American spiritual history of the place. Then, our group performed a sage smudge around a medicine wheel to calm ourselves before meeting the wolves, because these intelligent animals can sense your anxiety, and they will avoid you.

This was the most awakening experience I’ve ever had. We sat on benches or on pads on the ground while two wolves, Thor and Spirit, roamed the area. They only approached you if they chose to do so. My husband and I got wolf kisses. I have never felt so calm in my life by meeting these awesome creatures.

I really connected with Larka, the alpha she-wolf, mainly because we are both older females with arthritis. She doesn’t really trust men because a horrible man abused her. She was so sweet.

This is the last chance for these wolves. They were surrendered by people who thought having a wolf as a pet was a good idea. The wolves at this sanctuary can’t be pets, and they can’t survive in the wild. The only other option is euthanasia. Cynthia and Xavier are doing a great service by taking care of these animals.

Visiting this sanctuary also helped me. I’ve been struggling mentally and physically lately. This was a spiritual experience that helped heal my fractured soul. I want to return to this wonderful place.