Definitely Not The Leader Of The Pack.

When I was in college, I would spend hours hiking the coast and mountains taking pictures of all the animals I found in my little haven.

I used an actual film camera, you know the kind- where you have to focus by hand and then wait to see if you succeeded when the film was developed hours or even DAYS later.

Remember that!?

I found that I shared this passion for wildlife photography with my Aikido teacher, the amazing Yoshi.  His Aikido classes are well attended by many in the Santa Cruz community including people who are not students at UCSC. One of his adult students was/is involved in a wolf rescue program and as a result had a pack of seven wolf husky hybrids at his house.

These are not pure breed wolves but they are not house pets either, all from the same familiar group him and his partner had taken them in and provided them a home years ago.  Yoshi spent many days with this pack taking pictures and one day invited me along too.

I was ecstatic! It’s not everyday you get to hang out in a pack of wolf dogs.

We pulled up to a little log cabin in the redwoods and right away you could hear them.  The air was filled with howls and behind the home was a very large hillside enclosure where sure enough wolfs ran, jumped and howled at our arrival.

We were met by my classmate and his partner in the cozy little home and they went over the rules of engagement for going into the pack’s enclosure. Like any wild animals they must be treated with the respect owed to them while maintaining yourself in such a way they don’t pick up fear or aggression from you. These amazing creatures were well handled and used to the human members of the pack, they had spent many hours in Yoshi’s energy but I was new.

Entering through the double gate of the enclosure was a bit surreal and one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. Wolves are wary yet curios creatures and so for a time they kept their distance from me.  Our host was able to go where he pleased as he had an obvious position of respect in the pack. The alpha male Krian was as all good leaders are- relaxed and calm.  Until there was actual need for his attention.  Most of the day he sunbathed peacefully outside the den.

The younger lower members of the pack all jostled and ran about.

Playing fervently, then plopping down in the dirt for a nap.  Napping really is what all animals do best. I think human animals forget that. In the wild, there is a time for hunting and all the other daily activities but most of the day is spent playing, grooming and relaxing. One of the smaller females was pointed out to me as “one to watch.”  Her name was Bee and she was a handful.

For the first few hours I just sat and watched universally ignored by all.  After some time I got more attention.

Yoshi got his acknowledgement as a retuning guest, someone they knew. I was new.  An unknown, I was inspected from all sides and distances but after a time I seemed to be ‘old hat’ and they went about their play and rest.

The humans talked and took pictures just enjoying the sun and company.

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It was not until I decided to retrieve a lens I left outside the fence that things got interesting.

Making my way toward the gate, Bee jumped off a stump to my right and stared me down.  Now, when a wolf makes eye contact you have a few choices.  Direct eye contact by any predator is usually a challenge.

She had decided it was time to figure out where my place in the pack was.

I should have maintained contact calmly until Bee tired of the encounter and moved on, this would have put us about even in the hierarchy.  Had I broken contact and retreated- I would have solidified her dominance over me and my place as one of the lower members.

Stupid me I broke contact and kept moving toward the gate.

BIG MISTAKE!

She shot over quickly and nipped my hip.  Within seconds there were three other younger members of the pack lined up snarling in front of me.

If I had backed down they would have set on me.  I don’t mean to imply they were going to shred me or brutally attack me like prey, but I was going receive the bites and scratches given to omega members of the pack.

I stood my ground.  Being confronted by a group of wolf dogs is not an experience most people have had, and it is probably better that way.  It took everything I had just to be still. Our host stepped in front of me two seconds later, protecting me and calling them off.  His vouching for me was all it took to end their fun and everyone returned to their afternoon activities.

Bee was chastised, first by our host and minutes later by Krian.  Good leaders want peace for their families and this bit of shit stirring was not something that the big male wanted any part of.

I retrieved my lens and had a few second thoughts about going back in, but as it turns out I am not that bright and I quickly reentered. We spent a couple more hours enjoying the company of the pack and I am grateful that I retuned.

Some days you are tested more than others.  Some actives take more courage than you think you have; but you will end the day with a better understanding of yourself, and your place in the world.

I know I did.  Understating, and a fist sized purple bruise on my hip.

It was worth it, truly one of the most memorable days of my life.

What an amazing opportunity, to share the passion my classmates had for wildlife rescue. Witnessing the sacrifice it takes to make a place for the wild, in a world over run by humanity.

It was humbling to remember that time spent lazing in the sun is one of life’s most basic and universal gifts, to all creatures large and small.

Thanks for reading my little story and do check out Yoshi’s amazing body of work at:

https://www.facebook.com/YoshihitoShibataAikiArts

You will thank me later!