Florida Lupine NEWs

Volume 9, Issue 4 Winter 2007

Published Quarterly FLA 2008 Rendezvous: April 18 - 20 for Members. Free to FLA's 2008 Rendezvous will be held Fri- of the Fish and Wildlife Commission and Veterinarians, day, April 18 through Sunday, April 20, at FWC Law Enforcement component, the Tech- Parramore's Resort and Campgrounds. Those nical Assistant Group (TAG). Three board Shelters, Donors, of you who attended last year know how hospi- members have also attended FWC meetings Sponsors, Rescues, table the staff members at Parramore's were, to get a handle on how the current trends re- and Animal Welfare & how receptive they were to our members and garding captive wildlife (including wolfdogs) their dogs. If you didn't make last year's Ren- may be heading, and the Board will outline Control Agencies. dezvous, which also functions as FLA's annual the information it has available by the time of meeting, you have another opportunity this the Rendezvous. (At least one board member year to visit this beautiful, not to mention ca- will try to attend any FWC meetings which FLA Directors nine welcoming, venue. We are more than for- may be held being prior to the Rendezvous.) tunate to find a facility that will still allow Al Mitchell, President Among the rules which FWC is drafting large canines in the cabins and on the premises. or is considering are "Neighbor Notification," Mayo Wetterberg Located on the St. John's River, near Astor, "dangerous" captive wildlife, and new mini- Andrea Bannon Parramore's provides all we could ask for and mum acreage and fencing requirements for Jill Parker then some. (More information about Par- Class I (and possibly other classes) animals. Joan Ford ramore's, such as contact information and alter- The status of wolfdogs has yet to be deter- Kim Miles native accommodations, is on page 4.) mined, but right now things might be heading in the direction of a ban, although it certainly is not time to panic until all the smoke clears. Inside This Issue: And, of course, we will be holding the annual Dog Show, which we all know is a FLA Rendezvous 2008 1 high point of every the rendezvous, electing officers for 2008-2009, meeting and greeting each other and the canines present, and enjoy- From the Desks of 3 ing the wonderful array of dishes, desserts, and Mayo’s cooking at the Saturday night About Parramore’s 4 potluck. The schedule for the Rendezvous hasn't been firmed up yet, but it won't deviate a lot Monty Sloan’s Photography 5 from last year's, but we do have to ensure that The Board Members of FLA are hoping we have plenty of time for Monty's presenta- Is There Anybody Out 6 There? that all FLA members, from near and far, will tions, the dog show, the auction, and the elec- help make the 2008 the best Rendezvous ever. tions, and the very important legislative issues Synopsis of Dec. 8 FWC 7 Not only will Monty Sloan, Wolf Park's emi- mentioned above. Meeting in Key Largo nent photographer, be discussing his experi- ences with wolfdogs and various phenotyping 8 And Then a Wolf Came and behavioural issues (see page 5 for another set of Monty's amazing pictures), but also the Spooky Story 9 Board has a number of critical issues to discuss with the membership, not the least of which is The Guessing Game 10 the possible banning of wolfdogs in Florida, and related topics that could impact all FLA members in one way or another. The Eyes Have It 11 Our annual meeting will attempt to clarify the latest developments, in as much detail as FLA Subscription Form 11 possible, we’ve been tracking on the websites FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4

Letters, advertisements, and articles do not necessarily Florida Lupine Association reflect the views of FLA. We welcome all comments, A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization advertisements, and articles but require that they are signed EIN: 59-3586075 and include a phone number and address (which will remain Dedicated to Being Florida’s unpublished if the author states in writing). FLA and the Responsible Voice for Wolfdogs Editor reserve the right to edit any material submitted for publication in the Florida Lupine News.

Letters, Advertisements & FLA Acknowledgements Pictures are to be sent to Special thanks to those who provided Joan Ford, Editor donations and/or contributed 7217 SW 85 Terrace to FLA this quarter: Gainesville, FL 32608 Phone: (352) 376 - 2083 • Captain Jim McGee for his article “And Then a Wolf

E-Mail: [email protected] Came”

All submissions will become property of • All who submitted photos for “The Guessing Game” Florida Lupine unless accompanied by a SASE. and for “The Eyes Have It”

• Deeanna Croasmun for her “Spooky Story” • Kim for her article and for her synopsis of the

December FWC Meeting in Key Largo and, as always, Contributions, Dues, & Questions for her continuing support and help with formatting about FLA are to be sent to the Newsletter • Monty Sloan for permission to use his photography Florida Lupine Association, Inc. P. O. Box 1765 • Phil Watson for his pictures of Monty Sloan in the DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Fall 2007 FLA Newsletter

E-Mail: [email protected]

If sending snail mail, All original art, photos, drawings, articles and other material please allow 2-3 weeks for a reply. within this Newsletter are Copyright© and are the property of FLA, Inc., except where otherwise indicated and credited.

Florida Lupine Association ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION

2007-2008 Pricing Information:

Directors & Officers 1/8 Page: $5.00 1/4 Page: $10.00 1/2 Page: $20.00 Full Page: $50.00

Al Mitchell, President *Photos: $5.00 Processing Fee for each photo Mayo Wetterberg, Treasurer No Breeder Advertisements Allowed; Kennel Names & Kennels May be Advertised

Jill Parker, Secretary (All submissions will become property of Florida Lupine unless accompanied by a SASE)

Joan Ford, Editor Deadlines for Submission:

Andrea Bannon Spring NL: March 31 Fall NL: Sept. 30 Summer NL: June 30 Winter NL: Dec. 31 Kim Miles VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS From the Desk of the President From the Desk of the Secretary By Al Mitchell By Jill Parker 2008 is a pivotal year for the Florida Lupine Asso- ciation. There are opportunities and challenges ahead that all FLA members should be aware of and partici- pate in. You'll have the chance to do so at this year's Rendezvous. If you've never been to a Rendezvous or if it's been a while since you've attended, this is the year to come for two very good reasons. The first reason is Monty Sloan. Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear Monty Sloan speak and see his unforgettable Power Point presentation. His wolf photos are phenomenal and his experiences at Wolf Park will interest all who love the wolf and wolfdog. It's not often we get the opportu- nity to hear someone of his caliber speak to us so don't miss this chance! From the Desk of the Treasurer The second reason to come to the 2008 Rendez- vous is a very serious one. Changing laws regarding By Mayo Wetterberg wolfdogs affect all of us. If you are not up to date on the latest news from recent Florida Wildlife Commission First, I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying meetings regarding wolves and wolfdogs, then you need the cooler Winter season. I’m sure your animals are as to be at this year's Rendezvous.. Mayo, Kim, and Joan frisky as the Fuzzos that reside with me in the Panhan- have attended some of the FWC public hearings and dle. Every time I see them REALLY play, I am reminded well-represented us as an organization to the commit- how magnificent they are. There is something special tees. Information gathered at these hearings will be about seeing a wolfdog gracefully leap to the top of a shared at the 2008 Rendezvous and there will be time four-foo-high shelter as if it was a slight step up, requir- for discussion about what impact these changing laws ing no extra effort. There is something special about be- will have on all wd owners.! A special thank you to ing surrounded by romping wolfdogs, each looking for Mayo, Kim, and Joan for all their efforts on our behalf attention, something that can not be duplicated with any !The time, expense, and sacrifices they had to make to other companion animal. Only those of us that have ex- attend these meetings are very much appreciated! perienced that relationship can ever be able to fully un- Now is the time to make plans to attend Rendez- derstand the depth of the bond, and feel the reward from vous 2008! As always, daytrippers are a vital part of the it. Rendezvous. Come for the Saturday activities and stay As wonderful as this relationship is, it also comes a for the day .Just don't miss out on the chance to attend! serious responsibility. I know none of you would ever You'll be glad you did! intentionally allow a wolfdog unsupervised play with a toddler, but this did happen several years ago in the Panhandle near me — with tragic results. The animal reverse. was a "pet of the week" at the local shelter, and now My challenge to all of you is it look around and be- there is a county ban on wolfdogs. The point? It does not come proactive in creating a better environment with take much when the "w" word is used to excite the pub- respect to wolfdogs. What other people do is still their lic, provide fodder for the media, and end up with an business — until you have to suffer from their ignorance over-reaction in restrictions and ordinances. Gone from or irresponsibility. Whatever we can do to educate and good to bad all because owners didn’t take their respon- help those who need and will accept guidance in train- sibility seriously. We can argue all day that this person ing, containment, and generally living with wolfdogs, can was absolutely stupid, the animal was not really a wolf- go a long way toward preventing a day when we will be dog, any big dog could have done this — doesn't matter. restricted in our wolfdog ownership. It happened and the door slammed shut. I urge you to read Kim Miles' article in this issue. I This coming year has the potential of being a water- also urge you to get to know your local shelter directors shed year for wolfdog ownership in Florida, and a very and animal control agencies to know what problems real test of our will and persistence in owning and living may be occurring around you. I know all of your animals with our chosen companions. There are serious efforts to are model citizens, but it's time to give help to those that limit and even forbid the relationships that we have with are not. The ultimate benefactors will be the animals. wolfdogs, many of them founded on fear and ignorance, They currently pay a heavy price because a lot of the fueled by the irresponsibility of a few who have created a human population doesn’t understand how to care for negative image of the wolfdog — perceptions we need to them. FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4

All FLA Members, non-FLA Members, wolf, wolfdog, or dog enthusiasts are welcome to attend

FLA is hosting its 2008 Spring Rendezvous at Parramore’s Fish Camp and Family Resort in Astor, FL,. After much searching we found a centrally located resort that has cabins, RV hookups, and tent sites for rent. We think you will find the location an ideal place to relax and enjoy being with other Wolfdog owners. Parramore’s has 21 cab- ins for rent and lots of RV and Camping sites. Most cabins are 2BR, but there are some 4BRs cabins. Cabins are completely furnished (including linens), have heat and air conditioning and cable TV. All you have to bring is tow- els! You can view the cabins and resort at www.parramores.com. An added bonus is that Parramores is on the St. John’s River and has boat slips and fishing boat rentals available. Several of the cabins are overlooking the river. There is also a swimming pool for registered guests. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 516-2386. You will need to make your reservations early. April is into the camping season and the resort will fill up quickly. Please tell them you are with FLA so we will have an idea of how many to plan for on site. For members coming only for Sat- urday, there will be signs and ample parking and as always, our registration table. We will publish a detailed schedule in the Spring Newsletter.

Other Accommodations: DIRECTIONS from I-75:

Very reasonable rates are available at the Astor Motel, 1530 W. Take Exit 354 (US27) Hwy 40, Astor FL 32102. Phone: (386) 749-4566 However, Go East 3 miles to US301/441 the Astor Motel DOES NOT allow dogs. The motel has 5 dou- ble rooms and 1 single. Rates range from $35.00 to $40.00 per Turn right & go 1/2 mile (SR40) night. The Astor Motel is very close to Parramore’s Resort. We Turn right and go 40 miles to Astor strongly recommend that reservations be made quickly if you Follow signs on to Riley Pridgeon Road plan on attending and do not want to bring a dog. and Parramore’s Resort

DIRECTIONS from I-95: Take Exit 268 (SR40) Go West 26 miles to Astor Follow signs on to Riley Pridgeon Road and Parramore’s Resort

P L WE NEED AUCTION ITEMS A N Each year we have had a huge success and fun time with our auction. Attendees A can bid on some unique wolf items, and at H the same time help FLA raise money. In the past, we have had pictures, shirts, dog E supplies, hand-crafted items, dishes, etc. A All kinds of really fantastic items. D VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS

Monty Sloan’s Photography Wolf Park Wolves

Wild Wolf Packs in Yellowstone FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 people on the WolfdogZ e-mail list alone. Add that to the A Call to Arms number of wolfdog people on other e-mail lists and those not By Kim Miles, FLA Director online, and we could easily have over 1,500 people to support the wolfdog cause across the nation. Where are they when we Numerous states and counties have enforced bans against need them? Why don’t we have larger forces at work DOING wolfdogs over the last decade or more. Although wolfdog own- something to ensure that these animals aren’t banned from ers have come together on email lists and have created a myriad private ownership? of organizations in an attempt to address the problems found in Florida used to be a great state for wolfdog ownership, the wolfdog community, legislation still seems to be creeping but with the number of escapes in this state and with each across the country. We see more and more bans enacted both on attack a wolfdog is involved in, Florida is no longer a safe the state and local levels. What are we doing to combat this state in which to own wolfdogs. The Florida Fish & Wildlife movement? Should we do anything? Will bans affect us or can Commission (FWC) will be revising its laws on hybrid own- we go underground, claiming that our animals are mixes of vari- ership—and that revision may take the form of an outright ous northern breed dogs? Will such claims work and allow us to ban. The Florida Lupine Association (FLA) has been in exis- continue keeping wolfdogs following wolfdog bans? tence for nearly ten years and has brought together many Registries (e.g., Iowolfer, USAWA, Lupine AWAREness, wolfdog owners throughout the state (and from out of state). etc.) were created to help track wolfdog lines in an attempt to One of our duties is to track legislation, particularly in Flor- validate the animals that buyers were purchasing and that breed- ida. Many of the wolfdog owners in our organization rely ers were producing. For a while, these registries were effective in upon FLA (via newsletters, mail-outs, and the FLA e-mail protecting consumers from buying misrepresented animals. Le- list) to keep them apprised of what is going on in this state. gitimate breeders with verified lines and animals hampered the Even though we have informed the members that Florida is ability of back yard breeders to sell their mixed breed dogs as facing a potential ban on wolfdogs, there still seems to be wolfdogs. However, a decade after the breed registries became minimal concern. In fact, the overriding response I have heard inactive, we now have very little consumer protection in the is that owners will simply go underground and their animals wolfdog community. We no longer document or verify percent- will become malamutts or some other type of northern breed ages. Instead, we rely upon the breeder to be honest or we clas- dog mix. sify the animals based upon a phenotype — an inexact art (or In addition to the problems with escapes and poor owner- science, if you will). ship, legislative entities are also concerned with the consumer Educational organizations (e.g., Wolfdog Education Net- protection aspect. During an FWC meeting two years ago, the work, National Wolfdog Alliance, Florida Lupine Association,) problem with consumer protection was mentioned (i.e., con- were created to help educate uninformed owners, breeders, res- sumers being sold misrepresented animals). Since most of the cuers. Michigan, Texas, Nevada, and Florida, for example, cre- wolfdog registries no longer "register" animals, we have no ated organizations that would keep track of legislative issues, way to objectively track or verify lines or animals. Verifica- address rabies issues, or educate owners and breeders about tion then becomes only as valid as the breeders’ honesty. And proper ways to house, maintain, and breed wolfdogs. But with an honesty in backyard breeders is as common as ocean-front apathetic public, many of these organizations have also dis- property in Nebraska. What is occurring in Florida has al- banded or become defunct. After all, an organization is only as ready occurred in some areas and may be occurring in many good as its support network. Many of the organizations are un- others. Across the nation, bans are being enacted against able to continue functioning because the support simply isn’t wolfdogs. Legislative entities are concerned about attacks, there for them, and the few who put their time and energy into aggression, rabies, consumer protection, etc. And though WE the organization finally burn out. (wolfdog people) profess our concern about these same is- Rescue organizations and sanctuaries have also sprung up sues, we do very little about them. In fact, many of us do very over the years due to the throw-away mentality of our society little (other than the proverbial pat on the back) to support and the high numbers of wolfdog (or purported wolfdogs) com- those who tried and continue to try doing something about ing into rescue. Even more than the educational organizations, these issues. Why? Is it apathy? Is it a sense of complacency these rescue organizations need support. All too often rescues (e.g., a ban won’t happen here)? Is it that owners feel they become overburdened and overwhelmed with the sheer numbers will be safe regardless of laws that might ban wolfdogs in of animals and the sheer lack of support (often, financial). Over their areas? the years, we’ve seen many sanctuaries either close down or re- Many wolfdog owners suffer under the assumption that fuse to accept more animals because they lack the room or the they can merely call their animals mixed breed dogs and that finances to take in any more — or they may even lack the fi- will be the easy solution to a wolfdog ban. In fact, I heard this nances to care for the animals they currently have and need res- same mistaken belief from many Florida owners when I spoke cuing themselves. to them about a potential ban being enacted here. I was quite With every escape, with every bite, with every negative inci- surprised at the pervasiveness of this misconception. The real- dent that occurs with wolfdogs, we come that much closer to an ity is that FWC knows about genotyping, in addition to phe- outright ban against our animals. But few wolfdog owners have notyping, as means of determining the animal type. For any tried to fight these bans. Sure, there might be a handful of people who might be confused about these terms, genotyping is the in a given state (or in other states) that might come together to science of genetically testing the blood, tissue, scat, etc., as a fight a ban in a given area. But why so few? We have over 600 means to determine the type of animal being tested; phenotyp- VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS ing is the art of studying the animal’s looks (morphology) FWC Meeting Synopsis (Dec. 2007) and behavior to ascertain the type of animal. In fact, the genotyping and phenotyping issue was brought up by an By Kim Miles FWC officer in one of the FWC meetings two years ago. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) The National Fish & Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in is revising most laws pertaining to captive wildlife. Included in Ashland, Oregon, has been testing for hybridization in their revisions will be wolves and wolfdogs. FWC is being en- wolves and coyotes for over four years now. They perform couraged to move wolves from Class II wildlife to Class I. This testing for federal agencies, state Fish & Wildlife agencies, year (2008) will be the year that FWC addresses the wolf and Animal Control agencies, law enforcement agencies, educa- wolfdog issue. tional institutions, etc. In fact, not only do they have genetic FWC met in Kay Largo, Dec. 5-6, and although captive wild- markers for wolves, dogs, coyotes, etc., but they also have life was not the primary focus at this particular meeting, the fol- markers for and can distinguish between various kinds of lowing issues were briefly addressed and changes were adopted: wolves: red wolves, arctic wolves, wolves from the Yellow- Bonding and Neighbor Notification for Class I licensees. stone area versus wolves from the Minnesota area, etc. Col- A. Class I Bonding Issue: 68A-6.0024, Commercialization of lecting specimens to test is also not as difficult as people Captive Wildlife; Public Contact; Bonding or Financial seem to think. A simple scat sample as opposed to a cheek Guarantee. The proposed rule focuses on the Bonding or swab or a blood/tissue sample can provide the same results. Financial Responsibility Guarantee Requirements for Ex- It is relatively easy for legislative entities to determine if an hibition of Class I Wildlife or Venomous Reptiles. animal is a wolf, a dog or a wolfdog. And it is also relatively 1. This rule was approved by the Commission at its Sep- inexpensive. After all, Fish & Wildlife agencies do not need tember meeting and established bonding requirements to send samples to an independent lab; the testing is done in- for the exhibition of Class I wildlife or venomous rep- house and the costs are, therefore, negligible (e.g., DNA tiles pursuant to Chapter 2007-239, Laws of Florida, as testing for a private owner costs less than $100, sometimes passed during the 2007 Legislative Session (SB 2766). significantly less). 2. Col. Jones and staff found 12 companies that would If we don’t want our ability to own wolfdogs stripped bond (at $10,000, which is the minimum for Class I from us, we must work together, supporting each other with wildlife) for $150-$300. more than just a pat on the back. Falling back on the idea 3. Effective date for rule to go into effect: Feb 1, 2008. that we can simply claim our animals are dogs is no longer B. Notification of Escaped Class I Wildlife: 68A-6.003, Fa- going to work. Technological advances in molecular genetic cility and Structural Caging Requirements for Class I, II, research make that an impossibility now. Scientists cross and III Wildlife. The proposed rule would require Class I reference the genetics by looking at the matriarchal line wildlife license holders to notify the FWC, Division of (mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA), the patriarchal line (Y- Law Enforcement, of any Class I wildlife escapes from chromosome), and both parents’ lines (nuclear DNA, or their facility. Licensees possessing Class I wildlife shall nDNA) to determine the genetic make-up of the animal. This maintain a list of the current contiguous landowners or combined with the markers that are specific to dogs and the neighbors in Part B of their Captive Wildlife Critical Inci- markers that are specific to wolves yield answers that are dent Plan. To summarize, pretty much conclusive as to the genetic make-up of the ani- 1. owners must notify FWC immediately upon escape of mal being tested and that are pretty much indefensible in a animal; court of law. 2. owners must keep an updated list of neighbors and Now is the time to step up and become more pro-active their contact info, providing that information to FWC; in defending our rights to own wolfdogs. We need to come 3. FWC will notify the public in the event of an escape together, pushing each other for proper containment that will (not the owner). prevent more wolfdogs from escaping and, thereby, causing While the above issues do not affect us now, if wolves and another ban. We need to educate people about proper breed- wolfdogs are moved to Class I, these issues could then affect all ing, discouraging them from breeding animals that don’t wolfdog and wolf owners in Florida. improve the lines or that pose a potential safety threat be- The FLA Board is monitoring the FWC rules/regulations and cause of aggression issues. We need to educate ourselves on meetings; we will keep FLA members updated as the FWC meet- the issues that legislative entities use most frequently to en- ings continue and new rule changes are implemented. force bans, allowing us to effectively argue against those points. We need to become involved in researching BSL, dog bites, rabies, pack behavior — any and all issues related Support Defenders Guessing Game (answers): to relevant canine behavior — so that we can counter the A. Reported to be F2 60% wolf & very issues that legislative entities use to enact wolfdog German Shepherd bans. We need to provide logistical and financial support for B. Reported to be brother to A those involved in rescue so that they can properly house their C. Reported to be 78% wolf x Ma- lamute x German Shepherd animals and create more containment to take in additional D. Reported to be high-mid animals. We need to DO! If we don’t come together and E. Reported to be low-no German police our own, the legislative entities will do it for us! Shepherd FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 And Then a Wolf Came: The Search for Anna Gaskill SAR Deployment, Astor, FL (Thursday, 17 August 2007) By Captain Jim McGee This story is a work of fiction.

tern of very wide "S" turns. They wear GPS collars and strobes on their harnesses, returning to the handler at regular intervals for direction. In essence, they are hunting as a pack, with the handler as the alpha. It is a very effective system, designed for one purpose — to close distance as quickly as possible. Haiku Kennels Contrary to what you may see in the movies — a pack of I have been really surprised by the reaction to this story; it dogs running mile after mile in the pursuit of their quarry — seems to have touched something in a lot of folks. What made it the reality is that unless that quarry stops within about the special to me was not the rescue itself, but Anna's reaction to the first half mile, the chances of catching up to him using tradi- dogs. It was kind of an epiphany for me. Anyway, this is what tional methods are slim to none. Most tracking dogs peter out happened. within 1/2 mile or so. This is where the Wolf Husky shines. Built to run all day, they absolutely will not stop until they Of all the things we do with the crew, what I enjoy most, have located their quarry or are called back by the handler. what is the most satisfying (and sometimes the most heartbreak- We had traveled over 7 miles, down paths, which were noth- ing) are missing persons' searches. All of the skills we work so ing more than 4 wheeler tracks and water trails when even hard at to hone, all the hours of training, are put to the test in a these gave out. Keep in mind that this is an 87-year-old race against the clock. Whether it is an abducted or lost child, woman! Even though it was night when we left, it was now fugitive search of missing hider, time is critical. What I had well into the day with the temperature closing in on 90 de- never really thought about before today, however, is the view grees and rising. We were facing an area of empty FL wilder- from the other side. ness, and the dogs were tracking back and forth telling me At about 2:30 this morning I was sitting at the computer that she had been wandering around in here. paying bills and answering the day's mail, when the phone rang. We had just gotten back from our shift at the airport, no sleep yet, so I was not looking forward to speaking to whoever was on the other end. Who was there, was Mike Dodd, from the Lake county Sheriff's Dept. Anna Gaskill, an 87-year-old Alzheimer's patient had wandered off from the home where she lived with her son and his wife in Astor. To make matters worse, she had been alone in the house for several hours, so no one knew for sure when she had left. A sheriff's tracking team and several deputies had already been searching for 7 hours, so 9-11 hours had elapsed before the call came to us. We were 40 miles away so even more time would be gone. I decided to take No Ka Oi and her sister Kai'imi. Even though they are the oldest, they are our best trackers and most experienced trackers. Astor is a small town at the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, bordered by the St John's River, and Lake George. It is very rural, pal- metto prairies, pine forest and, of course, — SWAMP. When we arrived at the home of the family, a doublewide trailer at the end of a dirt road, the first search team had returned, having lost the trail less than a mile from the house. We immediately got a scent marker from a pair of Anna's shoes and headed out. We use a very unique method of ground search, taken straight from the Combat Tracking Teams where I was trained. Instead of the step-by-step scent tracking which is standard, we No Ka Oi employ a highly mobile, fast moving technique where the han- dler is trained in visual tracking, area grid search probabilities I sent the girls to opposite sides, in an area search pattern and lost person behavior patterns. The dogs use ground and ae- and let them run. Twenty minutes later Noka gave her rial scent, as well as sight and sound. Once a general direction of "location" howl and Kai'mi answered from the other side. We travel is established, the dogs move out into an area search pat- started moving toward Noka when they both howled together VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS PAGE 9 and we knew they had found Anna. We just didn't know what shape she was in. It took us another 15 minutes to reach their A Spooky Story: Spooky's location, and as we came through the brush, this is the picture Puppy Training Classes that greeted us: Anna, who couldn't have weighed more than 90 By Deeanna Croasmun lbs, was sitting in between the two dogs that just dwarfed her. Dressed in a nightgown and one slipper, she was crying and Spooky has a clinging to the two girls. who in turn were licking her face. We new puppy enrolled in her training course. Spooky is a very good teacher and Brownie is trying hard to be a very good student. He pays attention very closely in class, and tries very hard to learn what Spooky has to teach him. Last night, after my husband went to bed, and I was watching TV still, Spooky went and crawled up in Randy’s recliner as soon as he left the room. Brownie wanted to be in the Kai'imi recliner too; Spooky said no, but Brownie were several thousand yards from where a vehicle could get to, wouldn’t give in, he so the deputies went back for a litter and sat with Anna, trying to kept crawling back up see how bad her condition was. Her feet were bleeding, and she and trying to squeeze was scratched and exhausted, but all things considered, seemed in next to her and she to be in remarkable shape for the ordeal she had just endured. would make her grizzly noise and nip at him and send She did not seem to be aware that I was there, but when I tried to him back to the move the dogs away, she just clung tighter and would not let go. ground. She finally When the deputies returned, the only way she would let us gave in and gave him move her was for me to leash Noka and let her hold it. We got the chair. Then her into the Sheriff's SUV, and since it was closer to the Pierson Brownie didn’t want the Medical Center than to go back, we headed that way. During the chair, he got back ride, Anna seemed to come around but still wanted the girls with down on the ground so her in the back. As we talked, she looked at me and said, "I was Spooky chased him lost and I was scared. I thought I was going home, but I couldn't back on the chair and find it. I was in the woods and didn't know why. I was so tired I made him stay there just gave up and sat down. I was crying, and then a wolf came, until he fell asleep. and I was scared, but it licked my face. Then it sang to me and A very important component of Spooky’s puppy another wolf came, and he licked my face too, and sat with me classes is the puppy learning how to be patient and and they both sang, and I wasn't scared anymore." I was wait for his turn. See Brownie? He wants a drink of stunned. I had never before thought about how it must be from water, he wants it the other side. From Anna's perspective, that's exactly what had right now, but Spooky happened. says, “No Brownie, She was lost and scared, when a wolf came and sang to her. puppy’s must learn to It comforted her, and then another came and did the same thing. wait.” Brownie is a How utterly magical that must have seemed! When we arrived at good boy, he learns to the hospital the only way she would let go of the girls was with wait nicely for Spooky my promise to bring them back to see her. to go first. See what It's a promise I will keep. Brownie has learned!

Haiku Kennels is a K9 deployment/training facility located in central FL. Copyright © 2007, Deeanna Croasmun, and printed with permission. Copyright © 2007, Captain Jim McGee, and printed with permission. FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 The Guessing Game

Try to guess the mix and content of these canines.

Answers on page 7

A B

C

D

E VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS THE EYES HAVE IT

1 2 3

4

5 6

1. Low-No Canadian Inuit 2. Mid Content Wolfdog 3. Upper Mid Wolfdog 4. Florida Panther 7 8 5. Yorkshire Terrier 6. Wolfdog 7. Shepherd/Husky Mix 10 8. Pure Wolf 9. German Shepherd Dog Mix 9 10. Cat

FLORIDA LUPINE ASSOCIATION, INC. P. O. Box 1765 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION New Membership ______Renew Membership ______Date ______Individual* (FL Residents) _____ $25 Individual Affiliate (out of state) _____ $15 Family* (FL Residents) _____ $35 Family Affiliate (out of state) _____ $20 Junior Membership _____ $10 Business Affiliate (out of state) _____ $40 Business Membership _____ $50 Donation Only (no membership) $______Name:______Address:______County:______E-Mail:______Day Phone:______Evening Phone:______

*These are the only voting categories.*

Florida Lupine Association, Inc. P. O. Box 1765 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

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