“ONLY IF WE UNDERSTAND, CAN WE CARE”

As we wait at home this spring, we are looking forward to the time when we can get outside, reconnect with friends, and experience the joy and excitement that comes with travel and new experiences. In that spirit, we share this reflection written by Aaron H., who joined us on our Colorado: 5280’ program last summer.

Colorado: 5280’ is one of The Road Less Traveled’s most diverse introductory middle school summer programs, and focuses on community service and wolf conservation.  Whether it was moving dirt to cover a mesh fence at Mission: Wolf, or cleaning out stables at the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy, Aaron’s contagious enthusiasm radiated throughout the group. He demonstrated a clear understanding of why we are doing our service work, and he made sure to share that idea throughout the group. Continue reading to hear what Aaron has to say about his experience at Mission: Wolf.

“EXPERIENCES SHOULD ALWAYS BE CHERISHED – ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH GREAT LESSONS LEARNED. OVER THE COURSE OF THE COLORADO 5280’ TRIP THIS SUMMER, I HAVE HAD AN ARRAY OF NEW EXPERIENCES THAT WILL STAY WITH ME FOREVER.”

One of the most insightful activities was our three days at Mission: Wolf. We gained a lot of knowledge about these incredible animals and learned about their unique backgrounds. One of the biggest lessons we learned at Mission: Wolf is that wolves have very unique personalities. Wolves are thought to be majestic, fearless hunters representing dauntlessness and great skill – yet wolves are in fact super timid creatures who are highly dependent on their packs. False perceptions can harm these animals, as we learned from a wolf named Soleil. Soleil was an arctic wolfdog who was sold to a West-Virginian man looking for a loyal, yet fierce pet. Once he found out that Soleil was a timid creature, he beat her thinking it would make her tough. But as Soleil grew more and more frightened by her owner, she accidentally gave a warning nip to his hand and he was done with her. She was eventually rescued and brought to Mission: Wolf and Soleil now lives peacefully in the sanctuary and is well taken care of.

When entering the wolf’s enclosures, we were given a very clear set of instructions: a) walk in as if you were the Alpha and assert dominance b) do not bend down as bending over symbolizes a predator and c) only make eye contact with the wolf after you’ve sat down. The wolf, once it identifies you as a friend, would walk up to you and make eye contact. Then, if you bared your teeth, it would lick your teeth showing their liking to you. Their lick is their form of a handshake – and everyone wanted one. The moment I walked into the cage, I felt as if I were meeting the president – excitement filled me instantly. As soon as the wolf made eye-contact with me, I bared my teeth and it licked me. It was a sensation that still resonates with me today. It was a moment that I finally connected with these majestic creatures.

AS JANE GOODALL ONCE SAID,

“ONLY IF WE UNDERSTAND, CAN WE CARE.

ONLY IF WE CARE, WE WILL HELP.

ONLY IF WE HELP, WE SHALL BE SAVED.”

After learning how some zoos euthanize accidental litters, how wolfdog owners often beat their pets, and how these wolves are mistreated, I certainly will live by Jane Goodall’s words. Our understanding and new love of these creatures drove us to work hard during our service days – from scrubbing the floor of the new visitor’s center to dragging buckets of dirt up and down a hill. We learned so many lessons through our service work with the wolves: a) hard work pays off and b) even the smallest of actions can make the biggest difference.

These experiences have so much meaning to me, and I will never forget my time with The Road Less Traveled. Without RLT’s Colorado: 5280’ trip, I wouldn’t be who I am today.