WHAR – Wolf

I met Kristi today. She and a few of her staff and Hanna, (wolf) came by the Los Osos Community Center, by way of Los Osos Library ‘event’. As the Los Osos Community Center was directly across the Street from the library, this was the perfect venue to invite the public.
I was delighted and thrilled to witness this ‘talk; and demonstration about Kristi’s WHAR Wolf Rescue in Paso Robles. No, I have not yet been, though I purchased two tickets to go ASAP and have read the two reviews on here. Why are there not more? The two reviews were as I expected, a visit for these two reviewers sounded like it was thrilling for each of them, as my attendance at this presentation was for me today. Kristi was extremely knowledgeable while also being fun and funny but demanding respect and awareness of the audience that there was in fact a real wolf present amongst a crowd of kids, campers, teachers, parents and more kids.
Hanna the visiting wolf, could not have acted more sweet, tolerant, patient (much, much more so then I would have been had I been in her paws). Her presenter, a staff member seemed to have an excellent rapport with Hanna. The moment that I knew ‘Kristi’ the speaker and director, of this Wolfe Rescue, was prefect for this role was when she directed Hanna’s handler to please help Hanna scratch an itch she had on her hind leg. That the kind of sensitivity she had toward her charges. Hanna in return was a perfect wolf to have brought to such an event as upwards of 40 plus kids came up to let her sniff them and pet her.
OF course there are the kids big (adults) and small who recall ‘Little Red Riding Hood” and other scary tales about these beautiful beings as beasts of aggression and mayhem. On the contrary, Kristi, while acknowledging their true nature, defending their territory (which is anywhere they are), devouring their ‘raw diet’ of chicken/​bones too and other meats, as well as mating, Kristi helps us see what graceful, smart and amazing creatures wolves can be and I can’t wait to visit the Wolf Rescue she, her husband and family started many years ago.
The educational nature of the program was also fascinating as there are so many things we do not know about this animal and some of us (me included) think of them as ‘wild dogs’ or easily adoptable; when in fact there is so much to know and so much that is interesting about them.
I’ll be back here and let you know how my visit to WHAR went, but from the looks of things today and the reviews here, I already know it will be thrilling. See you there for the thrill of visiting a place where u can see wolves up close and get a sense of the wildness, the mystery, the beauty and the grace of such magnificent beings. Kristi reminds us, me that these will always be wild animals and must be respect as such. This means knowing how to be around them, what distance to keep, how important not to put fingers through the fences at the rescue.
What was also distinguished by Kristi were the facts that some of her charges at the wolf rescue were hybrids of wolf and dog and some, had more wolf then dog and others more dog then wolf. This, she mentions affects their behaviors. Some things to think about before you visit. Have fun!

WOW!!!
Being able to TOUCH a pure blooded wolf (in THEIR own pen) was something on my «bucket list» that I never thought would be possible… This was a BEYOND AMAZING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!
As an animal behaviorist Kristy spent 1−½ hours taking us on a tour, and answering every single question we had with ease, patience and expert knowledge. Since there are both full blooded wolves and hybrids at her compound, she also educated us on the different behaviors and signs to help us better understand wolf behavior and keen sense of observation, as well as learn a bit about the personalities of each of the residents. They are so much smarter than I ever even would have imagined!
Her sincerity, passion & dedication to wolves were obvious and contagious. Each and every wolf trusts & respects her. In return she is very respectful to their needs, moods and feelings at all times. I was flabbergasted when she communicated with them by using sign language, AND they responded!!!
There is a gorgeous timber wolf who had just arrived shortly before my first visit. He was frantically pacing, and still confused by his new surroundings. When I returned less than 1-​month later, I could not believe how much more relaxed he had become! No more frantic pacing!!! He was coming up to the fence to check us out, they laid down in his pen to calmly observe us. Kristy not only has the knowledge, but a true GIFT with animals…
The main thing to remember during the tour is NOT stand too close to the chain link fences or (obviously) stick your fingers inside! Abrupt movements, or screaming & yelling are also discouraged. In other words … Be respectful… You are a visitor in THEIR «house», and should attempt to not disrupt their lives in the sanctuary, so make sure everyone in attendance is capable of this.
We even got to meet a Coyote/​German Shepherd hybrid on the premises, and learn about how their behavior differs from wolves and canines!
I was equally enthralled to meet «Neem» Kristy’s personal pet, a Bobcat-​housecat hybrid. What a character! He is a VERY MUSCULAR, large pawed, «bad-​boy» who regularly catches his own meals!!! You can tell by the way he walks that he is no ordinary «house cat»! But he loves to be petted as much as any kitten… :)
Several different types of tours are offered. I would recommend a GROUP tour for the first timer. Mainly because the more people you have, the more questions will come up and the more you will learn.
I will look forward to return again in the future for a «feeding tour» to experience being able to feed these magnificent creatures!!!
THIS IS ALSO A FANTASTIC GIFT IDEA… YOU ARE NOT ONLY PROVIDING THE GIFT OF TIME SPENT WITH SOMEONE, BUT SHARING WITH THEM THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!!! (The suggested donation of $ 10.00 per person is not enough for this amazing experience)!!!
Thank you again Kristy… Already looking forward to the next visit along with some additional «first timer» friends !

The short: the only place I know of where you can get up close to wolves!
I had no idea what to expect coming in. I like it when I do that: no expectations. Kristi, the owner of WHAR, far exceeded my expectations. I scheduled to come in at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and we were the only ones there! She gave us a private, personal tour of the compound. It’s amazing to see the work and dedication she has put into this, and she really does understand and demand the respect and compassion that the wolves deserves. Some of the wolves are full wolf, while others are hybrids. That’s the one thing to remember about the wolves: they still have a bit of the wild side in them.
The one hour tour was educational, relaxed, and fun! She answered all of our questions and was just so keen to show us the wolves. Afterwards, she gave us a chance to touch and pet them. They are all friendly and they have their own personality!
I loved how she showed us her bobcat hybrid. I had no idea they were so small! He loved the massage I gave ^^
I would not recommend this place for very young kids, they have to stay away from the fence and be smart about not putting their fingers through. And please, no foolishness and taunting them, or riling the wolves. I liked seeing them so content and happy.
I don’t know if the $ 10 donation is required or recommended, but I was more than happy to give her a hand. Thanks again Kristi for the amazing chance and spending time with us!