THE MOURNING AFTER By Larry

Loving Wolves HOME

Wolves By Larry WOLF ART

	THE MOURNING AFTER By Larry & Sherrie Shoemaker
To some he was called Radish, and to others he was known as Little Buddy, but his name was Colorado. A small, narrow-chest reddish colored wolf with the heart of a giant. There comes a time in every person's life when a feeling of grief is inescapable. On the 18th day of May, 1994, this was one of those times where words alone cannot explain the
depth of feelings, for the loss of a life that was truly unique an irreplaceable This day started the same way as many others, except for the fact that one of our closest wolf friends was dying. That Wednesday, during morning rounds, Colorado was found having a seizure. The veterinarian was called and asked to come out. By the time he had arrived, Colorado had lost the use of his legs. He was diagnosed as having epilepsy and neurological damage.
The veterinarian felt that in this current condition, Colorado had only days, or maybe hours left to live. We could not, or would not, allow our friend to suffer any longer. So with sad hearts, the decision was made to give Colorado the last gift we could, and at 3:50 P.M., Colorado's life on this earth came to an end. Colorado had been a part of the sanctuary since it's beginning. Born in the spring of 1982 to his father Dakota and to his mother Cheyenne, he is survived only by his mate, Kathleen Osage, who was by his side to the very end. It has often been said, "death is hardest on the living" this holds true for wolves as well. Where there once was a wolf waiting for his morning treat of a milk bone, there is only an empty place. Although someday another wolf may move in, and he will be cared for and loved, that wolf will never take Colorado's place. Will those of us who take care of the wolves of this sanctuary ever get used to walking past the enclosure where Colorado lived and not seeing him there waiting for his treat? Probably not

Colorado

May 12, 1982 - May 18, 1994