BEAUTIFUL  LADY

       Beauty
 
"Beauty" and her sister Precious were brought to SWS under an agreement that if they did not fit into one of our packs the other licensed and inspected facility would take them back.  Once we saw the condition they were in, however, that was never an option.  Their story varies depending on whether you believe the wife (they were boarded for two weeks and never picked up) or the husband (there was a wooden box at the end of the drive and when he opened it out popped these two "wolves").  Beauty and Precious were sent to SWS as wolfdogs.  Nancy believes them to be "wolfier" and they certainly display the wolfier behaviors and many of the physical traits.  We've been provided with information that these two are wolfdogs and that they are "F4", meaning that they are four generations removed from a "pure" wolf. 


F1 means that one of the parents is considered 100% wolf.  F2 would mean that a grandparent is considered 100% wolf.  The F-factor designation does not determine their "wolf content", as two high content wolfdogs can be bred to produce an F2 high content wolfdog.  Are you totally confused yet? 
 

While we are not sure what the true F-factor or content of these animals may be, we are sure that they had never been vetted during their two years at the other "licensed and inspected" facility and that they had a lot of physical and mental problems to overcome. 

Beauty is the alpha and her sister was totally dependent upon her.  It was like Precious was trying to crawl into Beauty's skin when we first got her.  Both had the worst case of heartworms we've ever treated, along with hookworms, and coccidia (a highly contagious bacteria spread through feces).  They spent months in isolation being treated prior to being introduced to any of our other animals.  They are now part of the "Back Pack" in which Beauty and Viggo are the leaders.  Both of the girls like to dig and den and we are constantly watching that the dens do not get too large that the Florida sand would collapse them, trapping an animal.  While they are still quite shy, they are very curious, come out to explore new scents, and even rub all over our regular volunteers.  Don't even think about trying to get SWAT or something on their ears, however, as they immediately know your intentions and will bolt for the den or furthest corner!