Howling Woods Farm is a breed-specific animal rescue that takes in and rehomes domestic breed wolves and wolfdogs. Winona, the animal found wandering in Brooklyn (called "Lady" by the shelter) came to Howling Woods Farm on Christmas evening 2011 after the farm agreed to take her. They learned about Winona through another shelter called Big East Akita Rescue in Toms River. The Akita Rescue arranged to pull the animal for them, and two of their volunteers drove to Brooklyn to pick up Winona. Wolfdogs are not legal to own in New York State.
Winona appears to be a mix of wolf and Alaskan malamute. She is not dangerous at all and warms up quickly to women and children, but like most wolfdogs, she is somewhat shy of men. She is very happy-go-lucky, loves to play, and loves to meet new canines. She will remain safe at Howling Woods Farm until a permanent home is found. View a Photo Album and Video of her since she arrived at the farm.
The farm has stringent adoption requirements, and it often takes months, and sometimes years, to find the right home for an adoptable wolfdog. Howling Woods Farm has rescued and rehomed over 70 wolfdogs in the last five years.
Following is the Howling Woods Farm Mission Statement as published on their website:
1. Rescue and place abandoned or surrendered wolfdogs. (They do not breed nor do they encourage breeding)
2. Provide education about wolf and wolfdog facts and myths.
3. Place each canine in an environment appropriate to its temperament and content. Animals can go to homes, farms, sanctuaries or other destinations.
4. Maintain high standards for all placements, including spacious, secure outdoor containment, presence of canine companions and any necessary licensing.
5. Provide education and information to the general public, governmental officials, and shelter operators for the ultimate benefit of lupines: wolves and wolfdogs.
“One of our primary goals is to demonstrate to the public that wolfdogs are not the dangerous animals portrayed in the press or by statute,” said Michael Hodanish, President, Howling Woods Farm. “Many State and local regulations designate wolfdogs as a "wild animal," a "dangerous animal" or an "exotic animal." Nothing is further from the truth. Most of the wolfdogs we have taken in the last ten years are better behaved and socialized than most family pets, and those few that were most afraid of people pose no threat. We have taken in only a few animals that displayed any aggressive tendencies, and those turned out to be canines with little or no wolf mixed in.”
The wolfdogs at Howling Woods Farm have also been used in movies and magazines. Four of the animals, Bandit, Takoda, Samson and Sierra appeared in the Disney movie "Sorcerer's Apprentice." Naiche appeared in the September 2011 issue of "Esquire" magazine.
“One final thought,” said Hodanish, “is that the captive wolves and wolfdogs you see and hear about today are not taken from the wild. These animals have been bred in captivity for years and years, with most of these lines being traced back to fur farms that existed in the 1950s. Years and years of selective breeding have produced the animals you see today. None are taken from the wild.”
Howling Woods Farm is located in Jackson Township, NJ. They welcome visitors by appointment on weekends. Visitors enjoy a tour of the facility, an educational presentation and can participate in a meet and greet. Find instructions for visiting the farm, including instructional videos, what to wear and not wear, what to bring, etc.on their website.
Howling Woods Farm participates in educational activities throughout the State of New Jersey, including providing presentations about wolves either at their facility or by presenters going to schools, scout meetings, children’s libraries, birthday parties and meet and greet events. Stay tuned for future articles highlighting some of their planned events.
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