Rescued Wolf Dog Forms an Unbreakable Bond With His Savior

Kim DeFisher serves as the president and founder of Arctic Fox Daily (AFD), a non-profit organization located in Williamson, New York.

This dedicated rescue focuses on offering lifelong sanctuary to foxes that have been bred in captivity or cannot be released back into their natural habitats, along with wolf dogs who face similar challenges.

AFD stands as a beacon of hope for these animals, providing them with safety and care they deserve throughout their lives.

It's time to explore how such organizations make a significant difference in the lives of wildlife and why your support matters now more than ever.

A Truly Unique Creature

Source: Arctic Fox Daily Wildlife Rescue, Inc.

One afternoon, a call came through for Kim from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

She learned that they were preparing to rescue animals from a troubling hoarding situation.

During this urgent conversation, she was requested to provide shelter for Dakota, who happened to be a black wolf dog.

Source: @arcticfoxdaily

Limited experience with wolf dogs was acknowledged by Kim when she agreed to foster Dakota for a short time.

As the man approached, her initial reaction was one of surprise at his size and apparent anger.

An unforgettable moment from that day remains vivid in her mind; Dakota had to be pulled into the enclosure.

Once inside, it became clear he sensed he was finally in a secure environment.

The Rise of a New Leader

Source: @arcticfoxdaily

Kim, as with her previous rescues, sought to connect with Dakota. To her astonishment, he eagerly leaped onto her chest and shoulders while showering her with affection.

A deep bond quickly formed between me and Dakota; it felt like a commitment for life. The impact of Dakota on Kim’s journey was profound, steering both her personal life and professional path toward rescuing more wolf dogs.

Within just three months of welcoming Dakota into her home, she prepared an entire acre dedicated to creating a spacious enclosure for these magnificent animals.

Source: @arcticfoxdaily

Dakota initially struggled to adjust when he first joined the rescue.

Kim described him as mischievous and quite disrespectful, expressing surprise at how quickly he dominated not only the shelter but also the entire home environment.

Upon his arrival, my dad sent me a message one evening, noting that the canine atmosphere on our street has transformed dramatically.

Dakota's howls attracted an unusual response from nearby dogs who had never vocalized in such a way before; even coyotes from the woods began to join in with their own calls.

Kim opted for a DNA analysis on Dakota and discovered that he was comprised of 55% gray wolf, with additional ancestry from an Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Belgian Sheepdog.

A common misunderstanding exists regarding wolf dogs; many believe that possessing any amount of wolf DNA equates to inherent aggression.

In reality, the opposite may often be true, wolf dogs with higher percentages of wolf lineage tend to exhibit lower levels of aggression than those with less.

This highlights the need for a deeper understanding when it comes to these fascinating animals.

Source: @arcticfoxdaily

Wolves typically exhibit a tendency to flee from confrontation, indicating that they will only resort to aggression when absolutely necessary.

This behavior contrasts sharply with wolf dogs that often express their dissatisfaction more openly.

These hybrid animals are quick to signal their discomfort or displeasure, showing a much different approach than their wild counterparts.

A Bond Like No Other

Source: Arctic Fox Daily Wildlife Rescue, Inc.

As time passed, the bond between Kim and Dakota deepened, ultimately forming an unbreakable connection.

This remarkable creature sparked Kim's passion for wolf dogs, inspiring a commitment to rescue these animals more frequently.