Connie Sampson, 57, a volunteer at Refuge Ridge, has created an unbreakable bond with wolfdog Lilith, 10.
After 25 years, Refuge Ridge spans 321 acres of land, home to 42 animals including 32 wolfdogs (hybrid of a dog and wolf) who have been rescued from similar fates. Founder Marti Wilson, 73, says, “I run the refuge for the animals, and I want them to have their best life.” With the growth of the Ridge and intake of animals, people started calling to be a part of this sanctuary.
Volunteer Jane Schneider, 70, drags a red wagon filled with butchered cold cuts, severed spines and fat tissue. She lugs the meat over to a freezer. The volunteers feed the wolfdogs kibble and fresh meat from a local butcher shop.
With many volunteers, one in particular shares the calling to devote herself to this project. When Marti showed volunteer Connie Howard, 72, the wolfdogs, “that was the turning point for me,” Connie says. “I never wanted to be away from this.”
Like humans, each animal has its own personality. “The day I picked Bran up,” Connie says, about a white and grey wolfdog with a mask face that matches his interest in larceny, “I bonded with him. We slept together, ate together and played together. He is now 6 years old and the bond has never faded.”
In a cozy wood cabin, Connie has a space off the ridge that is truly hers. Everywhere you look, there are wolves on pillows, blankets, paintings and pictures, and the openness of her bedroom reflects the landscape of her land.
“I live, eat and breathe Refuge Ridge," she says. "My bedroom is wolf-themed to keep me reminded of how blessed I am to live the experience of helping to care for them.”
Refuge Ridge changes the fear of the outside world that the animals have, but it does not try to change them. To encourage the wolfdogs to stay in touch with their wild roots, Marti says, “Keep the land wild.”
Volunteers (from left) Jane Schneider, 70, Connie Howard, 72, and Ashton Wade, 38, play with wolfdogs known as "the littles." Out of 23 enclosures, this one is the only one that has a cabin filled with bunk beds as a resting place for the wolves.
Marti Wilson, 73, the Founder/CEO of the non-profit organization Refuge Ridge feels like she was called to the land that now houses the 25-year-old non-profit. Alongside a team of volunteers, Marti cares for 32 wolfdogs. Marti thinks of these animals as her own children.
Jane Schneider, 70, a caretaker at Refuge Ridge, restocks the freezer as a new shipment of various meat products arrive. The wolfdogs are placed on a raw meat diet with the addition of kibble, as it provides additional health benefits. Raw meat contains calcium and provides vitamins that help the strength of their jaws.
During feeding time, Bran, 2, a mischievous wolfdog, indulges in a juicy spine.
"It's the trust we have with one another. It gives both of us peace and happiness" says Jane about her connection with wolfdog Lilith, 10.
Connie Howard, 72, a volunteer at Refuge Ridge, dedicates her time to ensure the well-being of the animals, nurturing them from previous trauma. Through her experience she had been taught the lesson of patience. Connie says, "We do not get happy animals in the beginning; they are all abused, neglected, or abandoned. They have great mistrust with humans." Connie has gained the wolfdogs' trust, giving them the reassurance that they are protected.
“Rick, one of my best friends, father built the home,” says Connie. She told him if he ever moves from here, “I want the house,” then about four years later they built a new log cabin. They called and said the “cabin is yours,” and that was 37 years ago.
After spending the day volunteering at Refuge Ridge, Jane and Connie take a break, debriefing about their day.
Jane Schneider, and wolfdog Lilith, 10, spend their afternoons soaking in the sun.
Wolfdogs are often labeled as vicious and dangerous, but the animals at Refuge Ridge challenge these stereotypes. They consistently display adoration, loyalty, and even a touch of mischievousness.