A 120-pound wolfdog with terminal cancer finds a forever home after being cruelly abandoned by his owners at a kill shelter.
A massive wolfdog named Yuki was abandoned by his owners at a kill shelter. They left him there because they found him “too much to handle.”
Fortunately, he was rescued by Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Naples, Florida, where he has lived since 2008.
Yuki, a huge wolfdog, was abandoned at a kill shelter
Yuki was just eight months old when he was dumped at the shelter. Kill shelters often have time limits for animals, leading to tragic outcomes. Fortunately, volunteers at Shy Wolf Sanctuary stepped in to save him.
Brittany Allen, a sanctuary staff member, said Yuki is one of their most interesting wolfdogs.
According to Animal Law Source, a wolfdog is a cross between a domestic dog and a wild wolf. This mix results in unpredictable behaviors compared to typical dogs or wolves.
Brittany shared that tests revealed Yuki’s lineage: 87.5% Gray Wolf, 8.6% Siberian Husky, and 3.9% German Shepherd. She explained, “Someone bought him from a breeder but realized he was too much to handle.”
Yuki has a complex personality with wolfdog behavior.
Brittany emphasized that wolfdogs, like Yuki, demand respect.
She said, “Meeting a wolfdog in the wild would be very different.” The sanctuary animals have never lived in the wild, so they are more socialized.
Yuki has a complex personality. Unlike pure wolves, who may be shy, Yuki approaches new people directly.
However, if he does not like someone, he can become aggressive. Brittany noted that while both wolfdogs and pure wolves can bond, they are selective about who they let into their space.
Yuki’s life at Shy Wolf sanctuary
On social media, a viral video captured Yuki’s life at Shy Wolf Sanctuary on Yuki on Instagram, which quickly wenty viral.
Despite his large appearance, Brittany clarified that he weighs around 120 pounds.
Yuki is a favorite among the staff and volunteers.
He has a small group of volunteers he trusts, earning him the nickname “Woowoo.” This nickname comes from the noise he makes to beckon them.
Judy, a dedicated volunteer, mentioned that Yuki makes it clear when he wants someone in his enclosure. He has a small group of women he affectionately calls his “harem.”
Yuki faced health challenges due to terminal cancer last year.
Yuki initially came to the sanctuary in good health. However, after an accident involving a palmetto plant, he underwent five surgeries for a severe leg injury.
Unfortunately, his health declined further when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year.
Jeremy explained, “We have dealt with this type of cancer before.” He added that the staff is making the most of the time they have left with Yuki. They will prioritize his quality of life as his condition progresses.
“When the day comes, we will make the right decisions for Yuki,” Jeremy said.
Saying goodbye to animals is always difficult for the staff. However, the sanctuary believes in the importance of giving animals second chances.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary, founded in 2001 by Nancy Smith, provides a home for wild and captive-bred wolves.
Their mission is to rehabilitate animals on a two-and-a-half-acre property in Naples, Florida.
Though many of the animals have rough beginnings, they find happy endings at the sanctuary.
When an animal’s time comes, they make space for the next rescue. For Yuki, Shy Wolf Sanctuary has become his forever home.
