Teo Alfero—founder and CEO of the Wolf Connection sanctuary, which specializes in rescuing domesticated wolves and dogs with varying degrees of wolf content, and author of “The Wolf Connection: What Wolves Can Teach Us About Being Human”—outlines three traits of wolves most people wouldn’t know that make them special animals.
Alfero agrees with the observation that “The Wolf Connection” amounts to a medley of books—a memoir, a history of the sanctuary, a spiritual guide, and self-help tome—and describes the decision-making that preceded including all those sometimes-disparate 
elements. He discusses the history and evolution of the sanctuary, and what distinguishes The Wolf Connection from the other 15-20 wolf sanctuaries across the United States. He also shares information about the background of the 35 wolves currently residing at the sanctuary, among them three sisters—Annie, Bella, and Charlee—who were part of a group of 15 wolfdogs that were rescued. Alfero explains the tenets of WolfTherapy, a program he created, through recounting the way a visiting teenage girl, who was struggling with challenges beyond the usual adolescent travails (including suicidal impulses) experienced a transformation by way of time spent with wolves at the sanctuary. WolfTherapy tends to be most frequently provided to at-risk youth, as well as veterans with PTSD, among others. He also touches on plans to expand the capacity of The Wolf Connection—which occupies a 165-acre parcel of land in Acton, California, ultimately to accommodate as many as 90 wolves. (https://wolfconnection.org, https://www.teoalfero.com)
ALSO: I spoke with Hunter Miller, of Oceana about Barks For Sharks, an event taking place July 26 at the Dog Bar in St. Pete, through a partnership with Oceana and Pet Pal Animal Shelter. Something of a kick-off for Shark Week, the evening promises to include a wide array of elements, including a reminder of important pending legislation (the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act H.R. 737) and shark advocacy. But, Miller says, there’s a number of far lighter, more entertaining activities planned for that night, including a Dog-Shark costume contest, shark photo booth, shark drink specials (sales of which benefit Pet Pal Animals Shelter), music provided by a DJ, and more. (https://www.facebook.com/events/422311495278708/,https://ocean.org, http://www.dogbarstpete.com, https://petpalanimalshelter.com)
COMEDY CORNER: Mac Takemiya’s “Punch A Shark In The Face”
MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: Los Lobos’ “Will The Wolf Survive”
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