Timber to Timothy - A Wolfdog's Transition

by Jackie
(Kendall)

Timothy came to me at 7 years old. He had been tied out to an abandoned house for 4 years. Friends would take food and water to him but knew he needed a real home.

They knew I had owned another wolfdog that was not friendly when I got him and that I had worked lovingly with him and he was an awesome companion and they hoped I could do the same with Timber.

They were right. The very first thing I did was rename him Timothy. The rules of the day were:

1. NO hitting
2. NO yelling
3. NO dragging him around.

Punishment like people do to regular dogs is not an option. Non-verbal communication is the way I change them.

Then Timmy and I spent every day together -- 24/7. He became my shadow and when people asked if he was friendly, all I would say is "If I'm happy, he's happy. If I'm not happy, - - - -."

Timmy loved people and was the center of attention everywhere he went. People were in awe of his loving personality! To pet Timmie and play with him was almost spiritual!

We had many years together. I worried about no one or anything.

All good things come to an end. Timmie grew very old and his system was shutting down. Last Monday I had to make that horrible decision so he wouldn't suffer anymore.

He has passed on now and there is a huge hollow place in my heart. He was 15 years old.

The house is so quiet. My other dogs, Skittles and Lucky, are so quiet. Life just isn't the same.

May he rest in peace. The vet said it takes a special person to live with a wolfdog like Timmie. The joy was mine.