Amaris was a grey wolf dog who was rescued along with her sister Indigo from Washington state. Her name was originally “Moon,” but staff decided to spice it up and renamed her “Amaris,” which means “child of the moon.” Her rescue, along with Indigo’s, was a race against time. With the help of Wolf Haven International, W.O.L.F. helped the two sisters win that race.

The two wolf dogs were acquired by their owner from a breeder in the Frasier River Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Because the owner was fearful that the wolves would be discovered, she kept them isolated in a ten-foot by twelve-foot habitat with a concrete floor, closed sides, and a roof. They were not well-socialized with humans or other animals. When the owner and her husband fell on hard times, the wolves were rehomed to a remote dog rescue in rural Washington.

The two sisters were able to escape repeatedly from their enclosure at the dog rescue by digging their way to freedom. The girls remained in the area and came back to the enclosure for feeding on a regular basis. While free, they roamed the area and howled, which disturbed the neighbors, who contacted Washington Fish and Wildlife. Since the area was home to a group of wild wolves, Fish and Wildlife officers feared the sisters would breed with the wild wolves and affect the genetics of the recovering wolf population. 

Washington Game and Fish intended to trap the sisters and kill them that day unless a sanctuary stepped up to rescue them. The deadline for finding a sanctuary home was that day by 4:00 PM (July 12, 2016). Since Wolf Haven International did not have space for the wolves, they contacted W.O.L.F. who agreed to help.

The sisters were captured that day and were turned over to Wolf Haven staff, who rendezvoused with the W.O.L.F. rescue team in Idaho. The transfer went smoothly, and the sisters were driven directly to the Wellington Veterinary Clinic. They arrived in Colorado on July 14, and Dr. Teva Stone performed health checks, vaccinations, and spay surgeries. By 8:00 that evening, the girls arrived at the Sanctuary. They were placed in a large habitat with a large gated catch-up area where they could be easily observed.

The sisters immediately began exploring their surroundings and looking for vulnerabilities in the fencing. Amaris was a digger and Indigo was a climber. They both started to work looking for a way out. Indigo managed to climb the fence and wedge herself in the safety area between her habitat and the next habitat. Amaris was able to dig nearly into the next habitat. Staff watched the ingenious escape artists and reinforced the fencing and to make the habitat safer for the sisters.

The sisters adjusted to their new life at W.O.L.F. where they were able to relax, be safe, and enjoy life.  They also received regular feeding, had interesting wolf dog neighbors, and lots of space to run and roam.

In September of 2023, Amaris and Indigo were moved from Rist Canyon to their new forever home in Red Feather Lakes.  The sisters immediately began to explore their new habitat.  Since the habitat they were placed in was smaller than the others, staff opened the guillotine gate so they could enjoy a double habitat.  They loved running the fence to chase the ATV and greeting Pax when staff was walking him by.  They really enjoyed basking in the sun and cuddling in the straw that was in their deck pen.

On the morning of May 13, 2024, Amaris was found in one of her favorite napping spots.  Sadly, she had passed away.  Staff, volunteers and everyone that had the privilege of spending time with Amaris was heartbroken at her loss.  She is now is digging, howling, and running freely with those that have gone before her.