In 2022, staff at the McKinley County Humane Society in Gallup, New Mexico, were greeted with an unusual intake.
Zayne arrived at the shelter where volunteers noticed certain physical and behavioral traits that led them to believe he might actually be a wolfdog.
Katie Forbis from Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in New Mexico told Newsweek: “While he appeared different than a normal husky mix, he did not have any actual appreciable wolf phenotypes or physical traits—meaning he could have just as easily been some sort of northern breed mix.”
To determine his actual genetic makeup, the sanctuary conducted an Embark DNA test, which revealed that Zayne was approximately 22 percent gray wolf, confirming the suspicions of his rescuers.
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
The legality of owning a wolfdog in the U.S. varies by state, county, and city. Despite being only a low percentage wolfdog, it is illegal in McKinley County to own a wolfdog of any percentage. As a result, Zayne’s future was uncertain.
“Wolfdogs face a similar stigma as the Pitbull breed, though on a much more visceral and controversial level,” Forbis said. “Wolfdogs of any content level are completely illegal in McKinley County. If someone has a wolfdog in an illegal area, then it can lead to seizure and euthanasia for the animal if they are found out.”
Estimated to be around eight years old, Zayne could not be adopted out to a new owner because of the restrictions. Instead, the shelter reached out to the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary which despite being near capacity, could offer Zayne a forever home.
“We couldn’t say no to an animal less than two hours away who needed us,” said Forbis.
Now, Zayne will live the rest of his days in the loving care of the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. Sadly though, shortly after being adopted, he was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, an inherited neurologic disease. The condition causes gradual muscle wasting and incoordination in the hind limbs and then progresses to an inability to walk.
But determined to give him the best life possible, sanctuary staff take Zayne on regular walks and spend plenty of time playing with him to maintain his muscle mass and help extend his quality of life.
Forbis said: “While he does show symptoms of the disease beginning to set in, it doesn’t stop him from living his very best life. He loves to run around—especially with his favorite people—and especially if they play fetch with him and his squeaky toys.”
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.