Wolf Rescue Farm Also Sells Wolf Hybrid Pups

Wolf Rescue Farm Also Sells Wolf Hybrid Pups 34-4-9 "Wolves make excellent companions. They'll stay by your side 24 hours a day if they can," says Tom Tomaselli, who cares for rescued wolves and sells wolf/dog hybrid pups to help pay expenses. He and his wife, Lilly, have been caring for wolves on their Williston, Fla., property for 25 years since he brought home two wolf pups given to him by a friend. "At first Lilly had her doubts," Tomaselli says. "Then she got to know the puppies and got hooked on their intelligence. We decided to help other wolves that were injured or needed a home." Some of the rescued wolves had been shot in the wild. The Tomasellis used their own money to nurse them back to good health and then find them good homes. They sell one or two litters of puppies each year ($675/pup plus transportation) to help pay some of their expenses. "Wolves get a bad rap," Tomaselli says. "They're extremely shy animals. They aren't violent." When strangers visit, his 13 wolves usually hide behind trees. Domestic dog breeds rate much higher for biting. Wolves rate below iguanas, he says. There is little evidence that wolves are dangerous to people, Tomaselli adds. But he understands that they are pack animals, and when they are with other wolves they will harm livestock. That's why he has a fence and requires buyers to have 6-ft. fences and a ground fence so the wolf can't dig underneath. However, when properly cared for, they won't want to leave, he says. The Tomasellis require potential customers to provide photos of their property, prove they have knowledge of wolves, and get necessary permits to have a wolf hybrid in their state. An exotic game license is required to own pups that are 100 percent wolf. Owners need to understand certain things about wolves, Tomaselli says. "They don't make good watch dogs because they won't bark. They won't go after a human unless directly threatened," he says. As pups they bond to almost anything. One owner kept a wolf puppy in a large Macaw cage and the two became lifelong friends. Adult wolves don't get along with dogs because of a tail communication problem. Dogs greet others by lifting and wagging their tail. A wolf only lifts its tail when it feels threatened. So when a wolf sees a dog's tail up, he takes it the wrong way. Wolves eat meat, but they're also omnivores. The Tomasellis feed their wolves dog food, vegetables and fruit. Most of the wolf pups Tomaselli sells are hybrids that are 75 percent wolf and 25 percent Malamute. Low percentage wolf hybrids are more likely to bite than high percentage wolf hybrids, he says, because they have more dog characteristics. He warns buyers to be careful who they buy from. Tomaselli has a veterinarian give the pups all their shots and gives buyers a wolf training manual and papers to verify the shot record and wolf percentage certification. When wolves are shipped, they are flown by Delta Air Pet First Service. Taking in a wolf is a long-term commitment. They live 12 to 15 years. Mature males weigh up to 130 lbs. Females weigh about 70 lbs. Tomaselli has cut back due to health reasons. Though it's difficult to take care of the 13 wolves he has, they also help keep him going. One special friend, Prophet, is always at his side. Lilly and other volunteers at their business will keep the operation going. If they don't have wolf pups available, they will refer customers to other quality breeders. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Wolves of Williston, 1711 N.E. State Rd. 121, Williston, Fla. 32696 (ph 352 528-9355; www.wolvesofwilliston.com).

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