Pulling, Petting, and Pumpkins

Today, Kenzie and I went to Wolf Run, and we had a blast.  At first, it was hard to get out of my warm bed to layer up and brave the chilly temperatures, but it ended up being very worth it.  We got to Wolf Run around 9:15 this morning.  Around this time, the staff members were just finishing up the daily feeding.  We got the chance to follow one of the staff members over to the raccoon cage to visit, Rowdy.  Rowdy may or may not have a weight issue, but he is still stuff the cutest little thing.  We were a little afraid of not being about to help out much, but ended up getting to help once a bigger group of volunteers arrived.

Rowdy, drinking from his water bucket on this
beautiful Sunday morning.

At first, we went into the yearling enclosure to socialize with the animals.  For some of the other volunteers, it was their first visit to the refuge so it was nice to see how excited they were to meet some of the wolf-dogs.  After meeting all of the wolf-dogs, we started on the task of pulling weeds from the outside of the yearling enclosure.  The weeds had started to block the enclosure so much that you couldn't even see the wolves from the outside.

Kara's sweatshirt after entering
the yearling cage with a handful
of meat.  I thought this perfect
paw print was pretty awesome.

While we were pulling weeds from the enclosure, the staff members were tending to the rest of the animals and also doing some yard work.  We spent about an hour or an and a half pulling these weed and throwing them over the fence.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to clear out all of the weeds, but we were able to make a significant dent in one area!

Nayeli loving scratches and being a goofy pup
 as always.

Before leaving the refuge, we were able to help feed the pigs.  Now, some people may think that a bunch of chubby pigs wouldn't be too cute, especially when they are eating; however, watching these pigs eat some pumpkins was probably one of the cutest things I have yet to see at Wolf Run!  Before the pumpkin feeing, I hadn't met any of the pigs.  Staff member, Kara told us that these pigs were put up for adoption at the refuge after their owners didn't want them anymore.  Of course, it was very sad to know that no one wanted to keep these sweet pigs, but I definitely think that they are enjoying their time at Wolf                                                                                      Run!

At the end of the day, no matter how hard it has been to schedule volunteer times at the refuge, I am so happy to be apart of such an amazing organization.  We are nearing the end of the semester and the end of our time at Wolf Run, but I sincerely hope to be able to come back a volunteer for many more months to come.  I have had such a positive experience with all of the staff members and animals.  Everyday, Wolf Run is becoming more and more prevalent in the Nicholasville and Lexington area.  In even more exciting news, the refuge was featured in a LEX 18 report this past Friday (11/20/15).  You can check it out by following this link: LEX 18 Wildlife Report .