The Wolf

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The Wolf

Several years ago, we had a stockade fence around our “pool area” I love the porch in that area, and we have Adirondack chairs out there.  It is peaceful and calming.

My habit was to go out around 5 a.m. and sit and drink coffee.  One morning just before 6 a.m., something told me to look in the backyard.  It was a very quiet morning.

There was a “nagging for more than a few minutes.” A clear message to get up and walk to the outside of the fence and look into the backyard. So, the message was, “go look in the backyard.”

So, I did.  Very hesitantly.

In the back, standing along the grapevine, was a large dog, at first glance. However, the size of the animal was the size of a large German shepherd.  I base this on how high the “dog” was standing next to the grapevines.

The animal’s stance was one of Authority.  His body was heading west, and his head was at a 45 degrees angle, just staring at me.  No movement. 

He seemed to be in charge, commanding. 

Why was I told to get up, walk outside the fenced-in area to look in the backyard? 

We never have dogs in our yard; I always wish they would show up.  I love dogs.

I realized it was not a domestic dog; it was far too serious.  You could see the strength and power in the stance. 

I questioned what this was all about.  We hear “stuff” like this. What was the message? 

It was something, but what? So, I searched for people who have had those types of experiences. What does this mean?  Do I have more power than I believe?

The look of strength was so prevalent.  While I was surprised (actually shocked) to see this and would never have seen it if I hadn’t walked outside of the pool area, the fence blocked the view to the backyard.

I considered the experience special.  While I was concerned, initially, I wasn’t afraid; I was shocked.  But I knew it would take seconds for “him” to reach where I was standing and probably longer for me to get back into the garage.

I left first.  Fear.

I searched for Wolf sightings in the area.  Nothing. 

I was told there were no wolves in this area. So, I must have seen a coyote…. 

I know what Coyotes look like, and this was a Wolf, Wolfdog, or hybrid CoyWolf.  Whatever, it did not appear to be domestic.

The real question I have is, who told me to walk outside of the fence and look in the backyard early that morning? 

And how is it that this animal showed up at the same time I was told to look into the backyard?

There are many great stories about animals saving human lives.  One that comes to mind is the story of an old dog, blind and deaf. 

A child, upriver, drifted into the current and was taken downriver. Unfortunately, the family was not able to rescue the child.  You can imagine the horrible scene.

Downriver, the family of the old dog (from memory, I believe the dog was a Lab) said their dog was lying in the backyard and suddenly got up and ran to the river.  It had been some time since they saw the dog run. 

They had no idea what was going on.  The family watched the Lab jump into the river as the child drifted downriver, grabbed the child, and brought the child to the side of the river.  Saving the child.

So many questions. 

How did the dog know the child was in the river?  No one heard screams or anyone yelling.  The dog was deaf and blind.  Even if he could see, he could not see upriver because he was at the back of the house. 

At some point, you realize all of this is much bigger than we are, and the beautiful part is the life experiences that we can’t explain.

So, we are grateful for the experiences.

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What to Write About?  Writing Prompts

My family laughs at me because I am always talking about Red-Tail Hawks.  I always point out the Red Tail Hawks.  If I am in the pool, they circle overhead.  Yes, I know they are hunting.  We have a great yard for hunting. 

This summer, I heard the baby hawks early in the morning, so they make nests around our yard. 

For me, the Red Tail Hawk is special.

Animal Stories –

Animals are incredible.  They save lives; they give comfort. They give and give and give and ask for very little.  Just love me is all they ask. 

• Tell an animal story.
• How do we open ourselves up to experiences? 
• What was the point of the Wolf experience? 
  • Was it to remind me of my strength? 
  • Was to tell me to beware?

Think about your animal experiences or experiences you recall hearing.  

Maybe what you learned from someone else’s animal story.  What did you “get” out of the story?

Write about the first thought that came into your mind.

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The Power of Prayer