u/NathanTheKlutz

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by and interested in these magnificent, powerful, complex, intelligent creatures, the ultimate wild canids.

It has been a life goal of mine to SAFELY meet a wolf up close, say hello and get to touch such a wild, incredible creature.

Well, I am delighted to say that at a county fair about a week ago, I had that chance, at a traveling educational exhibition called Wolves of the World.

After the show was over, for a fee of $5, people were allowed to go into the pen with Phoenix, a captive bred eastern timber wolf. Including me.

I sat down on a stool and talked to him as he walked over, petting him underneath his chin, throat, and cheeks in the way his handler informed me he enjoyed.

His eyes were stunning, and I will confess that I talked to him the same way I do to dogs I meet, lol.

How did that male lion get into their bedroom to kill Doris, and then lie in wait for Alan behind a closed door?

I personally think the lion was the witch doctor himself, come on a visit to America to do some shapeshifting and make good on his curse.

Certainly, I know that like many other tribes in East Africa, the actual Kikuyu traditionally sincerely believe in the existence of both male and female witches, who ride hyenas in the dead of night, and can transform into wild animals—including lions.

I certainly have. As examples:

In June 2025, I planted two black eyed Susans in honor of Mark and Melissa Hortman, and their golden retriever Gilbert. If you have ever seen a dog running around in pure joy through a field of those flowers, you know why it’s fitting.

In October of 2025, I planted a Juneberry tree in memory of Jane Goodall, and a blueberry bush.

And a few days ago, while binge watching classic Unsolved Mysteries episodes on YouTube, I came across one that featured the deeply sickening and disturbing murder of poor Hilda Roche in Virginia. That was a lonely, cold, degrading, nightmarish, and beyond terrifying way to leave this world.

It affected me so much that today, I purchased a plug of northern sea oats to plant in my front yard. Although I live in Minnesota, this beautiful species of native grass is also found in Virginia. I think Hilda would be pleased by this gesture.

Anyway, I know that I am far from the only one!

Ever since I first learned about these highly endangered, beautiful and adorable carnivores in elementary school, it has been on my bucket list to see one.

And now, finally, at the age of 43, I got to enjoy seeing a BFF in person at the Red River Zoo this afternoon! I am so over the moon!