My husband and I recently took a vacation to Sedona, AZ. Beforeour trip, I Googled “things to do if  you don’t want to go hiking.” The Sedona Wolf Sanctuary came up. I’dnever heard of it, and I was intrigued. You must make an appointment to visit,and you are allowed inside the enclosures where you can interact with thewolves.

After visiting their website and reading the rules, I bookedan appointment. They are very strict about clothing and what you can bringinside the enclosures. Also, you have to be over 18 to visit the sanctuary, andyou are not permitted to use a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You can’t wearsunglasses because wolves need to see your eyes. We were good with all the rulesput in place to protect the wolves from stress.

We arrived at the remote location, paid our cash donation, andthe first thing our hosts did was tell us about the wolves and the NativeAmerican spiritual history of the place. Then, our group performed a sagesmudge around a medicine wheel to calm ourselves before meeting the wolves,because these intelligent animals can sense your anxiety, and they will avoidyou.

This was the most awakening experience I’ve ever had. We saton benches or on pads on the ground while two wolves, Thor and Spirit, roamedthe area. They only approached you if they chose to do so. My husband and I gotwolf kisses. I have never felt so calm in my life by meeting these awesomecreatures.

I really connected with Larka, the alpha she-wolf, mainlybecause we are both older females with arthritis. She doesn’t really trust menbecause a horrible man abused her. She was so sweet.

This is the last chance for these wolves. They weresurrendered by people who thought having a wolf as a pet was a good idea. Thewolves at this sanctuary can’t be pets, and they can’t survive in the wild. Theonly other option is euthanasia. Cynthia and Xavier are doing a great serviceby taking care of these animals.

Visiting this sanctuary also helped me. I’ve been strugglingmentally and physically lately. This was a spiritual experience that helpedheal my fractured soul. I want to return to this wonderful place.