Kim DeFisher is a passionate and dedicated individual who is the president and founder of a non-profit organization known as Arctic Fox Daily (AFD), situated in Williamson, New York. AFD isn’t your ordinary wildlife rescue; it serves as a permanent sanctuary for foxes and wolf dogs that are captive-bred or cannot be released back into the wild due to various reasons.
A Call for Help
The story begins on an ordinary day that quickly turned extraordinary for Kim. She received a phone call from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. They informed her of a severe animal hoarding case they were about to crack down on.
During this call, Kim was asked if she could temporarily take care of a black wolf dog named Dakota. Despite her limited experience with wolf dogs at the time, Kim agreed, not fully realizing the challenge she was about to face. “I don’t really have a lot of experience with wolf dogs at this point. I told them I would be okay with taking in Dakota temporarily. He steps out of his vehicle, I’m sitting back like ‘Holy cannoli, this is a huge animal he’s very angry,” she recalled.
A Memorable Encounter
When Dakota arrived, the situation was tense. He had to be dragged into his new enclosure, visibly upset and defiant. However, as soon as he was securely inside, his demeanor changed abruptly. It was as though he realized he was in a safe place, a sanctuary where no harm would come to him. This moment was so powerful that it left a lasting imprint on Kim’s memory.
Building a Bond
Despite the rocky start, Kim was determined to bond with Dakota. She approached him cautiously, hoping to make a friendly connection. To her astonishment, Dakota’s reaction was unexpected.
He began to jump up, reaching her chest and shoulders, and even started to ‘kiss’ her. This immediate shift from hostility to affection marked the beginning of a unique and profound bond between them. “I immediately formed a very close bond with Dakota and I was like ‘Okay, this is permanent’,” Kim shared.
Life Changes
The arrival of Dakota significantly altered Kim’s life and career path. Inspired by her connection with him, she began to take in more rescued wolf dogs. Just three months after Dakota came into her life, Kim had prepared an entire acre for a new wolf dog enclosure, signaling her deep commitment to these majestic creatures.
Early Challenges
However, integrating Dakota into the sanctuary was not without its challenges. Initially, he was far from cooperative. Kim found him to be quite naughty and surprisingly dominant, taking control of not just the rescue space, but affecting the entire neighborhood dynamic. “When Dakota first came in, my parents who live right down the road from me, my dad texted me one night and he said ‘You have completely changed the canine dynamic on our road’,” she recounted.
Dakota’s presence was so influential that whenever he howled, a chorus of neighborhood dogs and even coyotes from nearby woods would join in, creating a symphony of howls that had never been heard before in the area.
Understanding Wolf Dogs
Motivated by a desire to understand Dakota better, Kim conducted a DNA test which revealed that he was 55% gray wolf, mixed with Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Belgian Sheepdog.
This test also dispelled a common misconception about wolf dogs; contrary to popular belief, higher wolf content does not necessarily correlate with higher aggression. In fact, Kim learned that wolves are generally flight animals, preferring to flee rather than fight unless absolutely necessary. This trait contrasts with lower-content wolf dogs, who are more likely to show displeasure openly.
Unbreakable Bonds
Over time, the bond between Kim and Dakota only grew stronger, evolving into something truly unbreakable. Dakota not only changed Kim’s life but also became a catalyst for her deep affection and commitment to rescuing more wolf dogs. His story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and understanding between humans and animals.
In conclusion, Kim DeFisher and Dakota’s story highlights the challenges and rewards of wildlife rescue. Through dedication, patience, and a lot of heart, Kim has not only provided a sanctuary for these animals but has also changed the narrative surrounding wolf dogs, showing that even the wildest hearts can find peace and love.
