So, after the scorching July (and a pleasant August) the heat is on - again. The trees may be going yellow, the thistles are in bloom and the acorns are pinging around at the Trust, but summer's tenacious this year. The wolves are all sprouting their winter coats and as usual their tails are the first bits to bulk out. The pups seem to be growing straight into a winter coat and all the wolves are still seeking shade during the heat of the day.

There are other changes afoot at the wolf centre too, with the Obs Room being turned into an education centre and the volunteers re to a portacabin opposite the Euro enclosure. The Trust has continued to grow and an effort is underway to make things more professional, as the old Obs Room had a bit of a "mess hall" feel to things.

Duma with some thistles in the background - 10th September

Apart from the Obs Room changes, life at the Trust continues apace. I've been handling a fair bit on walks, hence the lack of photos of the woods. Last week I ended up in the lake for around 8 minutes while Dakota swam over to some half-submerged branches. She didn't quite manage to pull them loose, but she had a very good try!

With hormones at their seasonal low ebb, the wolves are by and large "chilled", in mood if not temperature!

Duma (right) and Dakota, 10th Sep

D&D continue to thrive along with their new pack Kodiak and I've noticed Duma seems to stick quite close to Kodiak at times - it'll be interesting to see which wolf Kodiak chooses next spring! I'm still expecting there to be a bit more action between D&D compared with past years, as they've got something to compete over now. That said, Dakota's still a friendly old thing - here she is coming over to say "hello" this morning:

Note the lowered head, ears to the side and wagging tail, all textbook friendly submission signs.

The Euros are continuing to do well, with Alba still hobbling along. It's over a year now since he broke his neck and although he's a bit ungainly he seems pretty fast still. Latea's the alpha female, but seems a bit insecure in her role.

Lunca, 3rd September

And last, but definately not least - the pups! Despite the early setback with Mika, the surviving pups have grown at an amazing rate and are now very chunky miniature wolves. We're in the midst of teaching them manners and it's amazing how the pull of a pup on the lead is stronger than any of the adult wolves, a sign of just how restrained the adults are. I've not been in with the pups that much and last week was the first proper session with them for a month. As soon as I went in I was swarmed by them all, with them grabbing my arms in their (quite pointy!) mouths - I've still got the scars this week.

They're at the stage now where they're starting to spread their wings, so to speak, so I had to let them know that I wasn't prepared to be treated that way - it involved some pushing down and some loud growling, but I got the message across. It's vital to do that now, as if I didn't (and just said, "Aww, how cute") I'd have a heck of a job once they grow up. Domestic dogs never actually mature mentally in the same way as a wolf does - and when a wolf hits 18 months to two years they'll reject you if they think they can get one over on you. That's why it's important to instill in them that you are the alpha at such an early age - and doubtless there'll be a few people in for a big disappointment this time next year.

And without further ado, some pup pictures!

Mai, having a quick scratch - 10th Sep

Mosi howling in the mist

Torak, looking much older than his four and a half months would suggest!

It'll be fascinating seeing the pups this winter - here's hoping they get to romp in some snow, it'd be an excellent introduction for them!

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