Driving up the path to the Texas Wolfdog Project feels as if you're visiting someone’s quaint country home. The enclosures and animals blend right into the woods and shade-bearing trees encompass the property where peaceful respite for paws that have walked some harrowing journeys is apparent. This local haven for low to high-content wolfdogs nestled in Montgomery, Texas is the residence of owner Austin Brisco and a motley crew of loving and appreciative wolfdogs. Each wolfdog has unique characteristics and quirks that, like any family, comprise a community of mutual respect and love that is palpable. Brisco and a highly dedicated crew of core volunteers make up the lifeline for these wolfdogs who find themselves at shelters or who have been surrendered by owners who did not fully understand the specific care they require to thrive. The misunderstandings about these animals have led to negligence and in some cases death of the animals. So, part of the TWP mission includes educating other rescues and animal control facilities about properly identifying, evaluating, and caring for these majestic animals. TWP is not just a sanctuary but also does the tedious work of identifying suitable adoptive families for their resident wolfdogs. Texas Wolfdog Project averages about five adoptions a year and maintains care of all the animals on the property through dedicated volunteers and generous donations.
The origin story of this small rescue blossomed from Brisco’s experience in rescuing his first wolfdog, Timber, in 2008. Most wolfdogs are euthanized when they are brought into shelters because having ‘wolf content’ has been miscategorized as a potential danger. TWP is fortunate to get contacted by fellow animal lovers who connect them to most of the wolfdogs who now find sanctuary on their grounds. Timber, for example, had a guardian angel in an animal control officer who noticed her shy and gentle demeanor and worked to get her to safety. It was at a different wolf sanctuary, where Brisco was a dedicated volunteer, that they bonded and he adopted her. Their partnership over five and a half years was rooted in education, ambassadorship, and a whole lot of love. Brisco knew there were other animals like her who needed a safe place to live, get care they needed, and the opportunity to find suitable homes. When she passed away in May of 2014, Timber became the inspiration for TWP. Their loving bond and the mission statement of this 501c3 nonprofit were the catalysts that have grown the property from two enclosures and four animals in 2016 to eleven enclosures that now house the wolfdogs currently living at the Texas Wolfdog Project. And, plans for adding a new enclosure are currently in the works. While there are many wolfdog sanctuaries in the United States, very few offer both rescue and adoption services like TWP.
Unlike some other sanctuaries, visitors to the Texas Wolfdog Project can expect one-on-one interactions throughout a two-hour tour. From offering belly rubs and treats to accepting muddy-pawed greetings, visitors will also hear each animal’s rescue story and learn interesting wolfdog facts from experienced and passionate guides.
TWP welcomes you out for a tour and to see for yourself the work they are doing. Dress for the occasion with clothes that will be covered in muddy paws. Their biggest need at this time, outside of monies raised from tours, is animal sponsorship and one-time donations. One hundred percent of donations go directly to the services needed to maintain the high-quality care they provide. Generous donations will also help fund the new enclosure, which is estimated to cost roughly $10,000.00. They would also love your donation of treats - chicken jerky treats are the running favorite at this time, so bring a bag when you arrive for your tour! Lastly, with big animals comes big clean-up and maintenance, so hands-on volunteering from individuals or groups is always welcome. It is a perfect volunteer outing to schedule this Fall for scout groups and others looking to get their hands dirty doing good deeds for a ‘pack’ that has nothing but love to share in return.
You can learn more about the Texas Wolfdog Project and schedule a tour at their website (www.texaswolfdogproject.org).