James Gage being the nature lover that he is studied environmental science in college. He also loved wolves and it was at this time that he first got a wolf hybrid, named Bailey. In order to take care of her properly, he learned as much as he could about them and while doing that he also learned about the strife they go through as pets. It was at this point that he decided he wanted to do something to help.
He had learned that while there are less than 10,000 wild wolves left in the United States, there are more than a quarter million in captivity and that some of these were being kept as pets. He also discovered there was a need in Arkansas for wolf rescues since many people tend to abandon their wolf/hybrids when they realize that the novelty had worn off or that they were in over their heads.
He understands this because he has been there. "I know first hand it's not a good idea to keep them as pets in captivity because I've done it," Gage said. "They (pet-owners) put them in positions where they don't have enough space to be healthy or they don't know about their medical care, and then it compromises the health of the animal. Or they don't meet the requirements of the state and then the animal gets confiscated and there's no where for it to go except to be euthanized."
It was at this point that he decided it was time to move out into the middle of nowhere and get a place to give these misunderstood wolves/hybrids somewhere to live and to rescue some of the wolves in captivity. Buying a property just north of Batesville, Arkansas and hours away from his family and friends, Gage is now saving domestic wolves one at a time. He has seven wolves that come from all different situations, but all came from the pet trade.
After working and studying with a wolf sanctuary in Colorado, Gage is now working to set up Wolf Hollow in Arkansas. He is applying for non-profit status and a USDA license, which will allow him to use the organization for education. "I hope to eventually have a non-profit organization set up that will rescue the animals and advocate for them in the wild," Gage said. "And teach science and conservation, maybe, where I can have interns and volunteers and teach to classroom groups and things like that."
His days start and end with his wolves. Until all of the licenses are approved though, he keeps the wolves as his own. He lives in a remote area, sacrificing cell or internet reception in order to have the room for the wolves to exercise. Gage is currently working as a bartender at night to pay for his day job caring for the wolves.
Gage sums it all up by saying, "In my eyes it's worth it just to be able to fill that spot to give them what they need. If I'm going to do it I've got to do it right."
He had learned that while there are less than 10,000 wild wolves left in the United States, there are more than a quarter million in captivity and that some of these were being kept as pets. He also discovered there was a need in Arkansas for wolf rescues since many people tend to abandon their wolf/hybrids when they realize that the novelty had worn off or that they were in over their heads.
He understands this because he has been there. "I know first hand it's not a good idea to keep them as pets in captivity because I've done it," Gage said. "They (pet-owners) put them in positions where they don't have enough space to be healthy or they don't know about their medical care, and then it compromises the health of the animal. Or they don't meet the requirements of the state and then the animal gets confiscated and there's no where for it to go except to be euthanized."
It was at this point that he decided it was time to move out into the middle of nowhere and get a place to give these misunderstood wolves/hybrids somewhere to live and to rescue some of the wolves in captivity. Buying a property just north of Batesville, Arkansas and hours away from his family and friends, Gage is now saving domestic wolves one at a time. He has seven wolves that come from all different situations, but all came from the pet trade.
Photo Credit: James Gage
After working and studying with a wolf sanctuary in Colorado, Gage is now working to set up Wolf Hollow in Arkansas. He is applying for non-profit status and a USDA license, which will allow him to use the organization for education. "I hope to eventually have a non-profit organization set up that will rescue the animals and advocate for them in the wild," Gage said. "And teach science and conservation, maybe, where I can have interns and volunteers and teach to classroom groups and things like that."
His days start and end with his wolves. Until all of the licenses are approved though, he keeps the wolves as his own. He lives in a remote area, sacrificing cell or internet reception in order to have the room for the wolves to exercise. Gage is currently working as a bartender at night to pay for his day job caring for the wolves.
Gage sums it all up by saying, "In my eyes it's worth it just to be able to fill that spot to give them what they need. If I'm going to do it I've got to do it right."
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amazing youg man....hope all works out for him..we need more people like him
what a wonderful thing to read about! I have just read about all the dog-hunting for wolves, and trapping, and plane hunting-----------then to see this wonderful man, james gage, trying to help these animals, is a joy to read about, I only wish I lived close to him, I would volunteer my time to help him. I hope he gets all this permits, etc,he really deserves it!
The world needs more people like James, there are too many Wolf-hybrids or high percent Wolves that need rescue. Thank you James!
Paying it forward, one life at a time.
Doesn't matter who (or what's life), just that the effort is to preserve a quality of life for someone/something else.
Beautiful! There should be more people like him. Just hope he feeds them RAW though.
Thank you James! I wish for the world to have more people in it like you! You are a wonderful and amazing human being!!!
check out howling woods in Jackson nj.....Michael does the same thing there....thank you both... :)
I love the wolf and and love what you are doing.
I have over 20 years experience with wolves and started out with wolf/hybrids to learn about the wolf.
Wolves have a code/rule they won't bite before they warn you first if it doesn't involve food or their cubs.
A wolf is not a pet. You become a member of their pack and it is a relationship that is more than a dog.
Wolves love even more than dogs and are extremely important to our eco-system. We need to stop the
killing and trapping of wolves. Hunters need an education about the eco-system and care about all animals.
Before they go hunting they should be required to spent an hour at least with someone that knows about
the animal they are hunting.
Back to wolf dogs, they are not pets either. I have found that wolf dogs under 60% wolf are close to being a
pet, but you must spent time with them. A Malamute mix with a wolf for example can look like a full Malamute dog but his/her genes may be all wolf. In closing, I will add this, any canine with dog genes can turn on you and bite. God made wolves and man made dogs from wolves. Bill Taylor
I love the wolf and and love what you are doing.
I have over 20 years experience with wolves and started out with wolf/hybrids to learn about the wolf.
Wolves have a code/rule they won't bite before they warn you first if it doesn't involve food or their cubs.
A wolf is not a pet. You become a member of their pack and it is a relationship that is more than a dog.
Wolves love even more than dogs and are extremely important to our eco-system. We need to stop the
killing and trapping of wolves. Hunters need an education about the eco-system and care about all animals.
Before they go hunting they should be required to spent an hour at least with someone that knows about
the animal they are hunting.
Back to wolf dogs, they are not pets either. I have found that wolf dogs under 60% wolf are close to being a
pet, but you must spent time with them. A Malamute mix with a wolf for example can look like a full Malamute dog but his/her genes may be all wolf. In closing, I will add this, any canine with dog genes can turn on you and bite. God made wolves and man made dogs from wolves. Bill Taylor
I love the wolf and and love what you are doing.
I have over 20 years experience with wolves and started out with wolf/hybrids to learn about the wolf.
Wolves have a code/rule they won't bite before they warn you first if it doesn't involve food or their cubs.
A wolf is not a pet. You become a member of their pack and it is a relationship that is more than a dog.
Wolves love even more than dogs and are extremely important to our eco-system. We need to stop the
killing and trapping of wolves. Hunters need an education about the eco-system and care about all animals.
Before they go hunting they should be required to spent an hour at least with someone that knows about
the animal they are hunting.
Back to wolf dogs, they are not pets either. I have found that wolf dogs under 60% wolf are close to being a
pet, but you must spent time with them. A Malamute mix with a wolf for example can look like a full Malamute dog but his/her genes may be all wolf. In closing, I will add this, any canine with dog genes can turn on you and bite. God made wolves and man made dogs from wolves. Bill Taylor
Woop Woop I's work for him! :p
I luv my family....the wolves...have 5 of own
well done james,
That is great !! I wish more people would learn about the wolves & how they are needed. I hope everything works out for him. Good Luck !!
James what you are doing is awesome. Some of us are the voices, but you've taken it to the next level. I wish we had more people like you in this world. God. Bless.
keep the great work james we all need wolves in our lives
Arkansas would be a beautiful place for a sanctuary. You should check out St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary in Montgomery, Texas (just outside of Houston). It's been there for years, and I understand that the woman's son is taking it over because she's in her 80's (but still growing strong.) There are so many restrictions on housing, access, et cetera. I know they'd love to hear from you.
<3
Thank you for what you are doing. I pray you get all the permits, and funding you need. I love wolves. I agree wolves are not pets. It takes special people like you, who understand them, to care for them (the rescued wolves/hybrids). I once was playing with a wolf who was at a zoo, in a very small cage. He was following us as we ran back and forth in front of his cage. He was a happy wolf. He wasn't pacing. Most of the time in zoos the animals just pace, or lie there. Anyway, wolves are beautiful, magestic creatures, who deserve to be free in the wild, and not hunted. Thank you for taking care of these wolves, who are in need of a place to stay.
God Bless You ! I just traveled through Arkansas , would love to see your place if and when you are set up for that kind of thing , At first its best to keep it private , and build it up to be how you want it for them . You are doing what you were born to do . Most people don't get to do that , because they don't have the courage .
all the best james!
I wish I was closer and I could offer my time to help. Having a wolf can be one of the most awe inspiring and heartbreaking experiences. Thank you for what you are doing and the sacrifices you are making. So happy to know folks like you share the planet with me:)
You have manged to do the one thing I have dreamed of. being able to be around wolves.I am a wolf advocate.I love the wolves so much .you have been given a gift.I hope your plans work out.you have a chance to change things.If you ever find you need help.I would love to offer.my assistance. you are a very special person and I know you have sacrificed so much in order to do do what your heart has led you to do.My prayers will be with you as you take this journey it will be a hard one but a very rewarding one.Leaving my e-mail nazarioeliz@yahoo.com.Just in case I can be of some kind of assistance.
You are an inspiration to us all James! That has been my wish for many years as well and I am so glad you have the means to do this! We need more beautiful people in the world like you James! Sending love light and energy to help you achieve your goals!
Sincerely,
WolfMoonSong
I would love to be an intern or volunteer, tward daily labor of making your wolf rescue work! If your ever looking for help from another wolf-lover please email.
I have a wolf mix and he is so sweet I got him from a family that was giving him away , he is family to me like one of my kids . lets just say he picked me , I could not say no , he is really good with kids and my other small dogs I have . I do know if a dog or any one would try to hurt me or any one of our family he will be there to keep us safe.
Awesome story!Thank you James for choosing to care for these wonderful animals.All wildlife is worth it!Bless you!!
You r an amazing man and we all applaud you. What an amazing dream this must b for you. How I wish I could do the same. I have been a wolf advocate and supporter for many years. I have adopted many through the WWF. Arkansas is beautiful as is Ur soul. The wolves are blessed to have you. I would leave NY in a heartbeat to b a part if this dresm that so many of us have. Feel free to contact me via email. I would love to b a part of this wonderful endeavor. G-d bless you and our precious wolves....chowchow@rochester.rr.com
Fantastic, I hope that your effort of education will help the wolf in the wild and to put an END to people breeding wolf hybrids, such a stupid idea, first of all, it won't help the wolves in the wild and just bring problems to an already VERY problematic situation, with the incredible amount of abandoned dogs (and animal cruelty etc) The whole breeding/selling of pets need a complete work over....Not to speak of the trapping, poisioning and killing of wolves....Why bring sheep and cattle out in nature to graze on public land without surveillance? , ranchers should keep bison instead! They are natural to the environment and can defend themselves against wolves , and is good for plants and is a link in the natural chain...instead of hunting/exterminating the wolves, who feed all other predators etc in the winter and who is important in a balanced eco-system!
amazing guy!!! You are a great man.
James, I wish to thank you on behalf of the wolf and wolf hybrids. My brother had a hybrid wolf that he was unable to contain, she was always looking for her own kind. She was returned to the breeder.
Again thank you, may you be able to continue with your dream.
God Bless you James and the wolf.
James, you don't know how much I appreciate and commend you for the work you are doing. It must be extremely gratifying and heartbreaking at the same time. I know the feeling. I have rescued 7 wolf hybrids. I learned by trial and error with the first one, even though I had read everything I could get my hands on to learn about wolves - you never know what challenges you face with each individual animal. Three were successfully re-homed to people with wolf/hybrid experience, Two of the females had too much wild in them and were unapproachable. Not vicious, just wouldn't let me get too close. Both escaped, never to be seen again. The other 2, males, I had with me for many years - the last one, whom I rescued at 4 weeks old, passed at age 13 and he was the love of my life. If I could find another just like him I'd take him in a heartbeat. But, I do not recommend having wolves or wolf hybrids as pets - they are not dogs. Some hybrids carry more wolf traits than others, and if you find one that's presents more dog traits than wolf, you might be successful. But the gamble is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get. Breeders are not doing the animals any favors. It should be stopped.
thank you for what your wanting to do I hope your able to do this the poor wolf needs all the help they can get. I wish and I pray someone will wake up and stop the killing of these wonderful animals. Some needs to understand they are NEEDED. God put them here for a reason man has no reason to kill them he doesn't need them to live on and they don't need the fur for a coat. So stop killing them please let us know more as u do more. Do u have a web site?
thank you for all your work and your time
We had a wolf Hybrid for nine wonderful years he was beautiful and looked so much like a wolf but that didn't mater to anyone they loved him. He was well behaved because he was socialized from a very young age but we never took anything for granted we always knew at any time he could turn on us if he wanted always kept a watchful eye no matter what. My granddaughter grew up with him from the day she was born he looked after her we never worried. I have great respect for the wolves and hybrids and if I lived in the same area I would gladly give my time to help with the rescue because I agree people buy hybrids then run into trouble you need to do a lot of research before owing one. You can't have one then turn it lose it has no idea how to survive. The killing of wolvws is so wrong and we need to do all we can to save them.
Thankyou James Gage, your such a blessing to me to know your there doing this , look on my page Mary LaMore , or follow this link I am writing from go to my main page Marys Creations.org I am on face book here, I too had the pure spiritual enlightenment of caring for a Wolf for 18 yrs and she was my life my twin soul, people just dont understand that they are not dogs they are tender special perfect loving beings. I loved mine more than anythings and she was with me through my cancer and stayed with me for all those yrs never leaving my side. In spirit she is still with me God Bless you , you will love your experience for life as I did. Loving Angel Mary and yes we lived very distant from the public It was best in her protections. She has passed on now and I know I will see her agian, xoxo
Thank you James!! I've always loved the wolf. I wish I could be there to help.
Thank you James you are such an inspiration .
Love the story I myself am taking care of an abandoned wolf hybrid she is a sweet dog every time she hears kids playing off she goes she loves kids and never bites
Unlike a pit bull these dog's actually have a brain--- they are highly intelligent
Wrong thing to say about a pit bull! They are intelligent! I also volunteer at a Wolf Refuge when I can and these wolves and wolf hybrids are amazing animals, as are all of God's creatures,
God Bless him...I envy him that he will live with wolves!
Bless him. I adopted a rescued wolf hybrid and lived with him for twelve years until he left this earth, and he was the most loving being I have ever met.
Thank you for your work. My family and I have shared our lives with wolves for 15 years and have rescued several after the owners got fed up or just didn't understand them. They thought it would be the same as a domestic dog. I haunt our local shelters etc searching for these babies to bring home a rehabilitate since so many come from abusive backgrounds. We purchased over 10 acres on the mountain that is just woods and our home. Our babies run happy and free there when they don't want the cuddles and love from us. WE are their pack now. Bless you and your pack.
I love hearing this story. Finally someone is stepping up to take care of these beautiful creatures! I have dreamt of doing this same thing but never had the money to do it. God bless him! He will be blessed by this! I'm so happy to hear this! :)
Excellent U da man
You're a good man. I really appreciate what you are doing.
Awsome! Thank you for your unselfish act of helping these beautiful creatures. If there is a way to help you through fundraising or benefits let me know!
God bless his soul.
Perhaps you could set up your shelter or sanctuary on the same lines as “The Elephant Sanctuary,” at Hohenwald, Tennessee. They are a restricted setting allowing NO Visitors whatsoever, and utilize volunteers, interns and staff for day-to-day management of the facility. This allows the animals to live and heal without interference, interruption or intervention from throngs of people and those constantly taking pictures, making it truly a sanctuary.
You are living my dream. This is what I want to do after retirement. I just lost my 13 year old wolf mix in July. He went to Rainbow Bridge. I miss him so, he was a mommas boy.
Wow, i am so happy to see that there are wonderful people still left in this world who are truly amazing. Your story has touched my soul! As i love wolves as well. I wish that one of these years i can take after you and help these wolves!! God Bless you! You are a remarkable person!
thank you James !! You are doing what so many of us cannot. Our hearts and best wishes are with you
I want to come there and help you with the wolves!
I have seen pics on here that make me smile and then cry. Not just wolves but wild horses ,black bear, you name it. What your doing is a wonderful surprise it takes my breath away and makes me so happy, because your a man with a huge heart and peace. I wish more people were like you the Government should help fund you cause they need our love, not our guns!I would love to be there I feel since my fire accident that they would give me a feeling of love and honor. I need to make them happy and I feel they could do that for me as well. The love I feel for them is like no other besides my family. It would be an honor to be around something so amazing as them, my respect goes far than just a picture.
My friend passed away recently and I need to find a safe place for her 3 wolves! Can you please help?
Betty
Bless you and may all your efforts to help our wolves be rewarded with complete success. We need so many like you who love the wolves as you do. Thank you from Idaho, Corine
You rock dawg!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Nothing but respect !!! <3
Would like to see wolves. I live in Ft Smith, AR. 479-414-3693 Dan Scharbor
This is wonderful. I haven't read it all but I hope the article includes information where we can contribute to this good man's effort xo Thank you for sharing this good news.