To Be Amongst Wolves

I’ve experienced two trips to Howling Woods Farm in as many months. After my first experience with the wolf dogs (see Throw Me to the Wolves), I knew I needed to go back. I wanted people to really understand what wolf dogs were, to see their gentle nature, and to help bring awareness to this incredible farm.

Howling Woods is a farm that rescues wolf dogs who either have been displaced, or have been removed from their homes. While wolf dogs are allowed in New Jersey homes, they are banned in New York state and Pennsylvania, along with many other states.

They are sometimes surrendered by families who don’t know how to properly care for these sweet and active animals; other times, they are surrendered by families who want them to act as guard dogs (not likely), or who are forced to surrender them, due to state laws. I spoke with a staff member, and she mentioned that one family who had rescued a dog on Staten Island didn’t know their dog was part wolf, but there vet had a suspicion and did a DNA test. When the vet found that the dog was part wolf, the family was forced to surrender the dog, and he ended up at Howling Woods Farm.

Little Red Riding Hood was wrong. Between the Big Bad Wolf and movies like the Wolfman, I’d always believed that wolves were dangerous, threatening animals. I couldn’t be more wrong. They are sweet and playful, and are a bit timid around people. I never would have known any of this, were it not for Howling Woods.

In addition to offering a vast farm for the wolf dogs to enjoy, Howling Woods also has an adoption program. They offer tours of the property, so that visitors can have the chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Imagine meeting and petting these beautiful creatures. And those howls. Wow. If you can’t wait to hear them, tune into the podcast conversation and listen to our recording of the howling (here’s the link: https://soundcloud.com/accessandexpand/wolvesfinal-112519-622-pm).

Ready to go? It’s $20 per person for a tour, but you have to book in advance. You can call 732-534-5745 to book your reservation.

Howling Woods Farm is located at 1371 West Veterans Highway in Jackson, NJ