Farewell Tayha

Wolves take time to build up trust. When we accept a new rescue, we spend time getting to know them, learning about their personality, and letting them know that they can trust us. We take it slow, and bit by bit we start to learn about each other. Everyone has their own unique personality. Some stay the same throughout their lives. Others change and evolve through the years. Tayha was the latter. She lived with us for 11 years and through that time we watched her grow and blossom and change and throughout all that time she showed us her bright spirit and beautiful soul. On Friday April 19, 2024 she left us to be with her ancestors, and to join her first pack mate and dear companion, Sakima. Our hearts were broken, though we are blessed to have had a chance to know her throughout her life.

In 2013 we rescued two wolves from New York – Tayha and Sakima. They were in rough shape in the beginning and spent a long time in quarantine recovering. It was clear that Tayha did not just have health issues, but some psychological issues as well. She had a condition called cage fright when she arrived – she would pace back and forth along the fence in the shape of an area that resembled a former cage she had lived in. She was terrified of people in the beginning, but we were patient and careful with her, and over time things began to change. Once she and Sakima were cleared to move into their own enclosure, she truly began to thrive. She would still pace in the beginning but we took time with her to help her learn to trust us and after a few months her pacing slowed until it diminished completely and she began to settle in and to make her home her own.

As Tayha began to trust her human caretakers, she would become more comfortable approaching the fence, especially for food and treats. Slowly she would allow a nose or chin scratch from those she trusted.

Tayha loved Sakima – they were always together, playing amidst the trees or sleeping in the shade. She was heartbroken when he passed away, though she remained strong and over time she found love again.

Tayha met Scadan a few months after Sakima passed. He was several years younger but the two loved each other greatly. He would tease and taunt her and she would let him know if he went too far. He brought out a playful side of her during their years together and he kept her spirit young. Scadan will miss his darling Tayha very much.

On the morning of April 19, Tayha began experiencing seizures and she passed naturally just before the vet arrived to help ease her passing. We take comfort in knowing that she lived a long and happy life here at the sanctuary filled with love and companionship.

We feel honored to have been part of Tayha’s life journey and it was a blessing to see her personality blossom over the years as she grew to love her home here. Farewell Tayha, we will greatly miss your beautiful soul and your graceful spirit will forever be in our hearts.

IN LOVING MEMORY TAYHA OF SPEEDWELL
Born April 2010, Rescued September 2013, Died April 19, 2024