Earlier this month, mentees and mentors enjoyed a unique afternoon in nature together with a wolf-dog. During our Wild meetUP, they spent the afternoon at William B. Pond in Carmichael for a simple but meaningful outdoor gathering of fresh air, connection and curiosity.
The afternoon started with a picnic lunch of sandwiches, chips, and cookies. Our most exciting special guests and co-leaders of the meetUP, Tracy and Tara from the Women for Wolves, along with Aria, a wolf-dog, were a special part of the adventure. A wolf-dog is exactly as it sounds, an animal resulting from breeding a domestic dog with a pure wolf or some combination of breeding within the types.
Aria has the appearance of a very large shepherd husky mix, yet despite her great size, she brought a calm and grounding presence. At first, Mentoring Matches observed her while Tracy and Tara shared about their work with wolves and wolf-dogs. They offered insight into their experiences and the importance of wildlife education and conservation. Matches also enjoyed time talking, laughing and engaging with one another in a relaxed outdoor setting. All the while, Aria sat patiently and was then rewarded with treats.
With full tummies and refilled water bottles, the group set out to walk the trails with Aria on a leash. Along the various paths, the environment shifted from flat open spaces to shaded paths or small banks near the water. The group tapped into quieter rhythms as nearby people fished and others rested in hammocks. There were also louder, funnier moments talking about the hardships of job hunting or their favorite animals.
At nine years old, Aria is considered an elder wolf-dog, yet she walked the path with graceful energy and trotted a bit into the water. Due to quality care and patient training, Aria is comfortable around people and quickly acclimated to our group. With Tracy and Tara nearby, the youth and mentors engaged Aria with careful touches.
Unique events like this help build real connections through shared positive experiences and learning. It’s very important for us to create opportunities for our youth to enjoy outdoor settings and activities. Not only does it offer a break from everyday routines, but nature also helps the body de-stress and self-regulate, which is a tool all people need, but especially important for people who have experienced trauma, like youth in foster care.
Before our time was over, mentees posed next to Aria for an impromptu photoshoot. Everyone appeared to leave feeling refreshed, inspired, connected and grateful. We love partnering with other nonprofits and are so grateful to Women for Wolves for this unique opportunity. It’s moments like this that remind us that growth happens when we are present, engaged and open to something new.
