A few years ago I got to meet 3 wonderful ambassador wolves at a Wolf Conservation Center.
Here they are. Although I didn't get to pet them (they trusted their handlers, these wolves are NOT tame and should never be considered pets), I actually, with a group, had a howling session with them and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever done.
Within the past year, all three have died- the last one, the oldest, the female named Kaila, passed away yesterday.
It puts great sadness in my heart to know animals I felt a great bond with have left us, when they taught a world around me so much. I watched people who were terrified of wolves grow more curious and accepted of them the whole time I was there.
Goodbye, friends.