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Kim DeFisher is the president and founder of a non-profit wildlife rescue called Arctic Fox Daily (AFD), based in Williamson, New York.

AFD is a rescue that provides a forever sanctuary to captive-bred or non-releasable foxes as well as wolf dogs.

Very Interesting Animal

photo of a wolf dogphoto of a wolf dog
Source: Arctic Fox Daily Wildlife Rescue, Inc.

One day, Kim received a call from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, informing her that they were about to go do a confiscation of animals that were put in a pretty severe hoarding situation.

Kim was asked to take in Dakota, a black wolf dog.

“I don’t really have a lot of experience with wolf dogs at this point. I told them I would be okay with taking in Dakota temporarily. He steps out of his vehicle, I’m sitting back like ‘Holy cannoli, this is a huge animal he’s very angry,” said Kim.

She also shared a scene which is engraved into her memory. Dakota had to be dragged into the enclosure, and as soon as they got him in, it was as if he knew that he was in a safe space.

wolf dog in the woodswolf dog in the woods
Source: @arcticfoxdaily

New Leader

Kim, just like with all of her other rescues, decided to get close to Dakota to try and form a relationship with him.

To her surprise, as soon as she approached him, he started jumping up on her chest and shoulders and even started giving her kisses.

dog licking woman's facedog licking woman's face
Source: @arcticfoxdaily

I immediately formed a very close bond with Dakota and I was like ‘Okay, this is permanent’.

Dakota truly did change the course of Kim’s life and career as she started taking other rescued wolf dogs as well.

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Just three months after Dakota’s arrival, Kim got an entire acre ready for a wolf dog enclosure.  

woman and two dogs in woodswoman and two dogs in woods
Source: @arcticfoxdaily

However, Dakota wasn’t too cooperative when he first arrived.

Kim described him as being very naughty and very rude, and she was very shocked when she noticed that he completely took over not just the rescue, but the whole living area.

When Dakota first came in, my parents who live right down the road from me, my dad texted me one night and he said ‘You have completely changed the canine dynamic on our road’.

Whenever Dakota would howl, he would be joined by a choir of the neighboring dogs who had never howled before, as well as the coyotes in the woods.

@arcticfoxdaily Replying to @Chelsea 🖤 Awoooo 🐺❤️ #wildlife #rescue #sanctuary #fox #wolfdog #wolf #howl #animals #fyp ♬ original sound – Kimberly DeFisher

Kim decided to do a DNA test on Dakota, where she learned that he was 55% gray wolf, along with mixes of an Alaskan Malamute, a German Shepherd, and a Belgian Sheepdog.

There is a big misconception that just because a wolf dog has wolf DNA it means they have to be aggressive. Oftentimes the higher percent wolf that wolf dogs have the less of a chance they have of being aggressive.

Kim reassures us that in general, wolves are flight animals, meaning that they will not attack unless they absolutely have to. This is unlike the lower-content wolf dogs, which will make sure to let Kim know if they become displeased.  

close-up photo of woman and wolfdog in rainclose-up photo of woman and wolfdog in rain
Source: @arcticfoxdaily

Best Friends

Over time, Kim’s relationship with Dakota grew stronger, and eventually became unbreakable.

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This majestic animal became the reason why Kim fell in love with wolf dogs and started rescuing them more and more.

woman and wolfdog in woodswoman and wolfdog in woods
Source: Arctic Fox Daily Wildlife Rescue, Inc.

By Andy Marcus

Hello, my name is Andy Marcus, and I am a passionate dog lover and enthusiast. For me, there is nothing quite like the joy and love that a furry friend can bring into our lives. I have spent years studying and learning about dogs, and have made it my mission to share my knowledge and expertise with others through my website. Through my website, I aim to provide comprehensive information and resources for dog owners and enthusiasts. Whether it's training tips, health and nutrition advice, or insights into dog behavior, I strive to create a platform that is accessible and useful to everyone who loves dogs.

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