I had heard of people owning wolf hybrids. Having spent much time filming and photographing Yellowstone, I became interested in wolves. When I learned that there was a Wolfdog rescue in central Jersey, I grew fascinated with the idea of caring for my own. So, I visited Howling Woods Farm and met Michael Hodanish. I got to experience his pack and meet some of the adoptable dogs. My first meeting with Shemiah was fantastic. She had a troubled past and some fear issues, having had two previous owners, both of whom passed away on her. But, she sseemed comfortable with me. So, after obtainring Spirit as a companion for her, Mike finally brought Shemiah to her new home.

Now, Mike did have to give me an education on owning a wolfdog, which is a little bit more complicated than a pure Husky. Both need special care and attention… being diggers, climbers, escape artists, sometimes destructive, and both needing lots of activity because they can be easily bored. Mike warned me about Shemiah's ability to climb… a trait I didn't put too much credence in until I caught her on a security camera late one night climbing up to the top of my 9 ft. fence as if it was a ladder. Fortunately, the top gaurds, that Mike required me to install, foiled her attempt.

During her time at Howling Woods, Shemiah became bonded to a large, black Wolfdog, named Samson, who is quite the film star, having appeared in Disney's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" with Nicholas Cage. After Shemiah was with me for almost a year, we visited the farm and reunited her with Samson. I was shocked at how excited she was to see him again. It is an amazing thing to see a dog express such emotion. You can watch their reunion in the video below.

Shemiah had issues that I needed to work with her through. She was and still is very afraid of being trapped. To this day, she still won't allow me to get between her and an open door to the outside. She'll follow me in and even come for a visit if the door is open. But, if I move to the door, she will run out. Getting her in at night is a ritual involving a leash, a piece of chicken, and following Spirit inside.

More intriguing though, was working on her anxiety over mushing. Shemiah was fearful of the scooter. The thought of pulling while running was new to her. So, I slowly worked with her, alone and with Spirit, even having children allow her to pull them slowly. Eventually, she did pull, but always ran to the side. Spirit would often correct her for getting too far off center. After years of letting her find her comfort zone though, Shemiah now mushes as strongly and speedily as Spirit. She can gently pull a child on a bike or run swiftly along with Spirit. Now, whenever she sees the scooter, she gets excited.

She even loves to be surrounded by people, especially children, who seem to be able to do anything to her without her getting upset or scared. And, in the house, she is quite affectionate, cuddling up on the couch for a belly rub or ear massage. She may even leap up on my back, looking for attention, while I'm working at my desk.

Shemiah means "God hears". And, that is what people who are afraid and hurting need to understand.