Bowdi

Born on April 1, 1992 in Montana
Arrived at Mission: Wolf on July 1, 1992
Passed away on March 5, 2001

Sex: Male
Lived with Hina, Jasmine

Did you know? It takes $3,000 a year just to feed and care for one of our wolves. By giving $5 or more a month, you can take a wolf to dinner by becoming a Wolf Caretaker

Bowdi’s Story

In the spring of 1992, Mission: Wolf received a call from a Montana wolf breeder about rescuing three pups that were to be euthanized if no home was found. Hearing the plight of these animals, Mission: Wolf staff pooled their personal funds for gas money and food. Two dedicated volunteers then set off for Montana the next day. They returned to the refuge with three timid black puppies who had brilliant wild eyes.  The two females were named Hina and Jazmine, while the little boy with a bright white patch on his chest became known as Bowdi.

Bowdi soon grew to be the largest wolf living at the refuge, at 142 lbs. Although his body was huge, he still had the attitude of a puppy.  He was a bit clumsy and yet he had such enormous strength that could be quite intimidating. As a yearling he towered above the other wolves and took advantage of his size during dinner time. Otherwise, Bowdi remained one of the most fun loving, playful, and carefree wolves to live at Mission: Wolf.

In 1993, Bowdi’s sister Jazmine gave birth to a litter of pups. All of the adult wolves in the pack would scold the pups and run away, opting for peace and quiet whenever the four youngsters got out of control. However, “Uncle” Bowdi put up with the constant barrage of energy from his four nieces and nephew, exhibiting inexhaustible patience. He just laid there, his eyes peering out as if to say: “why me?” while the pups played and practiced their chewing skills.

Uncle Bowdi spent many a year overlooking the refuge from his rocky outcrop with Jazmine. While he always remained shy around strangers, he is featured in the photograph “Wisdom” taken by Kent Weber. He passed away in the spring of 2001 from natural causes, leaving behind many fond memories of a big wolf with an even bigger heart.