Lakota's story, through his eyes.

My name is Lakota ShiningStar, son of Oachu and sibling of my loving human, Cheyenne. In fact, my name means 'sibling of Cheyenne' and my mother's name was ShiningStar. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona in a small backyard breeding facility to a pure Arctic wolf mother and a Timber Wolf/Siberian Husky father. My blood is 92% pure, making me one of the highest percentages possible in the hybrid breeding circuit.

I was luckier than most hybrids who are bred just for profit and often forced to live in abusive conditions. I was the last of my litter to be sold and was considered the runt! But Cheyenne didn't care; she loved me right away and paid a mere $250.00 to take me home. On today's market (in some states), I am well worth a couple thousand dollars!

When I was just a few months old, I got Parvo from the dog next door because, being a hybrid, my immune system is more sensitive to airborn disease. If not for my humans' quick action and willingness to pay for my vet bills (over $500.00!), I would not be here today. Despite my puppyhood illness, I ended up growing up to be much bigger than any of my siblings and was later declared the real pick of the litter!

During the day, I was allowed inside and spoiled rather rotten along with my family's other dog, Sara (a chow/lab mix). She was the real boss of the house and taught me early on where my place was! In fact, one night I gave her too much guff and he thumped me so good she knocked out one of my canines! The fact that it still hasn't grown back is a pretty good reminder that even though I'm bigger than her now, she's still number one!

My humans are good to me, even when I drive them up the wall. We get along pretty well but sometimes I get a little too much attitude goin' and I end up regretting it in the end. I've never been abused, but I sure have been given the third degree! Cheyenne tells me she expects more of me because I'm so smart, but I think I have her fooled. I bet if I pretend I don't understand her, I'll get away with a LOT more.

I'm all grown up now but I'm still a puppy at heart. Cheyenne tells me I'm turning into a grumpy middle-aged man, whatever that means! I just like to be left alone sometimes, especially by the new puppy! Perhaps if I convinced Cheyenne to let me run loose on our new home's farm land... but she says the farmers will mistake me for a wild animal. I'll be careful, I promise!

Speaking of our new home, a little over a year ago we moved from hot and dry Arizona to cool, grassy, wide-open spaces Iowa! It's so much nicer out here: less noise, less cars, less people to paw at me when I need my space. Cheyenne says when we get better fencing, I w0n't need a tie-out anymore. I can't wait! Maybe she'll let me in with the ducks or the cows... they look like they'd be fun to chase!

Well, that's all for now. I have to go sleep in the barn now. Ya know, some people would think I'd wanna sleep inside, but having the barn all to myself and getting to keep watch on all the strange sights, smells, and sounds of wild animals creeping around in the dark is a lot more fun that being stuffed up in the boring old house. Besides, wolves are supposed to be rugged, right?

Awwwrrroooooo-ooooooh!