We were saddened to learn that one of The HSUS' most special friends, Juliana Kickert, passed away in 2006.  The HSUS will miss her, and the animals will appreciate the incredibly generous legacy she left behind.  In her will, Ms. Kickert included a $7.2 million gift for HSUS animal protection programs.  We are grateful for her kindness and support. 

"Pasha's Story"

by Julianna Kickert

Pasha will forever be in my heart. I found him in an animal shelter in 1988 prior to the time of wolf T-shirts and calendar photos. Then, I truly thought I had brought a dog home because, as a recent city person, I did not know the exact appearance of a wold hybrid.

Thankfully, he bonded to me and my quarter horse immediately and followed us on long trail rides for more than a decade. I studied books and documents on this type of animal once I realized who he was. The emotional energy, time, and creativity required were amazing!

We continued to learn together; he continued to teach me about long-term adaptability, commitment and mutual trust. He intrigued me for years with his unique wolfish capers, extreme intelligence, and loyalty.

Pasha had reached 12 years of age when, due to medical reasons, he was laid to rest on a knoll overlooking a seasonal stream where he had often scampered and played. The inscription on the plaque reads "PASHA—Beloved Companion, Teacher, and Guide."

We all were fortunate to have known him because he touched the hearts of all my friends he encountered. I was honed with Pasha's gentle disposition and love and consider him to have been nature's gift for all those years he lived with me.

Nevertheless, I hope people will reconsider continuing to breed [wolf hybrids] as this has caused a dilemma. Of those already in existence, many end up in sanctuaries pleading for freedom with their amber eyes.