Home At Last: Orange County Animal Services Finds Placement for All 8 Wolf-Dogs

After more than half a year, Orange County this week announced a happy ending to the story of the wolf-dog hybrids who got out of an enclosure in Cedar Grove last July.

On Thursday, Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) reported they have found permanent homes for all eight of the wolfdogs who had been living in the shelter for months.

OCAS spokesperson Tenille Fox said the final three dogs left the shelter on Wednesday, “with a non-profit group that specializes in humane placement of wolves and other at-risk animals.”

Fox said the nonprofit wanted to remain anonymous — but that OCAS Director Sandra Strong vetted the organization, “and she is confident that they have [the] ability to provide the safe environment and special care that the wolfdogs require.”

The saga of the wolfdogs began last July, when ten dogs got out of an enclosure in Cedar Grove last July. Reports conflict over whether the dogs escaped or were released. One of the animals was fatally struck by a vehicle during the winter, but OCAS was able to trap the other nine.

Some of the wolf-dog hybrids during the summer and fall of 2021, when they were loose in the Cedar Grove community. (Photo via Kellie Hicks on Facebook.)

One of the dogs was later determined to purely be a German Shepherd, but the other eight were wolf-dog hybrids, likely bred illegally and illegal to own in Orange County. OCAS officials said they could only place the dogs with a licensed professional or sanctuary — but there are very few such sanctuaries in existence. Adding to the challenge, a veterinary behaviorist in December determined it would be inhumane for the dogs to remain in the shelter long-term. That sparked public concerns that the dogs were in danger of being euthanized.

But starting in late January, OCAS’ efforts paid off. First, a Colorado refuge called WolfWood agreed to take two of the dogs – then two weeks later a Wisconsin sanctuary called Mattersville adopted three more, for a veteran-service program called “Heroes and Hybrids.”

And the final three dogs left the shelter this week.

Photo via WolfWood Refuge.

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Home At Last: Orange County Animal Services Finds Placement for All 8 Wolf-Dogs

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