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. 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.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
'Happy and Healthy': Wolf Dogs That Captured Orange County Hearts Are Thriving, Still Feeling Support
This month marks the five-year anniversary of when a group of wolf dogs escaped their Orange County enclosure. Where, and how, are they now?
The Morning News: CHCCS Mandarin World Language, UNC Football
In today's news: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board votes to dissolve the Mandarin World Language pathway now at Glenwood Elementary.
Orange County Reports Rabid Skunk After Altercation in Mebane
Orange County Animal Services has confirmed a positive rabies test on a skunk seen in Mebane Tuesday. According to OCAS, an initial report was made after the skunk had an altercation with two dogs in the area around Whitaker Road, southeast of downtown Mebane. The skunk was then retrieved for testing, which confirmed the presence […]
Rabid Raccoon Reported By Orange County After Altercation With Two Dogs
Orange County Animal Services said Wednesday it confirmed a positive case of rabies in a raccoon found in Chapel Hill. The raccoon was sent for testing by OCAS on Saturday, May 23 after it got into an altercation with two dogs. The condition of the dogs is unknown. It was found by animal control near […]
Orange County Animal Control Searching for Fox in Chapel Hill After 2 People Bitten
Two people are receiving treatment after they were bitten by a fox Friday afternoon. Animal Control officers are active in Chapel Hill.
Orange County Reports Rabies Incident Involving Raccoon in Hillsborough
Orange County Animal Services has confirmed a positive rabies test from an incident involving a raccoon last week. OCAS says it received a report about a dog having an altercation with an aggressive raccoon near Cates Hickory Hill Lane – southwest of downtown Hillsborough – on April 24. Animal Control responded and retrieved the raccoon […]
Orange County Reports Two Rabies Incidents Involving A Raccoon And A Cat
Orange County Animal Services shared a release Thursday detailing two local incidents in which animals tested positive for rabies.
Orange County Reports Rabid Raccoon, First Case of 2026
Orange County Animal Services said it identified a positive rabies case in a raccoon found near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
NC Town's Beloved Cat Returns Home After Traveling From The Coast To Orange County
A costal NC community recently celebrated the return of its beloved local cat Hoover after he ended up at the Orange County Animal Shelter.
Orange County Reports Positive Rabies Test After Person Bitten By Raccoon
Orange County Animal Services has reported a positive rabies test on a raccoon which was taken in for testing last week. According to OCAS, the raccoon bit a person after the person tried to “relocate” the animal. The incident occurred Dec. 26 near Pearson Road in Hurdle Mills in northern Orange County. The department reminded […]
›