In early April, two puppies were found abandoned in Prospect, Connecticut. Despite being only four months old, the dogs were massive, with long snouts and a “certain look in their eye.”
When Zilla Cannamela saw the story on the news, she immediately knew that they weren’t just dogs.
They were a canine hybrid known as wolfdogs.
“When you see one, you know,” Cannamela told WFSB, a local news station in Connecticut.
Cannamela is the co-founder and president of Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates, a volunteer-run organization that combats animal cruelty and fights for animal welfare legislation.
Upon hearing about the two puppies, named Barnaby and Spartacus, Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates funded DNA kits to get them tested. The tests soon confirmed that their mother is a dog and their father is 100% wolf.
And wolf dogs are illegal to breed or own in Connecticut.
“Combining the two, they’re living in separate worlds in one body,” Cannamela explained.
Due to their “wild” nature, wolfdogs need to be in an environment that can properly care for them. They require a lot of room to run, play, eat, and sleep — without the company of other pets that may activate their prey drive.
“We want to thank the Prospect Police Animal Control and Woodbury Connecticut Animal Control for taking care of them on an interim basis despite their specialized care needs and challenging instinctual behavior,” Desmond's Army posted to Facebook on April 15.
The organization added that they were “proud to play a small role” in rescuing these innocent animals.
“It isn’t their fault,” they emphasized. “The owner likely dumped them after struggling with their wild instincts and high-maintenance needs.”
Fortunately, Desmond's Army was able to connect the Prospect Animal Control with a specialized sanctuary.
“Today, these two boys are now safe and thriving at Howling Woods Sanctuary in New Jersey!” they celebrated.
Howling Woods Sanctuary is a nonprofit educational center and rescue that specializes in wolves and wolfdogs.
“We welcomed two new additions this month — Barnaby and Spartacus,” Howling Woods Sanctuary posted to Facebook on May 1.
“Their puppy energy has been a lively addition to the group, and it’s a reminder of how much early development and socialization shape future behavior.”
Right now, Barnaby and Spartacus are enjoying long walks and “play dates” with their own kind. But eventually, the siblings will have the opportunity to join other wolfdogs on community outreach events.
“These visits continue to be an important part of outreach — giving the public a chance to connect with the animals while learning about wolfdog behavior, conservation, and responsible ownership,” the sanctuary said.
“As we move further into spring, we’re looking forward to continued growth, more educational outreach, and more opportunities for the public to connect with what we do.”
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Header image via Prospect Animal Control
