An Ode to Orpheus

For any wild folk that haven't met my little wolf just yet. This is Orpheus.

I rescued him when he was six months old. He was found in a cave in Bulgaria with his seven siblings. The moment I saw the otherworldly planets in his eyes and the gentleness of his spirit, I knew without any hesitation that we were meant to roam this world together.

We lived off grid in a Cornish valley a few years back whilst I was training this young pup to become a Therapy dog. I always dreamt of rescuing a dog and finding a way for him to join me, whilst teaching wildlings in the woods. We graduated from the course that October and I can't quite convey how utterly proud of him and us, that I am. 

I get to spend my days, teaching in the woods, with the coolest little guy beside me. Not only is he outrageously handsome and regal in his mannerisms, but he's also hilarious and human/ wolf like in so many ways. His gentle nature and his infectious character leave me in awe of him every day. 

Six months before I found Orphie, we lost our family dog Rufus. In between this time I went to meet a family of wolves in a sanctuary for a course to learn how to bring dogs up with their ancient, wild, kind roots. This course enabled me to give Orphie the wildest life. One where he's either enraptured in nature all day or where he's running free across the landscape but also knows what he needs to know, whilst staying rooted to his wolf like nature. He's not with me to be what I want to mould him to be. He's here with me to bloom and grow, authentically. 

We've finished our Forest school workshops in the woods for the year and I'm watching him in awe, whilst we're on a walk to watch as the sun sets. My heart has never felt more content than when he's with me. 

My Forest school endeavours take me across the landscape but most often I'm teaching vulnerable children 1-1 in the woods who don't fit into the school system. Having a therapy dog beside me, enables the children to feel safe in his presence, as well as being able to express their kid spirit. 

Orphie's made me one proud wolf woman. In having each other to call home, we're able to be wildly free. And together we nurture wildlings.