Huge Maine Wolf Dog Carefully Tests Every Stranger Before Doing Something Adorable
After losing his original home, a massive 160-pound wolf dog named Trouble needed specialized care. At the Wolves of Maine sanctuary, he proved that you should never judge a book by its cover.
A Sudden Goodbye
When a beloved pet loses their owner, their entire world is turned upside down. For a massive 160-pound animal named Trouble, the tragedy was compounded by his unique genetics.
Trouble isn’t your average canine. He is a striking mix of Timberwolf, Czechoslovakian wolf dog, and Shepherd.
Because of his wolf hybrid status, traditional adoption routes were simply not an option. He needed a very specific kind of help to survive.
A Specialized Safe Haven
With standard animal shelters unable to take him in, Trouble’s future hung in the balance. Fortunately, a specialized rescue stepped up to change his fate.
He was surrendered to Wolves of Maine, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing wolves and wolf hybrids that were previously owned by humans.
Trouble didn’t make the journey alone. He arrived at the sanctuary alongside his mother, a beautiful hybrid named Breeze, ready to start their next chapter.
Meeting “The Mayor”
Despite the heartbreak of losing his original home, Trouble quickly adapted to his new surroundings. In fact, he decided to take on a leadership role.
Sarah Hanifen, who works closely with the animals, notes that Trouble has earned a very special nickname. “Trouble is the mayor of Wolves of Maine,” she shared.
He makes it his daily mission to walk around, greet everyone, and ensure his presence is known. According to Sarah, he takes this self-appointed job very seriously.
Quality Control
Part of his mayoral duties involves keeping a close eye on the sanctuary’s daily operations. Trouble likes to be involved in everything that happens.
He even insists on testing all the food first. He wants to make absolutely sure that it is safe and delicious before anyone else gets to eat.
Beyond his funny quirks, Trouble has a deeply thoughtful side. When meeting new people, he takes his time to evaluate them before letting his guard down.
The Biggest Marshmallow
Trouble will carefully check a person out, deciding if he wants to allow them into his inner circle of friends. But once you earn his trust, his entire demeanor shifts.
“As soon as he knows that you’re someone that he can trust, he is just the biggest teddy bear,” Sarah explained.
Beneath his wild exterior lies a giant cuddler. He turns into a massive marshmallow, happily rolling on the floor to soak up belly rubs from his favorite humans.
Larger Than Life
His gentle personality is a stark contrast to his imposing physical size. Trouble’s paws alone are about the size of a human hand.
If he stands up on his back legs, this 160-pound giant easily towers over Sarah. Yet, he is incredibly gentle when he paws at his caretakers for hugs.
Sarah describes him as one of the most beautiful creatures you will ever see. She lovingly compares his majestic, wind-blown coat to “Fabio in a commercial.”
The Reality of Wolf Dogs
Working with Trouble has taught Sarah a valuable lesson about not judging a book by its cover. However, she is quick to remind people that caring for these animals is a massive commitment.
Many people acquire wolf dogs as pets because they think it sounds cool, without realizing the immense amount of work involved.
Because they retain a part of their wildness, many of these beautiful animals end up displaced. Sanctuaries across the country are often called upon to pick up the pieces.
A Forever Pack
Today, Trouble doesn’t have to worry about fitting into a traditional human home. He is exactly where he belongs, surrounded by people who understand his unique needs.
The sanctuary provides a safe space where he and his mother can express every aspect of their personalities. They are free to be exactly who they want to be.
Surrounded by his pack, Trouble finally has the love and stability he deserves. He will get to live out the rest of his days happy, healthy, and deeply loved.
