Iowa Puppy Mistaken For A Coyote Eventually Reached New Hampshire With A Very Different Identity
When three unusual puppies were abandoned at an Iowa shelter, their lives were on the line. A last-minute DNA test changed everything, leading one special pup to a unique life in New Hampshire.
A Dangerous Mistake
When three young puppies were abandoned at the ASPCA in Des Moines, Iowa, their future looked incredibly grim.
Shelter staff took one look at the unusual pups and believed they were coyotes.
Because of this mistaken identity, the puppies were scheduled to be euthanized.
They needed a miracle, and they needed it quickly before time ran out.
A Sanctuary Steps In
Just when all hope seemed lost, a wildlife sanctuary intervened.
The sanctuary staff looked at the puppies and felt certain they were not coyotes.
“We don’t think that’s what these are,” they told the shelter. “Let us do a DNA test.”
That simple request to pause and investigate would end up saving three lives.
The Truth Revealed
The DNA test results came back and confirmed the sanctuary’s suspicions.
The abandoned litter weren’t coyotes at all—they were wolfdog puppies.
With their true identity revealed, the sanctuary was able to step in and facilitate finding safe, appropriate homes for them.
One of those puppies, named Frazier, found his way to a woman named Nicole.
Building A Bond
Frazier eventually settled into his new life in New Hampshire, where there are no restrictions on owning a wolfdog.
However, adjusting to his new world wasn’t instantaneous.
“In the beginning, he was skeptical of things,” Nicole recalled.
To build trust, she used a gentle approach. Whenever he fell asleep, she would pick him up and let him sleep on her, creating a strong, lasting bond.
Finding His Voice
As a wolfdog, Frazier communicates a bit differently than a typical domestic dog.
In fact, it took a very long time for Nicole to ever hear him bark. “Yesterday, he barked and it was the very first time I’ve ever heard him bark,” she shared.
Instead of barking, Frazier prefers to express himself through a series of huffs and howls.
He has a whole vocabulary of howls depending on what he wants to say.
A Howl For Every Occasion
Frazier’s vocalizations are highly specific to his environment.
When he hears sirens, he mimics their tone perfectly. When a certain neighbor’s truck drives by, he uses a unique mix of a huff and a howl.
He even has an “indoor voice” for when he’s outside on the deck and wants to come in.
He uses a soft howl that Nicole interprets as, “I don’t need to be too loud, but I’m kind of lonely. Please open the door.”
A Cunning Mind
Beyond his unique voice, Frazier possesses an incredibly sharp intellect.
“He’s very cunning. You can actually see him trying to figure out problems,” Nicole explained.
He is an escape artist who can open a gate and slip through before anyone even notices.
He also loves to climb on big boulders to get a higher vantage point, surveying his territory like a true wolf.
Love On His Own Terms
While he draws a lot of attention in public, Frazier isn’t your typical cuddly pet.
He doesn’t really wag his tail and generally doesn’t enjoy being pet by strangers.
However, he is deeply affectionate with the people he has truly connected with.
Even with Nicole, he is independent. “He still only wants love and attention on his terms,” she laughed, noting that if she’s upset, he mostly just looks at her in confusion.
A Life Of Freedom
Today, Frazier is living his best life, far away from the shelter where his story almost ended.
He loves to run free, do zoomies, and carefully manage his scent in the yard.
From a misunderstood puppy facing a tragic fate to a majestic, intelligent companion, Frazier has blossomed.
Thanks to a simple DNA test and a dedicated sanctuary, this incredible wolfdog got the second chance he so deeply deserved.
