Rescue. Sanctuary. Education.
Our Animals
Every resident at Red Riding Hood Rescue Project has a howl and a story worth telling. Our wolfdogs arrive here after difficult beginnings—often the result of human misunderstanding, neglect, or mistreatment, and a lack of awareness about the unique nature and needs of wolfdogs. At The Red, we work to turn those “fairy tails” into second chances, providing a permanent sanctuary where each resident can feel safe, receive specialized care, and simply be who they are meant to be.
Sponsor A Wolfdog!
You can help us care for each of these incredible wolfdogs by sponsoring their care for a year. Sponsors receive a sponsor certificate, photo and more! Click HERE! to learn more!
From Fur Farm to Furever
In January 2025, the Humane Society of the United States, Director of Global Animal Disaster, contacted us about urgent need to find homes for 420 animals including skunks, raccoon, foxes, coyotes, wolves and wolfdogs. These animals were part of private farm, which was focused only on exploiting them. This industrial farm used these animals solely for collecting their urine and then killed them for their fur. From Fur Farm to Furever, welcome home Dante, Zephyr and Zoe!
Dante
DOB: Feb 1, 2024
Content: 50% Gray Wolf
Dante is one of 3 urgent rescues we swooped in to save from this horrific fur and urine farm in Ohio. He was so weak and atrophied that when the severe weather hit, he wasn’t expected to survive the evening without our commitment to save him immediately. This beautiful boy is shy, but the team is earning his trust a little more each day.
Dante spent 3 weeks recovering in an indoor quarantine pen to get healthy enough to go to our sanctuary. He is curious and gentle. He prefers to sniff his people but not let his people touch him. He is forgiving. Though Dante doesn’t like touch, he also doesn’t like to be alone and will howl sorrowfully until a person sits with him. He has an incredibly beautiful howl and we are grateful that it wasn’t extinguished at the fur farm.
Photo by Susan Vogt
Zephyr
DOB: February 1, 2024
Content: 60.8% Gray Wolf
Zephyr was Zoe’s cage mate on the fur farm and now her pen mate at the Red. These two are bonded. This big boy looks to be just a puppy, with awkward puppy legs, but these animals have been stunted due to the small cages they lived in 24/7, so it is hard to tell. Zephyr walks like a Tennessee Walker, lifting his legs high with each step as if he is still in a wire bottom cage. Zephyr’s name means ‘gentle breeze’ symbolic of the tiny, frightened kiss he gave Zoe as rescuers worked to take the hog rings off their cage on the fur farm. Today he and Zoe are running and playing in a large enclosure and approach people for sniffs and treats. Zephyr is an opportunist though, watch your butt!
Photo by Susan Vogt
Zoe
DOB: February February 1, 2023
Content: 61.5% Gray Wolf
Another one of our fur farm rescues, she is also a very tiny girl. Zoe’s name means ‘Life’ and she is very much the boss of her pen mate, Zephyr. Zoe surprises us with her willingness to approach and sniff her caretakers. She is a glove stealer though so be prepared! Zoe immediately took to her beautiful, huge doghouse, stuffed with straw, and peeks out in the morning to see if breakfast is coming. She and Zephyr are starting to play and learning to run!
Photo by Susan Vogt
Anubis
DOB: February 28, 2020
Content: 46.9% Gray Wolf
Anubis is Spike’s beautiful, smaller brother. He is very shy and skittish but friendly through his
fence. He gets concerned and protective when caretakers enter his enclosure. He is our little
pocket wolf that is ‘protected contact only’ due to the lack of socialization he had as a puppy.
He came from a Northern Ohio rescue where he was living in a 5 x 5 welded box in a garage in an illegal city. Anubis is a great example of the importance of living in a legal area and knowing the proper husbandry requirements for wolfdogs. He has a remarkable talent for pooping either on his tree stump or in his food bucket.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Aspen
DOB: March 1, 2022
Content: 85.9% Gray Wolf
Aspen was rescued with Sage. He is very timid and shy. He prefers the safety of his house when people are present. But he is slowly spending more time in the yard and on his platform.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Bear
DOB: April 8, 2020
Content: 95% Gray Wolf
Bear is a miraculous being. He is a gentle boy who came as part of a court case in MN. His rescue was an example of team work between Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, the Human Society of the US and the transport team at Safari North. He has been friendly with all of our staff members. This high content wolfdog is not just gentle and sweet, but calm and compliant. He is settling in quickly and feeling comfortable in his new enclosure. He is not adoptable but we hope to help him make friends with Rougarou Charley in the coming weeks. She needs a pen mate and he seems like the man for the job.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Bree
DOB: March 26, 2019
Content: 52.7% Gray Wolf
Bree and her siblings were part of a large rescue from a breeder in crisis. Bree and her litter were extremely under socialized and ended up being more work than some adopters could handle. After being returned to her rescue, she shined when paired with social male wolfdogs. She's still shy, but gains courage with the support of Bosco.
Cipher
DOB: February 14, 2025
Content: 57.2% Gray Wolf
Cipher is our newest rescue. She is Spike's habitat partner. Cipher was facing euthanasia. Picked up by animal control with a horrendous mouth injury, her future looked grim. When everyone else said no, when we were almost too late and euthanasia was minutes away, RRHRP said not today. Fostered until she was healed, Cipher was introduced to Spike and it was love at first sight.
Photo by Braden Matt
D'Artagnan
DOB: December 21, 2014
Content: 34% Gray Wolf
D'Artagnan came to sanctuary with his aunt Tallah from an illegal state. He is the most outgoing of the pair and warms up to certain people. D'Artagnan's most distinguishing feature is his striking blue eyes, most likely from his husky genes.
Finn
DOB: August 1, 2016
Content: 13.4% Gray Wolf
Finn came with Lava as a part of the same home rescue. He is also underweight, but is settling in. He is the more dominate of the two boys and is still being evaluated.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Jackson
DOB: September 19, 2018
Content: 30.5% Gray Wolf
Jackson was transferred from another sanctuary that could not place him in a home due to state regulations. He is a perfect example of a pet quality wolfdog due to his love of new friends and new smells.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Luna
DOB: February 20, 2018
Content: 39.8% Gray Wolf
Luna was born in a shelter in Washington state after her mother was seized by animal control. She found a home, but was returned to her rescue when the adopter's life situation changed. She's a spunky 4 year old that loves people, yet has no idea of her size.
Mesa
DOB: September 27, 2016
Content: 26.8% Gray Wolf
Mesa came into rescue with her dad and aunt; she originally came from AE Kennels in Florida. She was adopted as a puppy but later returned to her rescue due to her owner relocating. Mesa is bouncy, smart, and outgoing. She loves water, burying toys, and treats.
Photo by Desirae Pence
Nova
DOB: January 1, 2021
Content: 59.5% grey wolf
She came from a back yard breeder in KY where she suffered severe neglect, only to be rescued by someone who, within a day, decided to have her euthanized. The person kept Nova in a hot metal box with no water, over one of the hottest weekends, until someone would rescue her. Nova's former name was Cherokee and her first 2 years have been unfair. We plan to make up for it with love and patience.
Photo by Karen Tracy
Okami
DOB: March 27, 2025
Content: 95% Gray Wolf
Okami is a rescued wolfdog, and came to us at only 9 weeks old! He is our youngest rescue to date and one of our most unexpected stories. Okami means “wolf” in Japanese. He is a gorgeous young wolfdog with great spirit.
If you are an animal lover or pet owner, you have probably been warned against supporting puppy mills and pet stores, buying from backyard breeders, acquiring an animal you are totally unprepared for, or all of the above. Okami is the perfect example of this.
For a few hundred dollars, he was sold at a swap meet market and adopted by a naive and unsuspecting owner. She contacted DNR who recommended euthanizing him. He was surrendered to us when they realized their overwhelming commitment and misunderstanding.
We aren't sure if they knew they were buying a wolfdog or not. Okami is a high content wolfdog at 95%. Watch him grow with us!
Remus
DOB: February 1, 2020
Content: 50% Canadian wolf, 50% GSD
Remus is the offspring of a wild pairing in Canada, where a male wolf got to an unaltered female German Shepherd. A 501c3 pulled him, with a foster lined up, thinking he was low content. That foster didn’t work out and Remus was long-term fostered until a facility could be found. Not only has this wonderful boy found his new home at The Red, but he has become a loving pen mate to Nova!
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Sage
DOB: February 1, 2021
Content: High-content wolfdog %: TBD
Sage came to The Red with Aspen, who she shares an enclosure with. She is very curious and brave. She is very active.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Skye
DOB: March 1, 2024
Content: 73% Gray Wolf
Our beautiful tri-colored Skye came to The Red along with her pen mate Wisteria. Skye is much more timid and feral than her sister. She keeps her distance from caretakers that enter her enclosure but looks for breakfast to be tossed. Because she is so timid, we need to work hard at feeding her and leaving quickly, so brave sister, Wisteria, doesn’t go in for a steal. Skye is lovely and curious. She is extremely cautious and timid and we hope to help her break free of her fears.
Skye’s name was given to her by her intake sponsor, Stephanie Marshall.
Solaris
DOB: March 1, 2017
Content: 27.5% Gray Wolf
Like his sister Sassy, Solaris had a rough 2023, but he’s settling in and just takes a little time to warm up.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Spike
DOB: February 28, 2020
Content: 47.8% Gray Wolf
Spike is a beautiful boy that picks who he likes but he loves hard. He came from a rescue situation in Ohio where he wasn’t socialized, and he lived in a garage enclosure. Spike will need some patience and work, but he is very clearly happy in his new home at the Red!
Left-hand photo in collage by Douglas Glidden
Tallah
DOB: August 17, 2014
Content: 34.5% Gray Wolf
Tallah and her relatives were sent to sanctuary from an illegal state. She is shy yet curious and will overcome any reservations for the right treat. She is an excellent den digger and sometimes builds extra rooms for her nephew, D'Artagnan.
Tilly
DOB: March 216, 2019
Content: 55.1% Gray Wolf
Tilly and her litter came into rescue through an abuse/neglect investigation. She was adopted but came back to rescue due to an owner's change in living circumstances. Tilly is shy but warms up with the help of her companion, Jackson.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
22 Wiley
DOB: February 1, 2024
Content: 27.2% Gray Wolf
22 is a darling little pup who came from a terrible confiscation case. Originally named Wiley by the Investigators on the scene for the resemblance to a coyote, this sweet animal has been renamed 22 (‘two two’) after Pack 22 at Mattersville. When we were originally contacted to rescue the Texas wolfdogs, we declined because we were full. But when Bosco passed, and Bree started to decline, it was decided we would take 22 Wiley, who is a delightful friend to Bree. 22 is timid, but comes in for nose touches and treats, and loves the pool. We are so happy to have provided Bree with a pen mate and 22 with a home.
Photo by Erin McCleary
Wiley & Willow
(aka The 401 Girls)
DOB: November 1, 2022
Content:
Willow: 44.5% Grey Wolf'
Wiley: 57% Grey Wolf
The famous “401 girls, otherwise known as the Rhode Island black coyotes, were wrongly labeled coyotes by DNR but it was quickly learned that they are adolescent wolfdogs. These girls were abused and neglected in an illegal state for wolfdogs, but they were met with love by Warwick Animal Control, the Warwick Animal Shelter, the Mayor, and the residents of Rhode Island, all of whom contributed to their safe capture, care and transport to The Red. They are already settling in nicely and bonding with our caretakers. Welcome home girls!
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Wisteria
DOB: March 1, 2024
Content: 74.8 % Gray wolf
Our black beauty came to The Red along with her pen mate Skye. Wisteria is the bolder of the 2 sisters. Wisteria is food motivated and will take treats though the fence and from a close range in her enclosure. She was offered, what we believe was, her first toy ever. She was untrusting of it at first and it took time for her to approach it but then she carried it around and de-fluffed it, exactly as a puppy should. She is very smart and is realizing people equal good things. The settling in and decompressing time may be longer for Wisty and her sister due to the neglect they experienced while so young.
Wisteria’s name was given to her by her intake sponsor, Eryn Sionnach.
In Memorium
Our hearts may be broken, but we remember the joys and the good times, too. We hold onto those memories because they were real.
Apollo
2021 - September 19, 2024
Apollo came to us in the Spring of 2023 at two years old from a situation of extreme neglect. He was shy but curious and very food motivated. He loved his pen mates, Sage and Aspen. Apollo had been making small steps of progress, building trust with the caretakers. A playful image of him chasing a butterfly or tossing his stuffie high into the air and catching it, over and over again, are testimonies to his childlike spirit! He was magnificent!
Photo by Desirae Pence
Bosco
Jan 2017- May 2, 2024
For those of us in the rescue world, we know that no loss is easy, but the unexpected ones seem to hurt the most. 💔
Our sweet, playful and bat eared, baby boy Bosco crossed the rainbow bridge on May 2, 2024. The sudden loss aches the deepest parts of our souls and breaks our loving hearts.
We will remember him this way! Happy, clunky, scent rolling, fella in love with his Bree, with the best ears of any dog we’ve ever seen. We find solace in knowing that Bosco was unconditionally and endlessly loved, and he forever will be. ❤️
Photo by Douglas Glidden
(Rougarou) Charley
January 8, 2022 - February 13, 2026
Content: 63.5% Gray Wolf
Rougarou Charley the little Cajun pup came from the swamps of Louisiana. Her former owner was abusive and didn’t want her anymore. She was caught and saved by concerned citizens who saw this little girl running loose. Charley was rescued and eventually got into the capable hands of Tia Torres of the Animal Planet show “Pitbulls and Parolees.” What most don’t know is that Tia started out rescuing wolfdogs back in the nineties. Tia personally delivered Charley to The Red and visited with our select staff and supporters. Charley loved her partner Bear. She loved sitting on the roof of her house and her toys, and had a beautiful haunting howl. She is missed by all.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Porsche
Porsche, who belonged to staff member Braden Matt, passed away in early September 2024. She was a beloved member of the The Red family. She loved coming to The Red with Braden on work days and hanging out in the guest enclosure, or at the house. Our guests always loved seeing Porsche when she was present at one of our events. She was an absolute sweetheart, who was beloved by all. She will be sorely missed.
Porsche
Porsche, who belonged to staff member Braden Matt, passed away in early September 2024. She was a beloved member of the The Red family. She loved coming to The Red with Braden on work days and hanging out in the guest enclosure, or at the house. Our guests always loved seeing Porsche when she was present at one of our events. She was an absolute sweetheart, who was beloved by all. She will be sorely missed.
Sassy
March 1, 2017 - March 8, 2026
Content: 29.2% Gray Wolf
Sassy was a sweet girl that had a rough start. She came to The Red with her brother (same litter) Solaris. We found Sassy had an aggressive cancer, and humanely helped her cross the rainbow bridge. Run free sweet girl!
Photo by Douglas Glidden
