Wild Love Month 2016

February is Our 6th Annual Wild Love Month!

Our goal is to raise $50K this month and we hope you will help us. We rely on grants and donations to do the work we do. From our rescued 130 to those on the range, your support directly benefits the preservation of Idaho wild horses in their native habitat and nurtures the health and balance of respective indigenous ecosystems as an interconnected whole. If you believe in the importance of our nation’s native wild horses and wild places, now and for future generations, be the difference you want to see in the world and walk with us today. Donations can be made online or check by mailing.

““I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.””
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Get your Choose Love T-Shirts Here: https://www.booster.com/choose-wild-love

We Are The Land

"Wild Love Preserve is about us all, a reflection of our humanity. We are the land."

"We must learn from the past, not continue to repeat our deadly, disastrous mistakes. As humans it is our responsibility to protect and care for, not continue to destroy out of fear, greed and chosen ignorance. To respect and act with understanding and compassion. Man is not superior to all else. We do not sit atop the pyramid of life holding court. We are not here to simply do as "we" see fit to fill our self-serving needs and excesses. The magic of life lies within a Sacred Circle and two-leggeds are but a mere part of the Whole. Within that Whole lies a very delicate balance which must be honored and respected." 

Andrea Maki, 2003

Big Love, Big Thanks

I want to send a BIG shout out to Stone Gossard and The Vitalogy Foundation for their continued support of Wild Love Preserve and the lasting preservation of native Idaho wild horses on home turf. In a world of naysayers, when others told me I was crazy and said it would be impossible, followed by some trying to shut me down or usurp my boots-on-the-ground hardwork as their own, Stone and Pearl Jam's Vitalogy Foundation have supported my tenacity from the onset in 2010 and have been instrumental in the history-making successes of WLP. No words can adequately express my deepest appreciation...

BIG LOVE, BIG THANKS!!  

-Andrea Maki

Big ideas and big change require big support. Please join us.

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To Be Clear

To be clear, since inception in 2010 WLP has been hard at work everyday keeping wild horses wild. Due diligence required, it is where we started and where we remain, from our 130 rescued Challis, Idaho wild horses, to those remaining on the range. We must humanely and responsibly address those removed from wild public lands, while we work collaboratively in the wild to eliminate future helicopter roundups and removals. By design, WLP's approach accounts for all facets of wild horse population on home turf. This being all the more imperative with the continued issue of horse slaughter facing us, and documented accounts of America's wild horses, protected by the 1971 Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act,  falling victim to this end.

There are 50,000+ wild horses in longterm holding facilities at taxpayer expense. WLP's interest remains in breaking the cycle by offering working alternatives to stop the hemorrhaging on the range, and see all wild horses in longterm holding running like the wind again. 

Our longtime track record of establishing fluid communications and co-existence among stakeholders, simply put, saves wild horse lives. No one is settling, nor would we ever be on the side of managing wild horses to extinction. To act in any way detrimental to wild horses, literally makes no sense, and in no way aligns with our intense daily commitment in the lasting preservation of wild horses on their home turf. We have, and continue to bust our back ends to implement new solutions, save wild lives and create social compatibility which benefits our greater good. In addition WLP Programs, on and off the range, have saved American taxpayers $7.5 million dollars since 2013.

Wild horses seen here are some of the wild horses WLP protected at the time of the 2012 Challis BLM Roundup by way of our boots-on-the-ground approach in opening fluid lines of communications with the BLM and regional stakeholders.

Thank you for supporting Wild Love Preserve and walking with us. 

-Andrea Maki

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Making History Together

Time flies! Three years ago exactly the Wild Love Preserve Adoption Project made history when we successfully adopted every available Challis wild horse from the 2012 Challis Helicopter Roundup! Second largest adoption in BLM history, but more importantly, WLP brought all sides together to bring this one home! Love Rules!

Video by Brewster Moseley.

Wild Love Preserve relies on grants and donors to continue our work in successfully saving Idaho wild horses on their home turf and we have much more to accomplish in 2016. We invite and encourage you to walk with us on this monumental journey. Your caring and support of WLP's unique mission will ensure a lasting legacy in wildness for future generations to equally treasure and nurture. Wild lives and wild places are essential to our whole, make your mark today:

Donate

Thank you for making a difference with your heart and action.

LOVE IS ACTION

Read this recent story for more:  NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE FOR IDAHO WILD HORSE BACK AT HOME

Mission Accomplished: All our adopted Challis wild horses arrived to WLP temporary facilities in good shape after numerous truckloads from Challis BLM Wild Horse Facilities on January 17 and 18, 2013. Photo of WLP founder, Andrea Maki, and Robert Maki, January 18, 2013. Photo courtesy: AJ Moseley.

Universal Bonds

"It is impossible to know what would have become of all the Challis wilds from the 2012 Challis Roundup had they remained in the federal system, versus Project WLP adopting and purchasing all to remain forever together on native turf. What is certain however, is that love and family bonds are not exclusive to the human race, but rather universal and of equal importance to all living beings. To discount this reality, is to choose to miss out on the magic that is our oneness and togetherness."  -Andrea Maki

Maki Art

This original wild horse suite, "In Wild Eyes", photo-constructions from 2010-11 by Andrea Maki, is now available for purchase and placement in a permanent collection. Please inquire for more.

Universal way of being. "My work is not something outside of me that I do. It is what I am, it is what I know, it is my past, present and future at all times. I am in a constant state of discovery. My intent has always been to promote positive energy, action, awareness, compassion and understanding. I believe humans are but a mere part of the ‘whole’ and that we have a responsibility to the ‘whole’. I believe in doing all I can to have a positive effect on the environment and all living creatures. I believe in keeping ones’ word and in taking responsibility for ones’ actions. To be honest, to be forthright, to live without fear. To be open, present and aware. To not only live in the moment, but fully appreciate the moment."   

-Andrea Maki, Excerpt from "Spirit of The Arctic/ Spirit of One" in 2002-03

For more, visit: Maki Art + Awareness  or  AndreaMaki.com

 

 

Adee's Return To The Wild Side

What better way to ring in a new year! In light of ending one cycle, and beginning another we wish to share this wonderful and breathtaking good energy which truly reflects the heart and mission of Wild Love Preserve. It is pure love and truth in being. It is Adee's story.

This winter solstice on December 22, brought a special delivery from Santa! On this very special day Wild Love Preserve welcomed another wild Challis mare from the 2009 BLM helicopter roundup, back to the wild side with our WLP Wilds.  

Adee is the third 2009 Challis wild we have welcomed back in 2015. As with the others, loving homes were had, but wild instincts ran too deep and ultimately they needed to be returned to their wild roots with family and friends, where they will forever remain together in their native region.

Video filmed and produced by Andrea Maki. ©Andrea Maki 2015

It was a joyous occasion to watch Adee get reacquainted with 130 of her family and friends. Keep your eye on this dappled grey beauty from the time the trailer door opens, being lead by another WLP wild to the others, kicking up her heels and the happiness in a thank you. Feel the electricity, excitement, freedom and pure joy!

In addition, we are very pleased to have Adee’s person join with us and support the work we do on behalf of Idaho wild horses and their lasting preservation on home turf.

Wild Love Preserve relies on the support of grants and donors to help us successfully save Idaho wild horses on their home turf. Special thanks for considering a year-end gift in support of our mission and this legacy in native wild horse preservation. You make the difference with your heart and action.

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In Memoriam of Dr. Jay F. Kirkpatrick

"The focus of Wild Love Preserve's wild horse project in bringing all stakeholders together to work collaboratively with the Challis and Idaho BLM, is unique and imaginative and potentially opens the door to an entirely new paradigm for managing western wild horses. This model may change a great deal and we here at The Science and Conservation Center are excited about partnering with WLP in this effort."  - Jay F. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D, The Science and Conservation Center, August 2013

Jay and his pals on "bring your dogs to work day" at The Science and Conservation Center

Jay and his pals on "bring your dogs to work day" at The Science and Conservation Center

On Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 5pm, Dr. Jay F. Kirkpatrick of The Science and Conservation Center traveled on. He did not want anyone to know he was sick. He didn’t want anyone to fuss, to feel bad, or to focus on his condition. He didn’t want tears or final goodbyes. Instead, he remained steadfast in his life's work to the very end of his journey on this earth plane. His resolve never wavered, his truth ran clear and deep. He loved animals and the environment, was a true humanitarian and was fierce when it came to accountability and humane solutions to man-made wildlife issues. He was a man of great intelligence, compassion, action, integrity, patience and extreme perseverance. His immense heart, kindness and desire to share his knowledge through his work, teaching and collaborations, span worldwide. His legacy is, and will remain, far-reaching and ever-lasting.

I first contacted Jay in 2011 when I was hard at work on a new and collaborative approach to wild horse management in effort to curtail the 2012 Challis BLM Helicopter Roundup. I reached out to introduce myself and Wild Love Preserve, and to learn more about his work and Native PZP-1YR. From the onset Jay welcomed me, wanted to know more, was supportive, communicative and immediately recognized the difference in what I was creating with Wild Love Preserve. I learned he held a special place in his heart for the Challis Herd because his field work had initiated with Challis stallions in the 1970’s, and our work together brought him full circle. Our communications continued and in 2012, I and three other WLP volunteers, trained at The Science an Conservation Center (SCC) in Billings, MT, thanks to grants from ASPCA and the Vitalogy Foundation.

At his suggestion I and WLP, also attended the 7th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control in Jackson, Wyoming in 2012.  When I had called to tell him I wanted to be there, but funding was a problem, he responded in classic Jay fashion, “I will understand Andrea, but I will be very disappointed if you don’t make it.” Thanks to a grant from the Vitalogy Foundation, WLP was able to attend, and as Jay promised, many nice and beneficial connections were made, which I am appreciative of to this day.

WLP's relation with SCC has been shaped by mutual interest in native wild horse preservation and human accountability. In April 2013, Jay called me with a proposal for WLP... 'If I would find interest in his legacy of knowledge for our education element, he would like to develop the program'. I was awed and had to pinch myself. Subsequently, as WLP Education Development Director, Dr. Kirkpatrick, a scientist out front in the field and lab for 45 years, shares his unique wealth of wild horse knowledge and expertise by designing WLP’s educational curriculum. We are honored and grateful for this special gift.

I already miss our phone conversations, his energy, support and enthusiasm. I also miss his deep, hearty, laugh which always came about at some point in every conversation. He seemed to find it especially amusing when I told him turning in WLP paperwork on the Challis Herd felt like going to the principal’s office, butterflies until all checked okay. It is no surprise that Jay made sure all transitions with SCC will be seamless and his work will carry on. WLP and our education program will carry forward as well, thanks to Jay.

Jay F. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., Director of The Science and Conservation Center in Billings, MT, held a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Dr. Kirkpatrick carried out innovative research in humane wildlife contraception for over four and a half decades.

His initial field work began with wild stallions on the Challis Herd Management Area in the early 1970's. This scientific study organically evolved into his development of Native PZP-1YR, a biodegradable, non-hormonal, protein-based fertility vaccine for mares, produced at The Science and Conservation Center (SCC) which he created in 1998 as an independent non-profit organization. Native PZP-1YR has since proven safe, successful, humane in application, effective and reversible if desired, for over 25 years with ongoing scientific results to support the work of he and his colleagues. Successes with native wild horses, such as the famous Assateague Island Wild Ponies, extended to wildlife species around the world, including wild bison, African elephants, whitetailed deer, and over 80 species of zoo animals worldwide.

Dr. Kirkpatrick published over 100 scientific papers in wildlife contraception and related fields. SCC successes are notable and documented in a large number of published scientific papers, as they have managed to eliminate lethal control of many wildlife populations through their innovative work. SCC has received a number of awards for their work on behalf of wildlife, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Kruger National Park in South Africa, among others.

Dr. Jay F. Kirkpatrick received world-wide acclaim for his work with wild horses, most notably the famous Assateague Island Wild Ponies and served as consultant for numerous zoos, and as member of the Biological and Physical Science Department at Montana State University, Billings, held title of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, from 1976 to 1978, and again from 1981-84.

•

In honor and memory of a treasured, beloved and highly respected individual, mentor and friend, who has now traveled on.

When at the end of life, we take our last breath, this is not the end. 

Jay, you began your work in the 1970's with the Challis wild horses, championed wild horse preservation, blazed a trail like no other, and leave behind a lasting legacy to be carried on. You are forever recognized, remembered and appreciated beyond measure.

We will miss you terribly, but feel your presence already at work. Shine on, and we will see you on the wild side. 

Simply stated, we will love you always.  xox

 

- Andrea Maki, Founder, Wild Love Preserve

National Horse Day

DECEMBER 13 IS NATIONAL HORSE DAY AND WE SAY THANK YOU!

"No other animal has had such influence and impact on humankind's development. To the wild horse, to the tamed horse, we owe immense gratitude and respect, for the horse gave two-leggeds a massive advantage and was instrumental in our development and our survival. Humankind will forever owe a great debt to the horse." -Andrea Maki

Read On: NATIVE FACT

Radiate Love, Shine Bright and Appreciate ALL Horses!

'Tis the Season

'Tis the Season of Giving! Saving an American icon on their native turf does not happen without your support. Whether a holiday gift or year-end giving, 100% of your donation directly benefits the lasting freedom and preservation of native Idaho wild horses on their home turf in Idaho. Our wild horses need you all to join with us on their behalf.

Wild Love Preserve is a boots-on-the-ground, grassroots, registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your gifts make an immediate difference and are tax-deductible. Special Thanks for giving to your wild side this season!

Donate: Giving Season 2015

Holiday Giving Via Check Can Be Mailed To:

  Wild Love Preserve

126 SW 148th Street, Suite C100, Box 326

Burien, WA 98166 -1984

Saving Them At Home

How We Saved 130 Challis, Idaho Wild Horses from the 2012 Challis Roundup

A Special Love Story: Wild Love Preserve's 2012-13 Adoption and Rescue of 130 Challis, Idaho Wild Horses. As published in The Dodo, see:  http://bit.ly/wlp-saves130

Wild Love Preserve (WLP) was founded in 2010 and ever since has been at work to secure the lasting freedom and preservation of Idaho wild horses on their home turf. This is the story of how we rescued every Challis wild horse the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) made available as result of their roundup and removals in 2012. Shared with this story are three special Project WLP videos.

This 2012 Challis Helicopter Roundup was in October, adoptions began in December, along with WLP's purchase of all older authority horses, and our mass adoption took place during the first half of January 2013. Because a mass adoption like this had never been done before, there were many twists, turns and challenges faced to meet BLM requirements.

Wild Love Preserve brought all sides together to create the WLP Adoption Project, resulting in an evolving success story. As of Summer 2013 WLP has purchased and adopted 130 Idaho wild horses, to include 22 babies born to our wild Challis mares already pregnant at the time of their adoption.

The Wild Love Preserve Adoption Project 2012-13. ©2013 Andrea Maki

The Wild Love Preserve Adoption Project 2012-13. ©2013 Andrea Maki

By way of private supporters, Project WLP has rescued and removed these native Idaho wild horses from the existing taxpayer funded system. This is the second largest adoption in BLM history, however first of its kind in intent and action. Thanks to unprecedented teamwork, we have secured these wild lives in a new manner to remain forever together on permanently protected WLP native wild expanse on home turf in Idaho.

The 2012 Challis helicopter roundup in October was followed by WLP's purchase of older, high-risk horses, referred to as authority horses, December public adoptions and our mass adoption in January 2013. Because Wild Love Preserve's model and mass adoption was a first, challenges were plentiful as we jointly developed this new framework. We took it head on and worked tirelessly to meet BLM requirements, regionally and from DC offices, including specially modified corrals and other site-specific logistics. As per the system, the BLM monitors adopted wild horses regularly for a year before adopters take ownership and this was an integral element to our project outline.

On January 17 and 18, 2013 it was on! The excitement filled the air and the wild horses knew it was their lucky day! All logistics were in place, trucks and trailers and folks from every side of the wild horse issue were at the ready. It was tremendous to arrive at the Challis Wild Horse Corrals knowing that every single horse had a golden ticket out and were officially saved. Trailer after trailer, we loaded everyone up and drove them an hour away to WLP leased corrals.

Video filmed and produced by Brewster Moseley.

After seven months in the initial WLP leased corrals, geldings and mares separated as required by the BLM, and 22 babies born to our already pregnant wild mares, we made our next move. In August 2013, after trimming wild horse hooves, we moved everyone to larger WLP leased corrals and pasture which were also modified to meet BLM requirements. (To note, hooves will again wear naturally once they are permanently turned out to WLP's native wild expanse.)

Our third move happened on August 30, 2014. Forever in our hearts and souls, this day proved to be nothing short of remarkable as we turned out our 130 rescued Challis, Idaho wild horses from 18 months in BLM required corrals/pasture to 400 acres of wonderful, green, open pasture with year round water. The magic and wildness that filled the air was absolutely electric! Watch the videos below to feel and hear their joy!

Video filmed and produced by Andrea Maki. ©Andrea Maki 2016

And so began this third phase. Upon turning them out, wild instincts kicked right in and they were over the moon about being all together again - wild geldings and mares and yearlings. No words can express the relief and exhilaration of witnessing these wild wonders back together after being separated since the October 2012 Roundup. Their patience had been truly extra-ordinary.

This 400 acre leased pasture is one step closer to their lasting freedom back on native rangeland. Immediately they were mixing and mingling in their chosen bands, yet still one big family at the end of the day. Boys busy rallying the ladies, the ladies trumping certain wishes of the boys, and our littles now yearlings experiencing the sheer joy of running like the wind, kicking up their heels, playing and grazing amongst their family and friends. Most important, all of the strong family bonds created are lasting and forever. These Idaho wilds are free to be and do as they choose, just as on the open range. 

Video filmed and produced by Andrea Maki. Music Cat Stevens.

Project Wild Love Preserve's preservation of this wild American icon is legacy project. Our adopted Idaho wilds and their offsprings will live their lives together on WLP wild expanse in their native region, allowing family bands and dynamics to be established, nurtured and permanently protected. That which we do today sets the stage for future generations to equally nurture, treasure and experience. Wild Love Preserve is about the whole and for the whole - past, present, future.

Wild Love Preserve has not received a penny in federal funding. We rely on private donations and grants to do the work we do in permanently securing wild lives on their home turf. Your giving nurtures lasting wildness and we invite you to walk with us. Thank you for your heart action.

Click here to: DONATE TODAY

ASPCA

THANK YOU ASPCA!

We have wonderful news to share! Wild Love Preserve is honored to be the recipient of an ASPCA Grant towards our 2016 programs!

We are deeply appreciative of this ASPCA support which intently benefits Wild Love Preserve's collaborative model and continued work with the preservation of native Idaho wild horses on their home turf in Central Idaho.

It takes widespread action to implement lasting positive change. As 2015 winds down, we invite you to help WLP in saving Idaho wild horses and their indigenous habitats with your year-end donations. 

If you believe in the importance of our nation’s wild places, now and for future generations, you can make a difference when you take action here:  Join The Wild Heart Movement™

As well, we love recognizing our supporters here: WLP Giving List

Thank You for Your Heart and Action! 

ESTB. 2010

"Life requires our participation, to fully engage. Wild Love Preserve is about all of us, as a whole. A reflection of our humanity. Wild Love chooses to be that which we wish to see in our mirror: love, respect, compassion, understanding, tolerance, and the appreciation of lessons learned, versus mistakes repeated. Wild Love believes in our better selves. We are stronger together and can achieve more by opening doors and walking in, versus turning our backs. At times it may seem easier to turn a blind eye, however that comes with consequence. We are all in this life, this conscious state, together and together we will fly.”  - Andrea Maki, 2010

Faith in Action

In October 2011 I was invited to write a story about Wild Love Preserve for Courageous Creativity Magazine by Flying Chickadee. The theme of their November issue was Faith, hence the resulting story.

Faith In Action: Wild Love Preserve  By Andrea Maki

Faith. Faith is a living, breathing action. It is a way of life. It is an understanding that all things are purposeful, including those challenges which take us to the edge, and sometimes over. The greater the "why" becomes, the greater the trust, or faith, in the whole and the fact we are always right where we need to be, learning those lessons which need to be learned. Wild Love Preserve is faith in action and constant motion.

I live in a sustained jump, often tested. The stronger the wind, the stronger the tree. My life has always been one of truth, action, perseverance, consideration of the whole, and trust in the Universe. My intent has always been to promote positive energy, awareness, compassion and action. I am guided by a deep appreciation of life's interconnectedness. We are all of the same energy, simply in different packages - whether you or I, the animals, birds or trees, the water or wind - we are literally the same. This awareness gives rise to great compassion and mutual respect for all living things. One does not harm that which one respects, for it is understood one only harms oneself in the process, and in turn impacts the whole.  

Animals are our teachers, man has much to learn. Humans are not superior to all else. The belief that man sits atop a pyramid of life, here to do as he pleases, has brought us to the state we are in today. At the extreme cost of the whole, many two-leggeds are disconnected and concerned only with their own immediate needs and desires. They fall short of understanding that humans are but a mere part of the whole and that within that whole lies a very delicate balance. The magic of life lies within a sacred circle. As humans we have a responsibility and we have a choice. Life requires our participation, to fully engage. To walk this earth must not be taken for granted. It is our responsibility to protect and care for the land. To respect the earth and all its inhabitants, acting with conscience and awareness. It is vital that we learn from the past and apply that knowledge in a positive manner moving forward.  

I am an animal person. Wild horses speak to all that I am. Their strength, beauty, perseverance and eternal belief, resonates with my truth as an active part of my being. In June 2005 I traveled to Southern California to photograph wild horses for a new body of artwork, a continuation of my 1999 Wild Horse series. It was then I learned of the devious actions of Senator Conrad Burns (MT), a former livestock auctioneer. In November 2004, during the late night hours, he attached a rider to the 2005 US Appropriations Bill, which went unnoticed by other Senators. The subsequent passing of this bill officially gutted the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act, opening the door for our (wild) horses to be sent to slaughter and instigating the trafficking of wild horses to benefit private enterprise.  

Upon learning of this critical state of affairs, my own artwork (career) was put on hold as I focused on the self-created "Wild Horse Project" to promote support and awareness - driven by a passionate dedication to help right a wrong and do what I could in the efforts to save our wild horses. This ever-evolving project launched with a self-designed and published 2006 calendar featuring black and white photographs, titled "In the Spirit of One - To Save the Wild Horses".  As a gesture of awareness with a personal request to act responsibly, I sent a signed calendar to every Member of Congress. In addition this project has resulted in various bodies of wild horse artwork, including pieces created for auction to benefit the cause, traveling art installations, greeting cards, published writings, and now Wild Love.  

In late March 2010, the Wild Love Mission was set in motion when my dog, Kiowa, and I traveled to Ketchum, Idaho for her surgery. I had hopes of spending time with the regional Wild Challis Herd, photographing for new work while Kiowa recuperated. That was not meant to be.  However, thanks to a wondrous series of "coincidences" I did find myself amidst the intense magic of some of these regional wild ones, just not in the wild.  I quickly understood this was not to be about photographing for new artwork. Something much larger and Universal was unfolding.   

As fate would have it, on April 1, 2010 Wild Love was born of this purposeful, “chance” encounter and a promise made, eye to eye, heart to heart, with 21 wild mares, most pregnant, from a 2009 government (BLM) roundup. They have come from the wild, speak for the whole, and take us back to their specific home in the wild under evolved circumstances. In response to this promise made and critical need, I have established non-profit status and am creating Wild Love Preserve as a unique and sustainable wild preserve in the Northern Rockies dedicated to protecting our iconic wild mustangs in their native habitat, while preserving this wild ecosystem as a whole, now and for countless generations to come. The intent is to create an expansive protective corridor in an existing Herd Management Area (HMA) on our wild public lands. This HMA exists as such because it is the native home to numerous bands of wild horses, however this same public land is also divided into multiple grazing parcels for private ranching outfits to graze their livestock. This wilderness has been their home for centuries, yet this American Icon is now in peril at the hand of man and timely action is needed before these majestic beings become but a distant memory.  

Wild Love Preserve is dedicated to the greater good of our wild planet, which carries on long after we today, travel elsewhere. This is not a fenced wild horse sanctuary. Due to the logistics of our unique location, this specific working intent goes direct to the source in the wild and works towards solutions which put an end to the inhumane helicopter round ups and displacement of our wild horses and their families in the first place. There are other responsible ways to approach this situation which do not require their removal in this manner. While the earth and its inhabitants are not for us to "own", respectfully speaking, these are our wild horses, our wild public lands and our heritage. Many are unaware of this dire reality in which wild lives are paying the ultimate price and are equally unaware that these roundups and long term holding facilities are funded by American taxpayers. 

Wild Love's interests lie in working with the Bureau of Land Management and local ranchers in a new light. While opinions are varied, differences heard, Wild Love Preserve believes that by working together we have an opportunity to create something new, special and lasting. Together we have the ability to turn a page in the history books. The time is primed, good will and energy are abundant. The foundation has been laid, progress ever-evolving. Vital funding is the only critical component missing and therefore causing delays in key negotiations with the BLM. Paramount floodgates will open with ownership on our target property and operations base, thus sponsors and donors are actively sought, along with outlets for Wild Love Brand products created to support the cause. Wild Love Preserve is truly about all of us, a reflection of our humanity.  

To See Published Story Visit: Courageous Creativity, Pages 12-15.

Visit The Dodo to Read: Kiowa's Story

Kiowa

IN LOVING MEMORY AND GRATITUDE

For those who have read the Wild Love story (See Courageous Creativity, Faith in Action, Nov 2011, Pages 12-15) and have asked... this is Kiowa, my trusty sidekick. Because of Kiowa's elbow replacement surgeries at Sun Valley Animal Center in 2010, we subsequently have Wild Love Preserve.

On October 19, 2015, things changed. Kiowa crossed over at 1:30 in the afternoon and the sun broke through the clouds to shine directly upon us after we loving laid her to rest in her spot at the front of our house. She waited for my dad and Jasper to get here to say goodbye, and I was fortunate enough to witness the sweetest goodbyes from my cats Geronimo and Cisco earlier that morning. Years ago, Kiowa rescued Geronimo in the eleventh hour, and he has since been grateful and deeply attached to his Kiowa.

Over the last 11 years Kiowa and I have been apart all of 30 days total. Partners in crime to the core, adventures at every turn. As many know, Kiowa was abandoned at SeaTac Airport in December 2004 when we were restoring my dad's (Robert Maki) 1972-73 airport sculpture and moving it to its outdoor park location at the new southend terminal. After a week of trying to catch her, we succeeded the night before the flatbed arrived for installation. We later learned she was roughly nine months old (one ear still down), had been abused and shot full of buckshot and BB's.

Kiowa’s thirst for adventure remained paramount through her life and her stories are what make movies and books. Letting her self out of a house or garage, to return after she felt her point had been made; leading us on a full-speed chase through streets and parking lots full of Christmas shoppers, within 48 hours of her initial capture, with me driving my truck in and out of oncoming traffic to alert folks of her presence as we tried to catch her; and I still wonder how it appeared for folks on main street in Bend, Oregon to look up and see a big German Shepherd cruising atop the roof-edge of a three or four-story building as we ran behind trying to stop her from jumping over to the next building. For the longest time, we would often have to start driving away, with her racing behind to get her to jump into the back of the truck and go. That said, she went everywhere with me, because she did not like to be left at home.

She has survived many incidents in her life in addition to being shot full of buckshot and BB's. Getting spooked by cheering baseball fans and busting through a truck canopy side window in downtown Seattle traffic following a winning Mariner’s game, only to have us going all directions to get her back into the truck without being hit by a car or train; kicked by a quarter horse; stomped by a bull; almost drowned in an irrigation ditch on the East Fork of the Salmon in Idaho; elbow and elbow replacement surgeries; had a half frozen 100 pound bale of hay thrown from a big rig square onto her back, and the list goes on. To say the least, she's no pansy and adventures were always plentiful.

A miracle dog, wonder dog, fast as the wind, and smart as a whip. She's also a magical being with healing powers, respects other animals, and has helped, even saved, multiple lives - squirrels, cats, dogs, birds, wild horses and others. She's kept us from harms way in the woods with bears and bobcats, and at home has been the ultimate security force when we've had uninvited two-legged guests. As mentioned, Kiowa is behind the existence of Wild Love Preserve, hence saving Idaho wild horses on home turf, and the greatest dog a girl could ever ask for. Rescuing her all those years ago was life-changing and a high point of my life on this earth plane, opening the floodgates to an endless array of happenings and adventures.

Everyone who met Kiowa loved and appreciated her gentle ways and polite manners, and she was always invited inside, to gatherings and kids birthday parties. Skiddish of adults due to her initial mistreatment, she let kids crawl all over her and calmed other pups in ways that left their human counterparts amazed. 

Here's a few favorite photos, including the above of Kiowa a few months after we connected running at full speed in all her glory! Luckily true love lasts forever, however this hole in my heart will take a while to mend and she will be missed beyond measure.

Love surrounds and this love knows no bounds. Forever and always, my love-bug. Forever and always. 

xox

 

Read Kiowa's Tribute Posted to The Dodo: http://bit.ly/Kiowa-Tribute2015

Saylor Creek

In response to recent inquiries regarding the Saylor Creek Herd Management Area (HMA) in the Twin Falls District of Idaho and the BLM's management proposal for a non-reproducing herd:

Yes, in addition to WLP's work with the Challis Wild Horses for over five years, Wild Love Preserve directly advocates and works with the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding all six wild horse HMAs in Idaho state, and this includes our boots-on-the-ground negotiations and efforts (versus lawsuit) on the Saylor Creek HMA. 

Wild Love Preserve is not a non-profit in the business of raising donations for litigation to pay salaries of those running our organization, litigation which also cost additional taxpayer dollars. We have not received federal dollars, but rather saved taxpayers $3.5M since 2013 with our programs on and off the range. 100% of your donations to nonprofit Wild Love Preserve directly benefit and support the lasting preservation of Idaho wild horses on home turf. Simple.

Please know your support is very appreciated and makes a real difference. Together we save wild lives.

Visit the WLP Giving List to donate and join The Wild Heart Movement.

THANK YOU.