Nira came through the summer and early fall months well. Nira last weighed in at 114 pounds. Although we recently set out to weigh him, we were unable to do so because of the increasing level of intensity displayed between Nira and Ingo. Nira is doing well and is up to date on all vaccinations, which he received the 18th of August. Dr. Duerr also came out and inspected the wolves. All three were given a clean bill of health. Nira has finally set down the rule of law to Ingo. Much to our satisfaction and sigh of relief, Ingo has begun to behave, as a subordinate should. Nira clearly dominates Ingo and Keeley although Nira still remains very gentle with the volunteers. From reading my notes, dated 9/8/2000, you can get a feel for what we are talking about. "…Keeley walked towards Ingo at which point NA proceeded to agonistic pucker at Ingo. Nira had his tail out and his hackles extended up to his tail. Nira also postured at Ingo (sort of making himself look bigger), a way of calling Ingo`s bluff. Ingo did do a bit better job today of submitting but obviously not enough, because Nira took off after Ingo, caught him and rode on his back for about 20 feet. Ingo stopped, with Nira on his back. Nira was growling at Ingo, staring at his eyes and baring his canines. This was an attempt by Nira to say to Ingo "go ahead, try it". As long as Ingo stood still and did not move, Nira, it seemed, would not go any farther in his disciplining. This lasted for about 30 seconds. Ingo stood motionless and Nira then jumped off of Ingo and trotted away. Nira also turned around a few times to check on Ingo`s attitude". Nira at times will get involved in a chase between Keeley and Ingo, but not to chase Keeley. Nira will intercept Ingo, as he is unaware that Nira is watching him. Keeley will then turn around, see that Ingo is no longer chasing her but to find Ingo running from Nira. Keeley will then reverse the role and begin to chase Ingo. Another segment of my notes, written on 9/2/2000, indicate that Nira is defending his food against Ingo - ending Ingo`s "puppy status". "…threw over apples from the air lock to provide a distraction…Ingo went after Nira's apple and Nira pinned Ingo to the ground and bared his canines at Ingo. This was very intense. Ingo tried to run away but Nira rode Ingo for about 15 feet, uttering a deep growl at Ingo." It seems that most of the "spats" between Ingo and Nira center around Keeley or food. Also on this day, the wolves received pop cycles for the very first time. This year marked the first year that we had any problem with biting flies on the wolves. We sprayed "fly's off" on the ground and the wolves' scent rolled in it. On October 29th, we had a "pumpkin party" for the wolves. We had people fill up pumpkins with wolf treats and then they placed their pumpkin in the enclosure. The wolves seemed to enjoy this, once they were shown that the pumpkins held treats for them. Nira is extremely comfortable with visitors and will generally walk up to the fence and rub along it as he inspects his audience. Nira still enjoys leash walks however, lately he is hesitant to go where he cannot see or interact freely with Keeley. Nira still enjoys getting in the water trough to cool off. Nira still likes his belly rubs and will actively search out anyone in the enclosure that is willing to rub his belly. From all of us at Wolf Timbers, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.