'We Are All Truly Shattered': North Shore Wolf Sanctuary Mourns Death Of Young Pup

IPSWICH, MA — A North Shore wolf sanctuary and its visitors are mourning the passing of one of the precious young pups at the Ipswich grounds this week.

Wolf Hollow officials said they were "devastated" to share the news that nine-month-old Skadi was found deceased during a routine health check on Monday.

"Our minds were racing as to what could have happened to such a young wolf so quickly," Wolf Hollow said in a social media post. "We had seen some symptoms of lethargy, but this was attributed to the weather, as all of the resident wolves were quite sedate throughout the recent heatwave."

Officials said the wolf was sent to Tufts Veterinary for an autopsy, which they said revealed the cause of death to be a mesenteric torsion, described as a "life-threatening, rapidly fatal condition where the intestines twist."

"The news that there was little to nothing we could have done to prevent or stop this from happening stopped the 'what ifs' and let the fact that she's gone start to sink in and our grieving/processing begin," Wolf Hollow said.

Skadi's brothers Vilkas and Togo remain as residents of the sanctuary.

"She had so much more life to live and we are all truly shattered," the sanctuary said.

Despite her smaller size, Skadi was remembered for her enthusiasm and determination. She was known for trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue and for playing in the sprinkler on a hot summer day with one of her brothers.

She was often front and center for public presentations, as well as demanding of treats and attention from staff.

"To say we are all devastated by her unexpected passing is an understatement," sanctuary staff said. "No time with our friends ever feels long enough, but this loss cuts like an impossibly sharp knife. We don't just mourn for the Skadi we knew, we mourn for the Skadi we never had the opportunity to know.

"We mourn for the many long years we should have had together and all the wonderful moments, both big and small, that will never be experienced. We know the memories we do have will bring comfort and renewed joy in time, but right now we mourn all the memories we will never get to make.

"Her potential felt infinite, and so does our grief. But our love for Skadi is infinite, too."

Staff said Skadi was also noted for her "vocal contribution to every family sing-along" and for her "gentle kisses."

"Goodbye, sweet girl," the post concluded. "Until that next pure and perfect snowfall, we'll be missing you."