The Cold is Coming

It has been quite a while since my last update, for that I apologize but it has been very busy/quite hectic with the wolves. The puppies, as they grow older, are showing more want to dominate and 'out-do' the other to see who will rise to the higher ranks. This in tune puts those wolves within the main enclosure under stress, though it is normal. There are five puppies under the watchful eyes of Nina and Weeble, and both Nina and Weeble have been wonderful parents. However, as the puppies are now in their teenager phase, they are rowdy and like to push the boundaries that are expected of them. Weeble and Nina have been disciplining the pups, but again, this is normal. It is the same thing if you have a rowdy family member at home who is not doing a chore or acting in a way they should not: it needs to stop, and if it doesn't in a timely manner, punishment will soon follow.

As the cold air is coming in, those at Wolf Hollow, Ipswich anxiously awaited to see what would happen: would the wolves get their winter coats on time, or early? Last year, they began getting their winter coats the beginning of September which is -very- early, remember the winter New England had last year? Not fun. Heavy snow and ice, and a lot of it. Glad to say that the wolves were seemingly on schedule with getting their undercoats around October 1st, which hopefully means we are in for a much less harsh winter.

The pups have seemed to fluff up in a matter of weeks, and have gone from lanky looking creatures to the fluffy wolves you normally see in textbooks. They are full of energy, always seem hungry, and want attention.

The following is a photo of Argus, remember that little bear-faced pup in my lap? Look at him now:


As you can see from the photograph, Argus has gotten a lot more fur all around. His cheeks are fluffier, and that carriers over onto his body I assure you. His eyes are stark gold against his coat, which has developed with him as he has aged thus far. Argus is still very loving towards me, as well as the other volunteers at Wolf Hollow. Although when the other pups rough-house, Argus usually doesn't participate right away, He, instead, lays in wait for the opportune moment, crouches, and then springs forward to join the fun.

Cold weather approaching also means the oncoming snow, for which I am excited about. This means I will have another year of wolf-snow photos, and will be able to capture the beauty of the prime golden light available this time of year with stark contrast against the snow. This, however, will only happen if Nina, the alpha female, will allow me to take photographs of the other wolves in the main enclosure. That's right, I said allow. Nina, as the puppies have aged, seems to not want to share my attention when I enter the enclosure. She stays near me and keeps others clear away. She has also challenged the alpha for affection, which ended in snarling, snapping of jaws and circling. But please, do not take this behavior as hostility, Nina is being protective, and affectionate. She and I share a very close bond, I think she wants to make sure the puppies, nor the alpha, changes that as the puppies grow and family dynamics change in the main pack.

Bear, Osa and Jelly are doing quite well as well, to not have them be lost to the background. Bear is still a bulldozer who loves scratches while Osa still peeks from afar. She is shy, but still test how close she wants to come to me, she is patient, just as I am. Everyone knows when it gets colder, Jelly's behavior can change. I suspect this is due to breeding season (being during winter months), but she is her own individual self and that we cannot hold against her. I was fortunate enough to go into her enclosure a few weekends ago and she was ecstatic and enjoyed the scratches I gave her. She even leaned on me for support to enjoy the moment.

All in all, the wolves are doing wonderful. Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, MA is now in the winter season, meaning Wolf Hollow is open for Sunday presentations only (unless by group appointment), same time same place. Come visit the wolves during their favroite season and captures great photos of them in the snow. Just wear your winter coats as they will be wearing theirs.

~Jess

Growing like Weeds

Life has been hectic, inside and out of the wolf enclosures. I'm pleased to say I've finally finished my first draft of a huge project of mine and that has been why there has been some delay in my post time (over two hundred pages of writing can do that).

Enough of that, onto the wolves!

The puppies have taken life in the main enclosure with stride, although Weeble would rather still be retired. He, I would say, tolerates them. But I suspect as they grow Weeble will become more forceful in his verbal displays of "show respect and don't bother me." Nina is a wonderful mother but has gotten rather annoyed with the puppies when it concerns belly-rub time. The puppies seem to think it is a free for all play time when Nina tries to roll on her back for some rubs from me, and she disciplines them as she should. They will learn in time.

As the puppies have grown, my style of photographing them has grown as well. I've had to learn to adapt quickly to wolf pup situations, although (thank goodness) they are now losing interest in trying to eat my camera. Argus, of course, is always a perfect model for me. I had a sense from when he slept on my lap and camera bag on the way back from Indiana that he would be the pup of the bunch that would let me get up close and personal.

Boy was I right.

With Argus I've successfully photographed something I've never been able to before: a wolf eye/half facial. Now, you would think this to be easy with Nina loving me/being my "girlfriend." However, Nina -knows- I want a close up of her eye/eyes, and she plays games with me. Argus, however, has given me a most fantastic photographic gift that I will treasure forever. I've continued to photograph his eyes and the other puppies as they have warmed up to me. Soon I will have a great comparison to show of who might have lemon eyes and who might have amber.

To make up for lost time and posts, I have created this panel for you. From left to right shows:

Arrow, Argus, Nevaeh, Linnea, and Grendel



Here is something a little fun, an eye chart showing eye color changing from slate gray to blue, blue green to green, then green/yellow to gold in Argus' eyes!



Enjoy!

~Jessica Novak

It is Time...

Just as the fateful words were spoken at the close of The Lion King, we at Wolf Hollow, Ipswich know that, “It is time.” It is time for our five young pups to venture from the small stature of the holding pen, to the wide expanse of the main enclosure to join their parents Weeble and Nina at last, and from now on. As acting surrogates parents for the past two and a half months, those [humans] at Wolf Hollow know this is a huge step, and an awesome one at that. Weeble and Nina will officially take over as the primary source of parenting, discipline, and security for the pups within the main enclosure.

The pups are due to embark on their journey into the main enclosure this coming Sunday, the 17th, after closing. As far as I know, due to the initial stress this event may cause on the pups/Weeble and Nina, this event will not be available to be viewed by the public, however, there are many volunteers (inluding me!) who are anxious to document this experience to share with everyone so fear not! This means that for those that wish to see the puppies up close and personal before two fences are in between you and them, come and see them this Saturday and Sunday! We look forward to seeing you during this marvelous weather!

As this special day comes closer and closer for the puppies, I found myself both lucky and honored to have been part of their journey from beginning in Indiana (thanks to those Chester faculty who allowed me to go of course!) to now. I have taken so many photographs already, and will continue to do so. There will, unfortunately, be no photos this week as I have been working on a side project relating to the photos. For those who saw my senior project and attended, you saw the photographic mosaics of Weeble, Nina, Osa and Bear. Well, this is my official note to the public that I am beginning to plan/compose mosaics for each pup, however, I have a lot of photographing to do until I can start forging initial “mosaics sketches.”

You may also be wondering, “Hey Jess, what is with the long absence?” Along with photographing the puppies, I have been writing a specific amount of pages everyday on another piece of writing, so far I have over two-hundred so I've been a little preoccupied. So while some of you may have been beach hopping, I've been writing and photographing, so I think that's even, right?

I will definitely have a new post up after this weekend, with more text and some images, that I promise you!

Until next time,
Jess

Wolf Puppy Progress

The blog has been quiet and for good reason, but also good news. As a personal announcement, in case you haven’t heard by me or seen it in my Facebook page, I’ve started the rough draft of the sequel to my novel. Book two is well underway and it is very exciting. There is a lot going on so between writing, working and wolves I have been very busy. So do not fear, the blog will continue with updates though they may not always be right after my returns from Wolf Hollow.

In Wolf Hollow news, the puppies have met their parents! Through the fence (and slowly, through short meetings in the holding pen) but Nina and Weeble already show qualities of being amazing parents. I am so proud of my Weeble boy and my Nina girl, they will love the pups as if they were their own babies.

As a bit of fun this week, I thought instead of a few choice photos I would create a small panel of facial shots from a pup that seems to be the focal point of my camera every weekend.

Above is a “baby panel” of Argus, the assumed-to-be future alpha male someday. As this panel shows (though note I don’t have a photo from every week of life as they were born the end of April, but the photos average about every other week) that wolf pups/wolves in general grow extremely fast!

Enjoy!

Jess

Blue skies and blue Eyes

Another weekend of wolf wonder has passed and I must say it was fantastic. To make it special my brother who just recently returned from being overseas in the army came to visit with my parents so he could see what his little sister was up to while he was away. A special thanks to Joni, who allowed me to come in between the fences with some additional treats and scratch-time so he could see Weeble and especially my girl Nina come over for attention. My family was so happy to have my brother be “honored” and perhaps slightly embarrassed by having him stand up at one point during the presentation to be recognized for returning home from overseas but hey, what is family for right? In all seriousness, a very special thanks to Wolf Hollow, especially Joni, for welcoming my brother and allowing him to come and see what his little sister loves.

Now for some new puppy information! The fifth once “nameless” pup is now Arrow! The name was chosen through the naming contest and the naming contest winner had her photo taken with Arrow. Although he is the runt of the little, I believe he will prove to be a contender with his namesake (also, play on words Arrow for arooo-sound of a wolf howl?).

You can already see the puppies begin to get lanky. They are loosing their baby-face roundness and are bounding around, playing, howling and displaying traits of dominance. Argus is giving Lineaa a run for her money in the size department, however, all of the puppies are sporting gorgeous blue eyes. Argus’ eyes are in the banner, what baby blues he has.

The puppies defiantly have changed a lot since their trip back from Indiana. After this next weekend I am hoping to get some more facial/full body shots to then create some comparison sheets for you to see how much they have grown/changed in such a short amount of time.

For now, enjoy a couple of my favorite photos of Argus from this past Saturday!

~Jess




Argus and his baby blue eyes. The banner I used at the top were from the same series as this photograph, I just took out the color in the photo except his eyes, and of course, he was looking at the camera a little more in the banner photo. I loved the pose of his face in this photo.



Argus howling right at my camera. What an interesting and new angle! Howl away my boy.

Puppy Photos

Below are just a few of the photographs I took on this past Saturday. Trust me, there were plenty more (and I am glad I took so many! The pups may be small, but they are fast thus caused quite a blur!).These are just a few of my favorites.

Please note that yes, there is a copyright notice on these images (also another reason why they may not be the largest size) but Wolf Hollow, Ipswich always has permission/use of my photos as I consider it an honor to be part of the Wolf Hollow family. You may even see some photos up on a Wolf Hollow blog-

Back to the photos. They are as follows:



Nevaeh having the most serene and calm look on her face. Her personality reminds me of a baby Nina. I love her eyes in this photograph.



Linnea and Nevaeh, the girls being together. Linnea is definitely the dominant one of the two, Nevaeh is such a sweetheart. Loved the expressions on their little faces.



Linnea giving an amazing puppy howl. I think she knew I wanted a proper photo of a puppy howl, thus made sure to be right near me.

As I have said too many times. They are adorable. You should come and visit Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, MA, moreso that the weather is so nice and the sun is no longer hiding!

Information about Wolf Hollow, hours and directions can be located on Wolf Hollow's website: http://www.wolfhollowipswich.org/

~Jess

Memorial Weekend Love

Yesterday, Saturday, was a fantastic day of Wolf Hollow fun and love. After going into the main enclosure with Weeble and Nina I could not feel more loved by such a beautiful and noble creature. Both of them obviously missed me as it had been a couple weeks since I had gone in with them, but regardless, it was lovely. They are still both shedding their winter coats like crazy. They don't seem to mind when you pull away the “tufties” as it eventually will cool them down a bit (I would suspect).

The puppies have gotten so big! They have gone from crawling, to wobbly, to walking around/bouncing around so fast. Amazing. They are also showing personality traits as well. It is obvious that the two blond pups, Argus and Lineaa, own the roost. Nevaeh is a sweetheart, Grendel is Mr. Anti-Social, and no-name (puppy who will be named via puppy naming contest) loves attention.

I took so many photographs yesterday, I'm part way through editing them and got some great facial shots of them this week. Stay tuned for some close views of the wonderful wolf babies!

~Jess

Quiet Time Over~

Quiet time has been full of fun and change. I have already created a schedule of writing for myself, and personal photography projects. But most of all, the one thing that will be occupying and keeping my days busy will be the puppies at Wolf Hollow, Ipswich. How is this possible, you may wonder, when I trek to Ipswich only once a week? Well, that is just the beginning.

The puppies are growing like weeds, but the cutest weeds in the world. It is so strange to see how much they have changed from the car ride until now, and I cannot wait to photograph them this coming weekend. I hope to create some comparison panels over the next few weeks to show development as they grow and mature. The puppies not only occupy my time with photography, trying to capture their development, their essence and personality, but my writing as well. It has come to my create attention that my writing need not just be influenced by what I already know will be set in stone for my plans ahead, but what the puppies are showing me now.

As they grow, they learn, and to put it plainly, they are teaching me and giving me information more valuable than any book or website.

Writing from life is a gift, and I plan to use this gift wisely when personifying the characters in my work.

Here are some photos you will surely enjoy. These are photos taken by me from my phone (as I plan to do a mass upload of some high res. Photos once I gather some more this weekend) for comparison of growth. Enjoy!





All photographs (c) Jessica Novak 2011

Indiana Adventure Overview

Sorry for the delay ladies and gents! (This was supposed to go up yesterday, Thursday, but due to blogger's maintenance it was delayed~)

The last twenty four hours have been crazy so I apologize for the delay! It is now time for an over view!

After leaving Wolf Park early in the afternoon on Tuesday, it was a couple more hours to drive until Wolf Creek. The wolves at Wolf Park were awesome, my favorite was definitely Dharma (I am already sporting a tee shirt I got with her image on it). One of the true highlights was being able to meet Monty, and incredible photographer who I aspire to “mimic,” but mostly learn from. Overall composition in the end is incredible, I will continually be checking out his photos on the Wolf Park website day in and day out.

There were no updates since the first yesterday as, well, we were a bit busy in the car on the way home. Wolf Creek was absolutely amazing, both the wolves and people. Kathy is a truly amazing woman, one of the nicest I have ever met in my life. Her wolves are beautiful and sing songs you wish you could. Being so close to the enclosures and hearing them howl at once was an experience I will never forgot. The varying tones intermingling touched my soul. I took so many photographs, including those of the puppies before we moved them from the den (we had a chance to meet their momma Tuesday and say hello to the pups before the move on Wednesday).

Wednesday was a day of excitement, and that of departures. After retrieving the puppies from the den we, as a team, (Joni, Nicole, Spencer, Erin and myself) brought them inside to be photographed. The male that Kathy kept, named Denali, was the biggest boy with his eyes already opening. A;though we knew it was time to journey home, I wish Wolf Creek was closer so I could visit often. I assure you, this will not be the only time I travel out there, I promise you.

After a few more photos and some hugs we headed on the way home with our precious cargo. That was when I gave the one update yesterday, after that, we were very busy with a bustling box of babies. You can already see some personality coming out the the little ones (especially Mr. Antisocial), and they loved being on their backs with their bellies rubbed. The one brown/blonde boy loved being in my lap and was rather content for a long while.

Many hours passed, and the little ones decided it was time to adventure. I swore that one in particular really wanted the SmartFood Popcorn, while Mr. Antisocial tried so hard to get out of the box and away from his siblings. He was content being with Joni in the front passenger while Nicole took over driving the trek home.

They are so small, and the feeling I experienced while cradling them in my arms (especially that little boy) is hard to put in words. Cliché, I know, but it was a moment, and day, I will never forget. Their paws are so soft, the smoothest thing you would ever feel in your life, and the sounds that come from them is sweet even though they were a handful.

I cannot thank Wolf Hollow, especially Joni, enough for letting me be a part of this experience. A true once in a lifetime that I will never forget. I am honored to have been a part of this experience. I have so many photos to edit, and now, so much writing to do as I am inspired. Sunday cannot come soon enough, I can't wait to visit the puppies and see my girlfriend, Nina. I think that she knows she will be a momma in a few weeks, and she, along with Weeble, will be tremendous.

I will be loading some photos most likely tomorrow/the weekend, so stay tuned. I have also decided to embark on creating puppy photographic mosaics like those of my senior project.

This is truly just the beginning, and I cannot wait to take my next steps.

Babies on Board

We got up early today to start our journey home and hopefully be there at a reasonable hour. The puppies are currently hurdles in a box and look a little like bears. I didn't take too many photos of them just yet as I don't want to stress the little bundles of fluff. So adorable and amazing to see wolves so small.

Wolf Creek

We have been settled into Wolf Creek for a couple hours. The wolves are amazing and we were able to take a peek at the babies - they are the cutest things you would ever see. Been taking lots of photos and will try to make more. The wolves have such fun personalities and expressions. Such an amazing place.

Wonders at Wolf Patk

Just left Wolf Park and our time was fantastic. We got to see all the wolves as well as the bison (and the bison baby!)  and I got some great photos. We also saw the coyotes and they are so small! Nothing like the ones at home. We are on the road again to Wolf Creek!

Almost to Wolf Park

In about ten minutes we will be arriving at Wolf Park. Wolf Park is home to the parents and some siblings of Nina and Osa of Wolf Hollow, Ipswich.  They also have numerous other wolves as well as two coyotes and two foxes. Very excites to finally yet to our first wolf stop!

Officially in Indiana

We just crossed the state line into Indiana.  Took a couple photos of the wide open land (farmland... farmland ...barn). The weather is beautiful. Having some trouble uploading photos while mobile (but the Mac trucks have no problem taking over the road!) . We are a couple hours away from our destination today (Wolf Park!). Hoping everyone is having a fantastic day and that everyone at CCNE is having a 'good' day of finals! 

On the road Again

After taking a break from driving (stopping in Erie Pennsylvania) and grabbing breakfast (hot cakes and hot cocoa serves by a woman rocking a 1960s hairdo) we are on our way!  We have clear skies and it is warming up. Hoping to reach Wolf Park in the early evening. We are driving on! 

The Stars

"Written in the stars a million miles away...I'm on my way..." just came on the radio as I'm watching cars, lights and stars pass as we continue on our way. For those who don't know the song you definately should give it a chance.  Having it come on the radio makes it seem like a sign ... or perhaps I'm a bit tired from the car. Regardless we are still on our way. Been having problems getting some photos up but I will try again later. The road is empty and the sky is spotted with clouds and starry skies peeking through.

Into the NYC

After about three hours we are already in New York. Just saw a sign that New York police use aircrafts for speed control... interesting. It doesn't seem like we've been driving for long at all which is great. Hoping to keep up the pace as we race the sun (and an orange Mac truck that wants to play leap frog). Going to try and get a photo up from my phone before we lose the sun (cross your fingers)!

On the Road

The adventure has officially begun!  It is a long road ahead of us but we are armed with lots of snacks and several GPS (basically everyone brought one so we don't get lost!). The car is packed to the brim with snacks and excited puppy adventurers. Another update will come in a few hours. CCNE students you better be studying hard!

Before the trek takes place...

Today is the day! Today I, along with my comrades, will be starting the trek out to Indiana towards victory (aka wolf puppies). I have been anxiously awaiting today, and I can't really put into words how I feel at the moment. A mix of thoughts and emotions I assure you: adventure, documentary, writing and wolves will definitely be a part of this journey.

Although this morning began with yet another migraine (which I have conquered and suppressed with my might, and really, really hot water) nothing will keep me from going! I'd like to say thanks to those people allowing me to take this venture, especially my professors at Chester College of New England, thank you all for letting me submit my finals early, thank you for letting me be apart of this opportunity. There is no question that I should specially thank everyone at Wolf Hollow, thank you for letting me be a part of this, I am so very excited.

This is the first post of what I hope to be many. I will be updating posts and hopefully submitting photos from my phone on a regular basis (high res/ photos will come after I return and have access to my computer).

Also, for CCNE students/faculty, have a great week at Chester! Students, study hard and finals will be a piece of cake, faculty, try to survive one more week!

Stay tuned for updates!

~Jess

An Introduction: This is only the Beginning

This is my new photography and creative writing blog! Brand new and hot off the technological press, this blog will house recent/new/upcoming work. Forgive me if it is slow at the start, blogging is a new endeavor for me! Thanks for stopping by!