TRIBUTE TO TUNDRA

In 2020, Tundra Speaks was the recipient of a small grant from the National Wolfwatcher Coalition to use for their wolf educational efforts.  

Together, with her handler, Gary R Allan, we mourn the passing of Tundra, a very high content wolfdog (90% wolf) who did much to promote the positive aspects of wolves. Tundra engaged with audiences since 2007 and at the time of her passing was 15 years, 3 months old.
 
Gary and Tundra shared a strong bond visiting over 300 schools and meeting over 40,000 students, teachers, & parents. Over the years Gary and Tundra visited Canuck Place, a children’s hospice in Vancouver. Tundra was described as being intuitive, reaching out her paw or licking a child’s face. An administrator for the facility said her presence provided strength to some very sick children.

Tundra was also very proficient in connecting with special needs students. At another event, Tundra walked into a gym full of students. She passed all the students and the teachers, stopping at the back corner where a special needs student and coach were sitting. The student pet Tundra. By the time Tundra walked around the third time, the student felt comfortable sitting with his peers. There are also examples of Tundra interacting with autistic children.  

At an event for cognitively challenged adults, Tundra had a calming effect as they sat for 90 minutes, which was far and above their usual 15 minute tolerance.

As an ambassador for wolves, Tundra was exceptional and will be missed by those whose lives she touched.