Sanctuary Spotlight: Shy Wolf’s Mission and the Golf Scramble That Keeps It Alive

From Neglect to New Life

Jasper arrived in Naples as a pup in 2015. A wolf dog that’s 95% wolf, he came in malnourished, covered in sores, and overlooked by the system. Today, thanks to the care at Shy Wolf Sanctuary, he is healed, thriving, and cautiously bonded to the volunteers who’ve earned his trust.

His story mirrors that of many residents at Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center, a nonprofit that rescues exotic and captive-bred animals with nowhere else to go. From wolves and wolf dogs to foxes, coyotes, raccoons, tortoises, and even a cougar, the sanctuary has provided safe haven to more than 1,260 animals since its founding in 2001.

What Makes Shy Wolf Unique

Unlike some facilities that call themselves sanctuaries but still breed or sell animals, Shy Wolf stands firmly against it. Every animal brought in is spayed or neutered, ensuring no breeding occurs onsite.

Most wolf dogs come from owners who underestimated their needs. With traits that include high jumping, constant digging, destructive chewing, and piercing howls, wolf dogs rarely adapt to household life. Cases like Kiya, who once chewed through drywall, and Ginger, who suffers from pica (eating non-food objects), show why sanctuaries like Shy Wolf exist.

Powered by Volunteers and Donors

Shy Wolf runs entirely on community support—70 volunteers and private donations keep the sanctuary operational. Volunteers dedicate at least 50 hours before interacting with the animals, and some require 500 hours of training before they’re trusted with the most challenging cases.

In addition to care, the sanctuary runs educational tours and its Healing Hearts Program, which connects rescued animals with people overcoming trauma, including groups like Youth Haven and The Shelter for Abused Women and Children. The mission is twofold: give animals a second chance while teaching humans the value of compassion and resilience.

The 5th Annual Golf Scramble

To keep its mission alive, Shy Wolf Sanctuary is hosting its fifth annual charity golf scramble on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club in Naples.

• Capacity: 32 teams of four

• Goal: $25,000 in proceeds

• Impact: Directly supports lifetime care for the sanctuary’s animals

With past events selling out, the sanctuary is urging early registration for this year’s fundraiser.

Shy Wolf Sanctuary is more than a shelter—it’s a lifeline. From wolf dogs with nowhere else to go to exotic animals surrendered or confiscated, each resident has a story of survival. With its annual golf scramble just around the corner, now is the moment for the Naples community to rally, ensuring that Shy Wolf can continue giving these animals the lifelong home they deserve.