Red,
Many, many of us interfere with nature in any number of ways. So did ancient people when they began to live closer to dogs that were wild. So does modern man when he hunts just for sport. People love to shoot coyotes just for the fun of it.
I'm curious enough about life that Im willing to go learn about animals in an unusual setting. To take a look at our dogs wild ancestors, or the wild ones that live outside and thrive. How do they differ from the ones we call pets?
As I have mentioned before, this situation fell in our lap. We tried to send her back to the wild and it didn't work. So the choices were to leave her to freeze to death (and she almost did) or bring her in and save her.
One night led to two, and on to six weeks and counting. She might go to her next home next week, or it might be a couple of months. We will keep her safe and enjoy the time while we can.
The most valuable input is from those with some experience. And I'm also taking all the fearful reactions into account too, as part of the study.
One of the things about this study is learning how to care for an animal that is so close to the ones we live with, but so reviled by almost everyone. It's tricky. Veterinary care is one of the problems. Vaccinating is another. Then there's food and care. Establishing a good enough rapport to allow everyone involved to thrive. And finding her a place to move on to when it's time. It was too late to give her back to her mother on the first night and I had no intention of killing her. Once she entered our life and home, her life changed course and she survived.
I don't know how long she will be with us and I have no intention of waiting to the last minute to learn the things I might need, like how to vaccinate her.
To me it's very interesting to see the similarities and the differences between domestic dogs. So much can be learned. So far I really can't see any differences except she gets tired and cranky and she is a bit more wary than I might expect.
She's fun and is learning lots of things. She is setting up habits that serve her by giving her a sense of routine and safety. She is part of the pack and establishing her place in the hierarchy. She has a den that is safe.
This isn't easy, but so far it's been a lot of fun and an experience neither of us will forget. The neighbors we have let in on the secret are getting a lot out of it too.
So you are right, but you are missing the point. Life and learning are two very important things to me and I'm willing to take some risk to safe a dog and get to know an animal that I otherwise would not. And, by the way, even I have enough sense not to live with a Cheetah.
Something you might consider unnatural, might be far more natural than you realize.
Meanwhile, she is batting a ball around the living room floor, chasing and having fun. We all spent the day four wheeling up to 9,000' in the high desert. Out walking around, exploring, taking pictures and picking up rocks. She was right there and having a great day with me, my wife and our other two dogs.
I'll keep you posted.