Can you handle these cute faces?
By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, Aug. 21, 2025
This week something delightful happened on the Dire Wolf Project Facebook page.
I shared a post about us from a different page, and to my surprise, it took off — at least by our little pack’s standards.
10 shares, 36 comments, and 207 impressions later… my heart was bursting.
But the real treasure wasn’t the numbers.
It was the flood of stories and photos from American Dirus™ families across the country.
They spoke with such love and pride about their furry companions that I couldn’t keep it to myself.
Here are just a few:
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"That's our enormous boy Sif. He is as intimidating as hell, but has the sweetest disposition and wouldn't hurt a fly. Well actually that's not true, he likes to eat flies. But he wouldn't hurt a human ever."
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"Best decision & greatest dogs I’ve ever had (and I’ve had 4 of these dogs) easiest to train, extremely bonded, loyal, gentle and 100% showstoppers! Oh and did I mention the best temperament! Top is Vixen almost 11yrs old & 85lbs, bottom Atlas 2.5 yrs, still not filled out yet and 172lbs in March, and Sakari in next comment, couldn’t post 2 pics on this."
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"I will never regret sharing 10 wonderful years with our American Dirus 'Gracie'. She was a gentle, obedient loving girl… beautiful inside and out. I would give anything to turn back the clock. "
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Reading affirmations like these is my love language.
They remind me of why we do what we do, and why it matters so deeply to carry on this vision for the breed.
It’s one thing for me to sing praises of our dogs, but it’s quite another to hear it echoed back through the voices of those who live alongside these magnificent companions.
And speaking of magnificent companions…
The Happy Days puppies is growing fast!
At 11 weeks old, they’ve discovered the wide green world of grass in front of our home, and oh, what a time they had tumbling and chasing each other under the sun.
I brought my camera with me this time, so I was able to capture some GREAT shots of them as they played.
I added the brand new photos onto the Happy Days litter page for you.
But fair warning:
Once you see them, you may not be able to look away.
They’re so CUTE!!!
Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.