He was never ours to keep
By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, March 25, 2026
Our sweet boy, Cookie Monster, is settling so nicely into his new home in Utah.
Here’s an update from his forever family:
“Timing is always interesting in this world.
Back in November, I made arrangements to adopt Šing’manitu Tanka’s (Essex/Mary) half brother, Cookie Monster. (Essex/Merriweather)
He arrived today and is settling in to his new forever home.
I believe his new name will be ‘Akicita’ (Brave Warrior in Lakota)”
“Mani loves playing with him so much. And despite her grief for Bogie, she shows him the way. Like, hey, come in for water, lol. He's good for her right now, for all of us. And Tony is definitely his person.
Thank you so much for EVERYTHING you do! (both of you!)”
Awe! Another perfect match!
I’m so happy for the wonderful life that’s in store for such a special being.
He deserves all the love, everyday.
There’s definitely something special about what we do here at the Dire Wolf Project™.
It’s so much more than simply breeding dogs.
Just like with Cookie Monster and his new family, we fill the emptiness of life and make what’s missing whole again.
It’s a delicate, precise process that takes patience, dedication, and commitment.
And it’s worth preserving.
If you love our work and want to see it grow, you can help secure the future of the Dire Wolf Project™ by becoming a Founder’s Circle member.
https://shop.direwolfproject.com/products/the-founder-s-circle
The Dire Wolf Project’s future depends on building a strong, stable foundation of support, not just in words, but in action.
Because there will come a day when my own voice will fade.
And when that happens, I want to know there’s a circle of protectors who understand, see the vision, and believe in preserving a philosophy.
A living, breathing legacy that could heal the broken world of modern breeding and bring back the balance between beauty, health, and soul.
Without you, the message may die with us.
With you, it will outlive us all.
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.