It's their last week with us…
By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, July 28, 2025
There’s a certain hush that settles over Dire Wolf Project headquarters during a litter’s final week.
The toys still squeak.
The puppies still tumble and yip.
But we can feel it... change is in the wind.
The glorious bundle of soft fur, bright eyes, and wiggly tails from the Happy Days litter are almost ready to leave the den.
Most of the puppies will be heading off to their forever homes this week, and while we’re overjoyed for their new families, the truth is...
Saying goodbye is never easy.
These pups have blossomed into such extraordinary companions.
They're confident, affectionate, and full of that gentle American Dirus dog magic that makes hearts melt and lives transform.
We’ve walked with them through forests, cuddled them after muddy play, and watched them grow into little legends.
Before they go, we’ll be hosting one last important stop:
A full veterinarian visit
right here at headquarters on July 30th.
Dr. Dale will ensure each pup is healthy, strong, and ready for the big journey ahead.
This time, we’re not running the DireWolf Express, as we didn’t have enough puppies heading in one direction to warrant the full trek.
Instead, most of the families are flying into Spokane International Airport to carry their puppies home with them in the cabin.
What an unforgettable bonding adventure!
And one lucky family is driving up to see the den in person.
They will be able to meet the parents of their pup and take in the place where this wild-hearted journey began.
In the meantime, I’ll be gathering up the contents for the Puppy Go Home Bags, printing paperwork, organizing health records, and preparing the final hugs.
It’s a week full of heart... and just a touch of sorrow.
But listen:
- Two incredible puppies are still available.
Heather:
A calm, sweet, gentle soul. She’s the kind of puppy who leans into you with love, listens with her eyes, and fills a home with peace.
Jenny:
A spunky, spirited joy! She has just the right spark for a home with children or anyone who loves play, laughter, and a best friend always up for adventure.
If either of these girls feels like a match for your heart, reply to this email, and we’ll chat about it.
Once this litter leaves, the trail goes quiet again until the fall.
MOVIE MONDAY
In this week’s mini-movie, the Happy Days litter puppies experience the big wide wilderness for the first time.
Watch them run, play, chew on a good stick, tug on a coveted found item, and gets lots of snuggle time with Jay and me.
Since this is the last week with the entire litter, we have to get all of our fun in while we can.
Here’s the link to watch the video:
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.