The twins are finally going home!
By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, Nov. 20, 2024
In the heart of the forested hills of eastern Washington,
Where the ground hums with the comforting scent of pine needles and the trees stand tall like guardians of peace,
Two twin American Dirus sisters were born.
They were christened Mary and Meriwether.
Though at Dire Wolf Project headquarters, they were affectionately known as "the two Marys."
Mary, with her bright, inquisitive eyes, was the adventurous spirit of the pair.
Meriwether, the plumper of the two with ears that refused to stand upright, was the quiet anchor, content to watch her sister’s escapades.
Together, they were a perfect balance.
Inseparable and deeply bonded.
At three years old, their lives have been a journey of love, loss, and longing.
Two years ago, Mary had left the comforting embrace of our forest home twice, only to find herself returning each time, her heart tethered to the life she once knew—and to Meriwether, who never stopped waiting for her.
The first home Mary went to was in sunny southern California.
It was a world of soft beds and sliding glass doors, a far cry from the musty, familiar forest.
Her new family was kind, but Mary’s heart yearned for the trees, the earthy scent of home, and the quiet song of the forest breeze.
Each morning, she would rise and stare longingly out the glass doors, her mind painting pictures of the home she missed so very much.
Back at headquarters, Meriwether felt the emptiness left by her twin.
Each night, she would howl softly from her den, as if calling to Mary across the miles, hoping her sister might hear her and find her way back.
After six weeks, Mary’s California family, seeing her continued sorrow, made the heart-wrenching decision to let her go.
When I arrived to bring Mary back, she leaned tight against my legs looking up at me with those bright yellow eyes.
Her tail wagged like a fluttering leaf caught in a breeze.
Her spirit, which had dulled over the weeks away, brightened the moment we turned toward home.
When the two Marys reunited, they twirled and danced in the pine needles, their bond as unbreakable as ever.
But Mary's journey was not over.
Soon, a new family in Texas, with an older American Dirus dog, welcomed Mary into their lives.
This time, Mary found joy in learning the ways of a new home.
Mastering the doggie door, claiming the perfect fluffy bed, and basking in her family’s love seemed to draw her into her new family.
Yet, Mary’s fiery spirit brought challenges.
She struggled to share her family’s attention, nudging her new furry roommate out of the way to soak up every pet and cuddle.
When the family’s circumstances changed, they faced the difficult choice of rehoming Mary.
Once again, we traveled across the country to bring her home.
As the Texas sunset faded in the rearview mirror, Mary nestled close, her trust in us unwavering.
Meriwether, who had again waited patiently in the forest, welcomed Mary back with open paws!
Their reunion was a joyful symphony of howls and wagging tails.
Through it all, Meriwether had never left the forest.
She remained overlooked for adoption, her down ears and quiet demeanor leaving her in Mary’s shadow.
But Meriwether didn’t mind.
Her heart was bound to her twin.
All she wanted was for Mary to return.
Now, as Thanksgiving approaches, a family has finally come forward who sees the magic in both Mary and Meriwether.
With a sprawling forest home and an open heart, they are ready to welcome not only the two Marys but also little Hamilton, the tiniest American Dirus puppy, into their lives!
The sisters, together at last,
will no longer have to part ways.
They will roam their new home side by side, their bond unbroken and their hearts full.
As they settle into their furever family, the forest will once again surround them, a warm and familiar embrace for two souls who have always been happiest together.
And that makes Jay and I so very happy!
We’ve had an influx of new Dire Wolf Project Inner Circle members recently.
Please feel welcome!
There are many wonderful stories of amazing giant companion dogs coming your way, just like Mary and Meriwether’s heartwarming story above.
Here at Dire Wolf Project headquarters, other retired adults dogs await their perfectly-matched family, too.
There is no puppy stage to work through.
And all of our adults come with a healthy respect for human authority, impeccable manners, leash training, and most are potty/house trained.
We always choose the pick of the litter puppies to remain here at the Dire Wolf Project, so you know our adults are the best from their respective ancestry.
Find out if one of our available adult American Dirus dogs might fit well with your family.
Here’s the link to learn more about them:
https://direwolfdogs.com/dogs-for-sale/adults/
Perhaps you’ll be the one who gives an older American Dirus dog a chance at a loving family life!
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.
Mary so happy to be going home together
Merriwether so happy to be going home together