Huge Storm a' Brewin'!

By Jay Stoeckl, MAT, OFS, May 29, 2026
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We had the most epic storm.

Yes, I’m talking about the weather.

Talking to Jennifer tonight, she was in the middle of the most concerning storm we have experienced since moving to eastern Washington state.

Hunkered down with Yeti and Shiloh, a late night wind and rain rocked and rattled the RV camper we call home. Lightning boomed and flashed at a rate of every three seconds over the course of two long hours.

Wind gusts were reported at only 30 mph, but Jennifer swore it felt more like 60!

The doggies are okay through this, but it certainly isn’t something they have ever experienced before. We are both grateful we had Dogloos (doghouses) inside the non-cabin shelters giving the Big Dog puppies a place to retreat into.

So, I was not home during this extreme weather event that has since passed on. I am in Eureka, California with a tour group. I am driving them down to San Francisco via the Redwood Highway (Avenue of the Giants) tomorrow.

It is hard for me to be so far away from the dogs and from Jennifer whenever things are happening in which they could all use my help. And the tours I have been asked to do lately are only during the summer season.

So, I began looking for a more lucrative work closer to home.

And I found it!

In a few weeks, I’m going to be home every other night driving a bus route year round. Woohoo! Last night’s weather reveals how much Jenn needs me to be close. And with the regular work, we will be able to continue to improve our facilities (like shelters) at the Dire Wolf Project.

And I will get to be with my Yeti every other night as well. And happy as she is being with Jenn, she is my dog, after all. As well, I will have a regular time for writing.

It is time for life and our surroundings to move forward. And I cannot wait to let you know what we end up doing in the coming year. Whatever it is, it will be exciting to see.

Oh, check out the gift shop! Lots of Father’s Day ideas. I’m always impressed every time I look in and find something new. See the gift offerings at: https://shop.direwolfproject.com/collections/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.