So in this pic we are playing. Or, rather, he is playing, and I am making soft growling noises, trying to avoid his thrashing muzzle, and pawing back at him.

After the unfortunate bite incident (my fault) I was kinda wolf shy. It was a hard lesson for me to learn, that my sweet, cute wolf friend could get angry. And fast.

After that, of course, the little devil on my shoulder would whisper fearful things in my ears. "He's gonna bite you!"

:/

Well, I struggled with it for a bit, when I realized the only way through it, was to test his devotion to me.

During these little bouts of playfulness on his part, he'd come at me with his muzzle, playfully trying to get me. Sometimes he'd grab my shirt (And tear it) or I'd move quick enough and he's just grab air.

Playtime began when I was *right* next to him, and we went back and forth for a while. You can see my mouth is open too, as I am copying his noises, and playing with him- freely, allowing him to unwind, to tap into his more playful side (Wolves need this. It's like smiling to us, or going out and having a night on the town).

Of course, you should never try this at home with your wolf.

But, I was so close to him, and seeing his teeth open and shut like that, I had to slap that little devil a few times. i finally got so bored of the fear I put my finger in his mouth.

A very, very dumb thing to do if there isn't total, *real* trust between you and a wolf.

It was like I was telling fear, "So he's gonna bite me? Oh yeah? Let's see it!"

And, of course, he did not bite down.

It also showed him that I ain't skeert.

Wolves will put up with a lot from people, but they do not like fear. For him to totally unwind, to enjoy himself, I had to be free of fear, and enjoying myself completely. If I had any reservations or apprehensiveness it just killed the atmosphere.

It was as if he was saying, "Dude, I am your friend. Why are you scared? I would die to protect you."

Oh, and take a gander at his paw right next to my hand. Wolves have big paws.