Oh... :(

For the lack of human understanding, for the curiosity of a pup, for the distance of only 20 yards, yet worlds apart. Life brings sad experience that becomes our heartless teacher.

Yeah, some lessons are harder than others.

What a tragic tale, made even more sad by the fact that you so accurately describe how many people feel about wolves. Where I live no human has been seriously injured by a wolf for almost two hundred years, yet every time one is seen near a town people start to panic.

As for the story, it is really well written. You keep a nice pace, and your language is all but flawless. Quite impressive for such quick work.

Thank you. And yeah, it's sad that people allow their fear to control them rather than learning the truth. Wolves are beautiful creatures, and while I'm not quite dumb enough to try to pet one I certainly wouldn't try to kill one out of fear, either.

I have a theory (unproven) that humanity's fear and hatred of wolves, which is old enough to leave traces in most mythologies or ancient stories, comes not from lack of understanding, but from too much understanding. Wolves are socially skilled, they are clever, they are good hunters even during bad winters. The early humans knew exactly what the wolves were; fierce rivals. And we always bad-talk our rivals. Sadly, now that the wolves are no longer a threat to us, the old hatred refuses to die.

And yes, it would be quite stupid to try and pet or hug a wild wolf, even though they are cute.

Such a lovely message in this one.

It sad from a human point of view as well.
I like wolves, but I would do them no favor by showing this to any wild ones. Wolves and other wild animals have an intelligence that allows them to learn, but even they can't learn a lesson we humans have trouble with.

Distinguishing between the good humans and the bad.

Yes, some differences are obvious, but humans can also bet the great pretenders.

Best left alone as a group - from the wolves standpoint anyway.

BTW, I did have the privilege of seeing a wild wolf last week. Along a road in a desolate part of where I live. It was walking along the road because it was plowed and easier to travel on. He also had the good sense to dash off the road and into the woods when he saw my car coming. Now, if I could only get deer to do the same thing. (Like seem to like running in *front* of the car. )

That's amazing, Cirrel. I think I've only seen a wolf in the wild once myself. And you're right, wolves have learned over centuries of being hunted and exterminated by mankind not to trust any of us. I can't say that I blame them.

Sad. Touching. Tragic. Very good story. My words aren't worthy. Great little piece, full of action and tension, and the very tragic incident in the end. I enjoyed reading this, even if the story is very sad. Good work.

Thank you.

so sad... and yet touching.... very nicely written....

V.

Thanks Vixyy.

*shakes her head a bit*

That is such a sad story... and all too true as well. Very well written, and bringing across such a good message... a lesson to learn both for them, and for us. My compliments =^.^=

It's a sad story, but has that TOO general "told you so" touch to it.

Next to that, it wasn't sad enough for me to cry, but don't worry, that takes a lot of effort.

It's still good, and you can get a nice overview of the situation.

I thought you did a good job. And I really like the way you opened the story, with the wolf pup looking through the fence. It really made me look at the picture from a completely different perspective.

Thanks. Yeah, for some reason I thought of wolves looking through the fence when I saw the picture.

Thank you. I appreciate the comments.