Cheyenne's Howl

Printed in Mountain Messenger on Friday - February 27, 1998

Cheyenne Print

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I have some good news that I would like to share with you today, but first I would like to make a last comment about the Yellowstone wolves. As you know, the judge's order ruled that the "reintroduced non-native wolves and their offspring" must be removed from Idaho and Yellowstone. This would mean a death sentence for more than 150 of my cousins. Correct me if I am wrong, but I was always under the impression that if you were born within the borders of the United States, you were automatically a U.S. citizen. It doesn't matter whether your parents are citizens or not. The facts are, if you're born here, you have the right to U.S. citizenship. Should this ruling be upheld, why should my cousins offspring be slaughtered? Were they not born here? What difference is there between a Canadian wolf that migrated across the border into the U.S. and later gives birth to offspring that are protected, and the offspring of my cousins who were driven across the border by the U.S. government? My cousins were brought to this country by this government after twenty years of scientific research, environmental impact studies, and public hearings. A past wrong is successfully being corrected. However, politics and greed has once again raised its ugly head. A local politician once told me that you can't be charged with discrimination against an animal. It might not be long before she finds out just how wrong she could be. I think I will start a new campaign and the slogan that has been suggested is this, "SAVE WOLVES, RELOCATE POLITICIANS". Iraq might be a good place for them.

Have I got some great news. As many of you know, they are in the process of doing another TV special about me. It is going to be known as "The Four Seasons Of Cheyenne". This project will take more than a year to complete. In the meantime, well known wolf artist Carole Thompson, has agreed to do four original oil paintings of me, one in each of the four seasons. The first one is out and boy is it fantastic. Now I must admit I am a good looking animal, second to none, (no brag, just fact), but Carol has definitely captured my best side and I can't wait to see the others. The original is now at the Silver Plume Visions West Gallery. Carole has agreed to print 500 signed and numbered limited edition prints of each painting. Dad has a pre-publication special going on. The first 75 prints will be sold for $35. After that they will be selling for $85. Also, those who purchase the first 75 will have first option to purchase the others in the set for the same price each and be given the same number in the series.

Carole's paintings are of the American Indian, wildlife, and historic subjects. She says, "Knowledge about our ancestors' traditions, beliefs and culture is the legacy passed down to us from generation to generation. We all play an important part in preserving what is left from the past. This includes our natural environment and its priceless wildlife. To paint and produce visual works of art is my way of preserving those things vital to the past that should be cherished by present and future generations". Thank you Carole, for all that you are doing to help us wolves and to bring back the balance of nature.

Cheyenne