DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito, LLC

04/16/2025

The Dire Wolf Project™ was featured by a prominent Tennessee wolf dog sanctuary, Wolf PAWS, Inc., recently. It's awesome to be recognized! We always support the tireless work wolf dog sanctuaries dog to educate and advocate for wolf dogs.

Return of the Dire Wolf? Not So Fast.

There’s been buzz online about the so-called “resurrection” of the dire wolf. A legendary Ice Age predator said to have been pulled from extinction by modern science. However, this isn’t a breakthrough. It’s a branding tactic. For those of us in the wolf-dog rescue community, it’s a dangerous one.

Let’s be clear:
What’s being promoted by Colossal Biosciences is not a true dire wolf.

As Jennifer and her team at the Dire Wolf Project have brilliantly stated:

●"This is not a resurrection. This is a masquerade."

The animal in question is not Aenocyon dirus. The ancient species that once roamed North America. It’s a genetically modified gray wolf, engineered to mimic a handful of genes, with only 14 out of over 19,000, that scientists speculate may have belonged to the dire wolf. These genes were drawn from fragmented, mostly mitochondrial DNA, offering only a partial picture of what once was.

●"This is a soulless shadow stitched from the trembling DNA of modern wolves and dressed in cosplay of an ancient king."
—Dire Wolf Project

Not a single drop of actual dire wolf DNA runs through its veins.

This is not de-extinction.
This is deception.

It’s not just misleading,it’s harmful. Due to what’s really being created is, in essence, a high-content wolf-dog, with unknown temperament and medical history. A hybrid animal that, while fascinating in theory, poses serious long-term risks in practice.

At Wolf PAWS, we’ve dedicated ourselves to rescuing and advocating for wolf-dogs. These poor animals who are too wild for domestic life, and too tame to survive in the wild. Humans egos get in the way. We know firsthand the tragic cycle they face:

Abandonment.
Fear.
Misunderstanding.
Euthanasia.

It’s estimated that 75% of wolf-dogs are put down before the age of three, often because they were purchased on impulse, without understanding the challenges of their complex instincts and needs.

Do not be mistaken this number is continuously going up, as numerous amounts of these beautiful creatures are destroyed annually, when they never should've been created (by humans, mind you) to begin with.

Now, imagine a new wave of hybrids entering the world. Marketed under the romanticized banner of “dire wolf”—while bearing the same unpredictable traits, and facing the same grim fate.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

Dire Wolf Project, Inc. led by Jennifer S. and her team, is doing truly ethical and groundbreaking work! This is done by selectively breeding large, powerful dogs that resemble the dire wolf in bone structure, but have zero wolf content. These dogs are intentionally bred for stable temperaments, predictable behavior, and companion potential. All without contributing to the tragic cycle of wolf-dog suffering.

If people are drawn to the mystique of the dire wolf, this is where they should look.

Not to a lab experiment.
Not to a marketing stunt.
But to a program rooted in responsibility, ethics, and compassion.

Let’s not chase shadows at the cost of living animals.
Let’s stop glamorizing wolf-dogs and other hybrids while rescues overflow.
Let’s protect real wolves, support legitimate breeders, and educate the public,before the wolf-dog crisis grows even deeper!!

We stand with Jennifer and the Dire Wolf Project in calling out this deception, and we thank them for their incredible work in offering a better, safer path forward.

If you'd like to learn more about the wonderful work they do please visit:

https://direwolfproject.com/

It takes a village and every little bit helps! Please consider a donation to help us continue our mission to educate the public about wolf-dogs.

https://www.wolfpaws.org/donations

📸 Kimi, Embark DNA Low Content 9% (Left) & Spirit, Embark DNA Mid-content 64% (Right)
Due to their coat coloring both Kimi, Spirit are a prime example how we shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

04/12/2025

Our prancing beauty, Corvette (Cookie Monster/Syrenka) out of the Muscle Car Litter.

Ohhh, Corvette! What a breathtaking young huntress—her pale coat catching the sunlight like moonlight over snow, with just a hint of silver streaks tracing down her spine like ancestral whispers. She doesn’t just walk through the wild… she glides, like she’s still dancing with Ice Age spirits on frozen tundra.

Join our movement! Bring home a legend.
https://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup

04/11/2025

WOW!! Look at how Lincoln is growing up! 7-months-old and lookin' FINE! How many 100% domesticated dogs do you know that look like this?!

Oh, Lincoln! This young alpha-in-the-making is strutting like he owns the whole Ice Age valley! 🐾🔥 His thick, coal-dusted coat catches the light like ancient volcanic glass!

Join our movement! Bring home a legend.
https://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup

04/10/2025

This is EVEREST (Cookie Monster/Albreta) from the Mountain Peaks litter last fall. He weighed 80 lbs at 5 months old. Dire wolf-sized!

Call him cute and he’ll show you his fossil collection. 🤣

EVEREST (Cookie Monster/Albreta) 80 lbs at 5 months old.

04/08/2025

Return of the Dire Wolf?? I don't think so!

FRANKENSTEIN'S DIRE WOLF: A LAB-CRAFTED LIE

In the shadows of laboratories lit by fluorescent ambition, a pack of scientists has dared to howl at the moon of genetic resurrection.

They claim to have pulled the dire wolf from the icy grip of extinction—as if the beast of ages could be summoned by silicon tools and synthetic threads.

But make no mistake.
This is not a resurrection.

This is a masquerade.

A soulless shadow stitched from the trembling DNA of modern wolves and dressed in cosplay of an ancient king.

Colossal Biosciences has boasted that it has engineered a creature to "mimic" the dire wolf using modified gray wolf DNA.

But not a drop of Aenocyon dirus runs through its veins.

Their creature is not a dire wolf.

It is a genetically modified modern gray wolf.

An artificial chimera, programmed to echo fragments of what they think the dire wolf may have been.

They brag of mimicking 14 genes out of more than 19,000 in the canine genome, based on fragmented ancient DNA that contains mostly, if not all, mitochondrial information.

That’s only half the story of a lifeform that roamed the Ice Age with bone-crushing jaws and a social structure that rivaled the strength of empires.

This is no de-extinction.

This is deception.

Let me be clear.

What they have done is not a scientific triumph.

It is a genetic puppet show.

A well-funded fantasy.

They now brag about further altering eighty-five more genes in their modern genetically modified gray wolf to "approximate" dire wolf traits.

This is not the same as bringing the dire wolf back.

You cannot reconstruct an extinct species from modern blueprints.

Ancient predators don’t rise from the grave because someone rearranged a few genes in a lab.

And let us not forget, the dire wolf was not a variant of the gray wolf.

It was an entirely different species!

Genetically distant, reproductively incompatible, and ecologically unique.

Paleontologists have confirmed that Aenocyon dirus shares no known genetic overlap with modern dogs or gray wolves.

In fact, the dire wolf wasn’t a close cousin of the gray wolf at all.

It likely evolved independently in North America, tracing its lineage back over 5.7 million years to an ancient canid ancestor, long before the gray wolf ever set its paws on this continent.

No amount of CRISPR tinkering can grow a giant redwood from toothpicks and glue.

And let us speak, too, of ethics.

Because this isn’t just a case of bad science.

It’s a dangerous precedent.

Apex predators do not belong in petri dishes.

This isn’t about sweeter apples or pest-resistant wheat.

We are talking about genetically modifying living, breathing carnivores.

Manipulating size, fur density, tooth structure, metabolism, and behavior in a game of ecological roulette.

Have we forgotten the dark consequences of gain-of-function research?

Have we learned nothing from the Quoll crisis in Australia?

When non-native cane toads were introduced to control beetles in sugarcane fields, no one anticipated the devastation they’d unleash.

The native northern quolls, curious and carnivorous, began eating the toxic toads—only to die in droves.

Entire populations collapsed almost overnight.

In a single generation, the ecosystem was gutted of one of its vital small predators, all because humans arrogantly assumed they could “improve” nature without consequence.

And now, let’s drag the buried truth into the light, shall we?

I have my own sneaking suspicions that this “dire wolf” fabrication was not built solely from gray wolf DNA, but may very well include the genetic stock of domesticated dogs!

And if so…

In essence, Colossal’s creature may not be a 100% apex predator at all, but a lab-created high-content wolf dog, stitched together from tame and wild DNA alike, and then branded with the myth of an ancient beast.

And this is precisely where the wolf dog crisis comes crashing in.

Or have we already forgotten the brutal consequences of breeding wolves and dogs together without foresight?

The United States is drowning in a quiet tragedy from hybrid animals who don’t belong in either world.

Too wild for the home,
Too tame for the wild.

It is said that ninety-five percent of wolf dogs are euthanized before the age of two years old.

Their lives are often short, confused, and marked by fear-based aggression, abandonment, or institutional failure.

Yet now, a group of corporate biologists is playing Dr. Frankenstein with apex predators.

Using tools they barely understand.

Fully aware that if their engineered animals are ever released into the wild or, God forbid, into private homes, they could destabilize ecosystems, carry unpredictable genetic traits, or suffer lifetimes of displacement and despair.

This is not innovation.
This is not restoration.
This is egotism dressed in lab coats.

What gives these scientists the right to alter the balance of nature for personal acclaim or profit?

Who gave them permission to gamble with evolution itself?

No one voted for this.

No one gave informed consent.

They are making permanent changes to our world with no accountability and no plan for the generations who must live in its aftermath.

And if we allow this breach to stand, if we tolerate synthetic wolves as stand-ins for the real beasts of the past, what comes next?

Genetically engineered humans?

A superior race?!

The slippery slope has ice on it, my friends, and we are already losing our footing.

At the Dire Wolf Project, we stand not just as guardians of a legacy, but as stewards of truth.

We know that the real dire wolf was not a patchwork of genes but a creature born from eons of natural selection, ecological pressure, and social complexity.

Its extinction was tragic, but its legacy lives in the responsible preservation of its story and the ethical breeding of its modern domestic companion:

The American Dirus dog.

We are not interested in creating monsters.
We are committed to creating meaning.

So let the world know this…

We will not be fooled!
We will not be silenced!

The howls of our ancestors still echo in our blood, and we will defend their honor with tooth and claw.

This was not a resurrection.
This was a lie.

And the real dire wolves are watching.

Sink your teeth into why we believe this Frankenstein’s dire wolf is little more than a wolf dog in disguise!

Follow the tracks to our latest article—where we dissect the genetic bones and expose the possible domesticated dog DNA stitched into this lab-born beast.

https://direwolfproject.com/dire-wolf/return-of-the-dire-wolf-not-so-fast/

Picture credit: "American Dirus Dog - Cotton Candy" Jennifer Stoeckl 2025

03/28/2025

The oldest DireWolf Dog has passed away on March 16th.

Zephyr was born Sept 21 2010 of the Zorro/Luna litter. She passed away on March 16th at 14.5 years old.
Zephyr was consistently given a raw diet.
From her owner:

I cannot say enough about her. Zephyr was smart, kind, a pleaser, absolutely Velcro to me, while loving deeply all in her pack. (each of our family members). And absolutely beautiful.
She continued to be very active with really no signs of aging even in her later years. She only went to the vet to be neutered or for shots.
She was a gift from God. Her unconditional love and loyalty created a bond that can never be broken. Zephyr is and always will be my amazing girl. Zephyr you are in my heart where you will remain forever.

As far as we Know the next oldest is an American Dirus dog named Akasha she was also fed a completely raw diet. At 12 years old she is thriving!

Is there something to be said about a raw diet?
Only time will tell.

Zephyr(Zorro/Luna) Akasha(Shadow/Storm)

03/11/2025

This is how legends are raised—with love, licks, and a whole lot of fluff. 🐺❤️

Find out more about our sweet puppies and future litters by joining our email newsletter:
direwolfproject.com

03/07/2025

Aslan, (Nadine x Zorro) one of our breeding dogs from several years back.

02/25/2025

If you are an inner circle subscriber then you read yesterday's email about our Hero at Direwolf headquarters.
For those of who aren't then you may subscribe here
Subscribe to our email list:
Subscribe to our email list:
http://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup
direwolfproject.com



Read more heartwarming stores like this. You will also get puppy updates and valuable information

Desperate Cries in the Night

The night was thick with darkness,
The kind that swallowed sound and muffled movement.
rain drummed against the earth in a relentless rhythm, and the air carried the sharp scent of damp soil and melting snow.
The temperature had risen just enough to turn the ground into a treacherous, sinking mess.
Jay and I had gone to bed thinking all was well.
The puppies were fed, their space clean, and their warm shelter secured for the night.
But nature had its own plans.
The rain fell harder during the night.
The melting snow seeped into the earth unseen beneath the quiet of the night.
And water crept where into places it did not belong.
Then, a sound cut through the storm;
Sharp, desperate, and unrelenting.
A cry for help.
It wasn’t the usual yip of a playful pup or the sleepy grumble of a shifting litter.
No, this was urgent.
A plea.
A distress call from the shadows.
Throwing on winter boots, waterproof coats, and hats, Jay and I stumbled out into the storm.
The ground was a battlefield of slush and mud, every step a struggle as ice and water conspired to slow us down.
The wind lashed at our faces, and the rain hammered against our backs, soaking through layers as we trudged toward the source of the cries.
And there she was.
A small, determined silhouette against the fence, her tiny paws gripping the slick wire as she jumped on her tiptoes, barking her warning with all the strength her little frame could muster.
Barracuda.
Her coat was soaked through, her fur matted with grime, but still, she fought.
Not for herself—but for the others.
Behind her, in the dim glow of our flashlight beams, three little souls huddled together in the flooded doghouse.
Their eyes were wide with confusion.
Their small bodies shivering against the cold.
The storm had turned their safe haven into a frigid swamp.
And there was no dry patch left to claim.
The sight sent a jolt of urgency through us.
Jay and I moved quickly.
A silent understanding passed between us.
The plan was clear:
get them out, get them dry, and get them safe.
Jay waded into the waterlogged shelter, scooping up the first miserable pup.
His arms cradled the sodden bundle as I wrapped it in a towel.
One by one, we carried each puppy away from the flooded den.
We trudged through the rain and mud, and into the warm embrace of the nursery.
As soon as their paws touched the soft, dry straw, everything changed.
Their ears perked up, their tails twitched, and those sad, weary eyes brightened with the realization—
They were safe.
The puppies embraced one another, happy to be with their other siblings inside the warmth of the dry nursery.
Relieved sighs filled the room, and little tongues licked at our hands in gratitude.
Barracuda, the tiny hero, gave one last, satisfied shake of her damp fur before nestling into the warmth of her siblings.
She had done her duty, and now, she could rest.
That night, the puppies slept soundly, their bellies full, their fur dry, their hearts at peace.
But none of it would have been possible without Barracuda—the small but mighty warrior who refused to let her pack suffer in silence.
Now, Barracuda waits for the next chapter of her story.
She is still searching for a forever home—one that will appreciate her brave heart, her loving spirit, and, yes, her firm belief that she should never be wet or dirty again.
Alongside her, her siblings Licorice and Denali also wait, each with their own story, their own spirit, and their own longing for a family to call their own.

Barracuda, a true Hero

02/18/2025

A sad story with a happy ending.
Maggie gave birth to one live puppy Paul Revere on February 14. She lost 4 puppies.
But there is a happy ending.

https://youtu.be/lJXxr5uien4?si=x-U_wpxKRBpQH21Y

Subscribe to our email list:
http://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup
direwolfproject.com

02/11/2025

If you are a subscriber to our very informative emails every Monday is Movie Monday. Today it is short video on how to chose your perfect puppy
https://direwolfproject.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b3c0b85ab7d08f772eff2f33d&id=9ad1fc049c&e=ae70983f0d

Subscribe to our email list:
http://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup
direwolfproject.com




Please subscribe to our email list for updates on upcoming litters and stories as well as great information.
You can subscribe here
http://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup

Banned for life on Reddit and many dog-related Facebook groups including: "Friends of Pedigreed Dogs Exposed" and "Service Dogs"... Voted TOP 10 Best Dog Breeders to Create a New Breed by HubPages... Loved by owners around the world and loathed by both animal rights activists and dog breed pur...

02/03/2025

New puppy pictures come out tomorrow only for our email newsletter subscribers.

Sign up now to receive the news the moment it comes out!
direwolfproject.com/

02/01/2025

With a new puppy season coming up. For those of you adopting a puppy this video will explain how to bond with your new puppy.

https://youtu.be/u584G4z5an0?si=6r0c0xWKlPoXh-0P

Subscribe to our email list:
http://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup
direwolfproject.com

Bonding with your dog is one of the most rewarding aspects of canine companionship. A strong bond creates trust, understanding, and emotional closeness, lead...

01/23/2025

This is why the Dire Wolf Project breeds for a natural wild look. No extreme looks here!

It’s so sad to see how man has destroyed the once healthy wolf. People encourage deformed breeding by buying French Bulldogs and Pugs. My vet told me that he sees so many die at age 4.

01/08/2025

Just a dog.
From time to time people tell me “chill out, it’s just a dog” or “it’s a lot of money just for a dog.” They don't understand the distance traveled, the time invested, or the costs incurred by "just a dog".
Some of my proudest moments have occurred with “just a dog.”
Many hours have passed being my only company "just a dog", but not for one moment did I feel despised. Some of my saddest moments have been because of “just a dog,” and on those gray days, the gentle touch of “just a Dog” gave me comfort and the reason to get through the day.
If you also think “it’s just a dog”, then you’ll probably understand phrases like “just a friend”, “just a sunrise” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
For "just a dog" I will get up early, take long walks and look forward to the future. So for me and people like me, it’s not “just a dog,” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the memories of the past, and the absolute joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out the good in me and takes my thoughts away from myself and daily worries.
I hope one day they can understand that it’s not “just a dog”, but the one that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog”, just smile because they “just don’t get it”.
===
“Just A Dog,” by Richard A. Biby.
===
Corvette (Cookie Monster/Syrenka)
direwolfdogs.com

01/01/2025

Lincoln (Cookie Monster/Albreta) from the Mountain Peaks Litter.

I bet you wish he was your new puppy. 😉

Join our email newsletter and learn all about our puppies for sale.
https://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!!

Let's make it a great one!

Join our Inner Circle email newsletter to get our regular updates.
https://mailchi.mp/direwolfproject/signup

Photo: Mount Everest (Cookie Monster/Albreta)

12/13/2024

Gamera and Mothra (Cookie Monster/Jesse) from the Monster Movie Litter showing off the difference between the wolf mask and the black mask.

Find out more about our dogs here: direwolfdogs.com/dogs