An echo came back across the distance. Again I called. This time followed by a wolf call from about a half-mile away

Then，far off，I saw a dark shape moving slowly in my direction.

As it approached to me, I could see it was the wolf.

An unusual feeling spread through my whole body.

I knew at once that familiar shape, even after four years. “Hello, old girl,” I called gently.

The wolf got closer, and stopped a few yards off, her tail swayed slightly.

Moments later, the wolf was gone. I left Kupreanof Island a short time after that,

and I never saw the animal again.

But the memory she left with me—vivid—will always be there,

a reminder that there are things in nature that exist outside the laws and understanding of man.

We can only accept them and—because they’re with an air of mystery and strangeness—perhaps treasure them all the time.

I feel lucky to have an animal friend.