Apex Angels and Warriors works to help veterans with PTSD
By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
GLEASON – A local organization with a mission to help military veterans and wolfdogs connect and heal was recently gifted a new ATV.
Apex Angels and Warriors received the four-wheeler from Lakeland Powersports in Woodruff last month.
Apex Angels and Warriors, located at N4704 Town Hall Rd. in Gleason, is a nonprofit wolfdog sanctuary. The organization assists veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with healing by helping them connect with wolfdogs, which are canines with both domestic dog and wolf in their genetic ancestries.
The sanctuary rescues wolfdogs from all around the country. Michelle Last, Director of Apex Angels and Warriors, said the wolfdogs they take in would otherwise by euthanized because of their DNA.
“They are a very misunderstood breed with a lot of falsehoods and statements made about them,” Last explained. “Both the wolfdogs and veterans have stigmas that the public has placed on them, such as they are a danger, they are unpredictable, they are useless in society. When the veterans work with the wolfdogs to trust people again, as most come from abusive and neglectful backgrounds, and realize that these amazing animals are nothing what society says they are, then they reflect inwards and start to realize that neither are they, and that’s when the healing starts. We call it ‘dual healing.’”
Apex Angels and Warriors began in Aug. 2022, but due to flooding, a completely new structure had to be built. After working throughout the summer of 2023, the facility opened its doors and is currently offering tours.
There is no cost for the tours, but Last noted that donations towards the care of the animals is appreciated.
“We do take donations of meat anytime, any raw meat except for pork or shellfish, as we feed 75 pounds of raw meat a day,” Last stated. “If someone is cleaning out their freezer and it has a little bit of freezer burn on it, we will take it. We also take monetary donations for the cost of everyday care, vet bills and utilities.”
Last added that the sanctuary also accepts contributions of straw and mulch for the wolfdogs’ pens, as well as building materials for the construction of its new care room.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help with daily care and projects, and of course any veteran is always welcome,” Last said.
For more information about Apex Angels and Warriors and how to help with the sanctuary’s mission, visit www.apexangelsandwarriors.org.
To schedule a tour of the sanctuary, call 715-921-9785.
