Meet Betsy Klein. She has created a non-profit organization called Plan B to Save Wolves. It is an organization that rescues wolfdogs and educates and advocates on behalf of the wild wolf. She has an amazing passion for protecting wildlife. Betsy is involved in educating students about wolfdogs and helps them learn to be a voice or volunteer in our community.
How Betsy got involved in developing Plan B to Save Wolves had a lot to do with her coming to Sedona in 2012. A friend of hers, Rey Nichols, took her to see 4 wolf dogs down in Medicine Wheel Lodge in Rimrock. They allowed her to interact with 4 wolfdogs in their enclosures. It was around that time that the State of Montana had removed wolves from ESA protection. There was a lot of information about what was happening to them now that they were no longer protected, and a lot of wolves were being killed. Just seeing their plight on social media, learning more, and interacting with the wolfdogs, led her on the path of wanting to do more for them. Betsy moved back to LA for just under a year and volunteered in an organization called Wolf Connection. There were 32 wolfdogs that had been rescued from a variety of situations. Some were from great owners who just realized that they were not capable of having wolfdogs as pets, which happens a lot, or tragic situations. It was a fantastic time where. she picked up a lot of poop, chopped a lot of raw meats and washed a lot of dishes. Eventually she moved back to Sedona which led her to create the organization that is Plan B to Save Wolves.
So Exactly what is Plan B To Save Wolves?
Plan B to Save Wolves. was created because Betsy really wanted to help other organizations. What she didn’t want to do, was to start a sanctuary right away or have an organization that is doing the same thing that other organizations are doing. She wanted it to be like the United Way of wolves… advocacy, education, and rescue. It all simply started as a way of helping other organizations to raise awareness or funds. If there is a wolfdog in Seattle that needs to get to New Mexico because that’s where it’s sanctuary or future home is going to be, and they don’t have the money for transport, Plan B donors provide that money. If someone would like to adopt a wolfdog but it’s on a heartworm regimen because it’s been tested positive, the organization will fund the medication so that the wolfdog can go to a wonderful new home. It’s a variety of things. Since then it has evolved in just little over 3 years into this epic undertaking of a lot of wonderful and successful projects. Betsy and her team launched Plan B CARES – which stands for Community, Advocacy, Rescue, Education and Sanctuary because they focus on those 5 areas. It really helps to clearly define the areas that they are involved with. Supporters, volunteers and donors can choose which area they want to be involved in and it is really amazing.
Q: Are there many wofldogs in Sedona?
A: There are a surprising number who say they have wolfdogs in this area. There are those who claim they have wolfdogs, but they really are just a northern breed mix. Betsy really cautions people not to say they they own a 100% wolf because first of all illegal to own a wolf in Arizona, it must have some dog content as per Game and Fish. Second, to give your animal a label of wolf or wolfdog when it is truly isn’t, can lead to a situation that is not good for that dog.
Betsy says there are a variety of ways that locals can get involved in helping wolves.
There is a major event, Sedona Wolf Week coming up in November. They bring speakers from in all over the country and Interested locals could volunteer or attend. Most of the events are free because they want the people to come hear the speakers and learn about wolves, as well as learn how to become an advocate not just for wolves, but for all for wildlife. Betsy is starting to branch out to all carnivores because our mountain lions, bears and coyotes need protection as well. There is a huge momentum in this country, where people are understanding the need for wildlife and nature. The more we interfere or manage the worse it gets. If anyone would be interested in learning how to advocate – be a voice, talk to a legislator, or learn how to give public comment at a commissioners’ meeting, city council meeting, in front of a game and fish or senate hearing, definitely contact Betsy and she will be happy to bring you along and get you involved. There is a Call of The Wild Mural, which stands for the C in CARES. Betsy is working with THE CITY to get the mural into the schools where they express themselves through art on wolf silhouettes.
Betsy has called Sedona home since 2015 and is a true local that many people know…. her favorite restaurant is driven by the fact that she eats a plant based diet… she says that Picazzo’s is a favorite because of the variety they offer and the vegan options available… she also taps The Hudson for the view and their cocktails!
What’s on her proposed dream travel itinerary? It’s a visit to Iceland to see the northern lights… with Africa a close second choice to experience that wildness.
Betsy is an amazing and unique Face Of Sedona and the Verde Valley… her passion for her Plan B to Save Wolves project is infectious and worthy of admiration.
I love her commitment to wildlife!
jonelle Klein
