David Astone with Maya :D

On Set with Maya, Wolf Connections Arctic Wolf!!!

I had filming this past week for a short Fantasy Action film called Silver Gardens. I was doing some stunt work as well as being a horse wrangler on set. Not written in the script of any wolves, but topic of me working with wolves came up ... so, since we have some scenes with an Native American, is seemed it would be great symbolism to have a wolf standing at his side.

So, to bring a very wolfie wolf and one who would do good with the crew and on set ... I brought Maya to be in the scene and Ayasha as support.

In thought of Maya being such a great program animal for Wolf Connection and my close bond with her, I figured she would do good on set :) .... turns out .... she was INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! Absolutely wonderful and friendly with all the crew, actors in costume, equipment, etc.

She was great!!! When it finally came to having her be atop the hill with David, that was the test to see how she was going to do. Cameras in her face, people with crazy looking equipment shining and moving, guys calling directions out and myself keeping her concentration on me and working with David :) It turned out to be perfect. (So glad I taught her how to sit and stay, simple behaviors that came in handy:)). She sat up there by David's side like a champ, focused on me and listening to my cues as everything around her continued. She sat, stayed, focused on me and looked magnificent!

Any time that she was slightly nervous, she would look at me with her stunning yellow eyes with the question of "Am I okay?" ... I stood confidently to connect my gaze with hers, and think "You're great, you're doing what I'm asking. I'm here with you, and that's all that matters." ... wow, to have such a connection and make such an accomplishment :) I'm so proud of her!

Having this awesome experience on set and to be able to bring Maya and work with her on such a unique project was amazing and leaves me speechless :)

Many thanks to Mehdi the Director, Scott, who asked for me to join him to help & it evolved to so much more, David, who did such a fantastic job with the wolves and all crew members for Silver Gardens!!

*Special thanks to Teo for letting me bring the pups and trusting me to have them on set and make something happen and have such an awesome experience!

Much Love, Hugs & Howls, Renee & Maya