“When your life is touched by wolves, you are changed forever.”
- R.D. Lawrence
Wolf Hollow Sanctuary
About the Book
In this memoir, Sharon Lawrence offers an intimate portrait of her life with R. D. Lawrence, a world-renowned field biologist, naturalist, journalist, and author. Together, Sharon and R. D. Lawrence managed Wolf Hollow, a wildlife sanctuary in Ursa, Ontario. This book tells the story of their renowned sanctuary and all the lives it touched.
From humble beginnings as a private getaway in the wilderness, Wolf Hollow would eventually house several wolves, dog-wolf hybrids, foxes, birds, porcupines, and even a cougar. Travelers would come from all around the world to visit with the animals, meet the famous author of In Praise of Wolves and The North Runner, and learn about the Canadian wilderness. Lawrence faithfully depicts the challenges and joys of running a wildlife refuge, including natural disasters and the public’s resistance and incomprehension. As the narrative follows life’s natural progression, Lawrence’s account of the challenges of caretaking and fostering animals connects to her experience caring for her husband as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.
From beginning to end, this memoir affords readers a front seat to Sharon and R. D. Lawrence’s life and work. Lawrence offers unparalleled access to a Canadian legend, as well as some unique insight into the world of Canadian wildlife—especially wolves. Lawrence writes stark and honest portrayals of wildlife rescue, human-animal bonding, and end-of-life care. This is a must-read for animal lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who is interested in giants of Canadian naturalism.
Sharon Lawrence
About the Author
Sharon Lawrence is a teacher, artisan, and wildlife caretaker. Through her various professions and projects, she has touched countless lives.
Together with her husband, R. D. Lawrence, Sharon Lawrence ran a wildlife sanctuary in Ursa, Ontario, for decades. Following her husband’s death, Lawrence worked to ensure the preservation of his work and legacy. She was a founding member of the R. D. Lawrence Place, and she was instrumental in running the center during its most successful period. In the 1960s and 1970s, she worked as an elementary school teacher in Ontario, and then in the Yukon, where she worked to engage her students with innovative pedagogical approaches.
She now lives in Minden Hills, Ontario, which is about a forty-minute drive from her beloved Wolf Hollow Sanctuary.
