Nick Jans
Part memoir, part natural history, A Wolf Called Romeo by Nick Jans is the true story of a large, black-haired wolf in Juneau, Alaska, who likes to be-friend and play with dogs.
It all began in December 2003. Jans was out with his dogs on a frozen lake when they encountered a black-haired wolf, later named Romeo. The four-legged animals approach each other, and in the blink of an eye, they romp about and play together. What started as a chance encounter soon became routine. Romeo would wait for them and come bounding across the frozen lake as soon as he saw Jans’ dog. He soon befriended other dogs out for walks with their owners.
It didn’t take long for Romeo to become a celebrity. His celebrity status attracted visitors from out of town as well as local residents. People would bring their dogs to lure Romeo and take photos of him. Before long, a schism developed in the town between those who wanted him removed or killed for safety reasons, those who wanted to hunt him, and those who wanted him left alone since no credible evidence had surfaced to suggest Romeo had ever hurt a dog or a human. He was just a sociable wolf who liked to play with dogs. The situation continued for several years until Romeo’s tragic demise in 2009.
The narrative of Romeo and his antics is peppered with a smattering of Jans’ personal memoirs, information about wolves, and profiles of neighbors—those who consider Romeo a friend and are inspired by him, and those who want him removed. Grainy black and white photos are included of Romeo with dogs and humans. Romeo’s uniqueness and affable personality is the thread that ties these pieces together. He is playful, shows attachment toward certain dogs, and seems to understand and obey human commands. Why Romeo is sociable, playful, and even feels comfortable around specific humans remains a mystery.
Nick Jans description of the Alaskan landscape is breathtaking. His love for Romeo and concern for his welfare threads its way throughout the narrative. Romeo’s playful nature with dogs and comfort in being around humans is extraordinary and inspiring. In contrast, some of the nay saying humans come across as mean-spirited, cruel, and down right violent.
This is a compelling narrative of inter-species friendships. It prompts us to consider our relationship with the natural environment. Do we want to destroy it and destroy the species that call it home? Or do we want to nurture and preserve it because we recognize how precious it is and how our own survival as a species depends on it?