Shine On Noble Chief Takaya

I have always had a passion for nature and particularly for wolves. As a follower initially of Pacific Wild on Instagram, I became aware of Takaya and Cheryl Alexander's unique relationship with this magnificent coastal sea wolf. When I learned of his unfortunate fate, I wept because his strong spirit had touched my soul and he lost to the actions of a human. I have always related to being a lone wolf trying to survive in a tough world while raising children that I have encouraged to respect every creature from insects to whales and in between. Takaya's beauty, strength and resilience gave me wondrous goosebumps whenever I would see his photos from Cheryl and Pacific Wild on social media. As a visual artist, the only way I felt I could honour him was to paint him glowing brightly in all his thriving glory and donate it to Cheryl, whom I had never met but felt a compassion for in her loss of beloved Takaya. I admired his freedom and his resiliency through his story told by Cheryl. Takaya continues to inspire me daily to be bold. I spend many hours in the outdoors of Ontario and while I do, I imagine how Takaya felt when he would look out over Discovery Island where he reigned in regal, stalwart, spiritual magnificence while on this Earth and beyond.