Jean LeFevre founded the nonprofit Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary in 2002 as a refuge for wolves who were abused as pets and could no longer be cared for by their previous owners. After she studied and trained wolves with the Seneca Native Americans in 1976, LeFevre has recruited volunteers to instill the Native American tradition at her sanctuary. Her aim is to have her wolves help people.

"The difference between our wolves, I think, and many other wolves is that several of our wolves are therapists," she said.

LeFevre, who is an ordained minister, said her alpha wolf, Mystery, founded the sanctuary after she was found mangled and injured. LeFevre and a local veterinarian rehabilitated Mystery's scars and acquired her after obtaining county, state and federal licenses to open the sanctuary.

LeFevre now houses 16 wolves on her five acre property with eight enclosures.

The Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary is funded through visitor donations and money by donors who receive the facility's newsletter. LeFevre said Montgomery County allows her to lease the land for $1 and she doesn't claim a salary. The Montgomery County Food Bank donates food to the sanctuary that has expired for human consumption to the sanctuary. The Food Bank donates an average of 21 pounds of food for each wolf.

"If you can afford a donation, we appreciate it," she said. "If you can't, bring your love. If you can't bring your love, don't come."

Plans to expand the property and house other animals are in the works, LeFevre said. She said she wants to rehabilitate animals outside of wolves and welcomes outside experts for help. LeFevre said she continues her work with wolves because of the interactions she sees between the animals and humans.

Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary, 2757 St. Beulah Chapel Road, Montgomery 936-597-9653,www.saintfrancissanctuary.org