Destiny knows this, and acknowledges by pulling her ears and lips back, and averting her eyes. Unseen in this photo, is her tail which was tucked between her legs.
Immediately after this photo was made, Nimrod, jumped up from behind the "tree" and presented a full-blown display of dominance, including a flashing of his teeth, while Destiny showed her submissiveness -- behavior that is essential to the social structure of the pack.
Reassurance of rank settled, Nimrod then performed another play-bow, Destiny returned the gesture, and the two romped off into the woods for a rollicking good time together.
Nimrod is waiting in ambush for Destiny, a much younger wolf. From his tail which is on its way up, to his erect ears and direct gaze, we can see that his play-bow carries a more serious message than merely an invitation to play.
This photograph is © copyright 1986, 1996, Carl Cook. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission, including internet use. Protected by Digimarc. Mounted prints are available. Click Here to send an e-mail for details.
Move ahead to HAMBONE.
Go back to ROGUE.
Return to WOLVES.