A Sudbury, Ont., family got some good news about their family pet — a dog-wolf hybrid named Onyx — on Friday, who was facing a deadline to either move to a sanctuary or be euthanized. “We had the Ministry of Natural Resources call us this morning to tell us that they have removed Onyx’s deadline and they are looking further into his case, into his DNA, his situation,” his owner, Heaven Furoy, told CTV News. “And they are also looking to issue Onyx a wildlife permit for us to keep him at home.” 14 generations removed from wolf ancestors The six-year-old Vulga wolfhound has been a domestic pet since he was purchased from a legitimate breeder in 2020. At the time, Furoy was told that Onyx was 14 generations removed from his wolf ancestors. Earlier this year, the MNR discovered Onyx was a wolf-dog hybrid. His DNA was collected and, on Oct. 20, Furoy was given a one-month deadline to either euthanize her pet or send him to a wolf sanctuary to live with wild wolves. While the MNR isn’t guaranteeing anything, Furoy said she is hopeful. “They are re-examining the details on Onyx’s case and have removed any deadline,” she said. She’s keeping in touch with her lawyer in case any loopholes surface. “This is the most hope we’ve been given. It is the best news we could have been given,” Furoy said. “This story was able to reach so many people.” Received support from all over the place Since CTV News Northern Ontario broadcast the story, Furoy said she’s received support from all over, including wildlife biologists and animal behaviourists. One even drafted a letter on how Onyx’s DNA wasn’t admissible. “Even wolf DNA contains domestic dog DNA,” Furoy said of the details in that letter. She and Onyx had a FaceTime call with a Grade 6 class in Yellowknife on Friday morning. “They have a photo of Onyx put up in their classroom with the date ‘Nov. 20’ circled because they knew that was a very important date for Onyx,” Furoy said. She was excited — and emotional — to share the good news she had just received. “It was the most joy we’ve had in a while to be able to share this with them,” Furoy said. “Our family wants to thank everybody for their support, their generosity — everything they’ve done, including your station,” Furoy said ... It’s given Onyx the opportunity to stay safe — and home.”
