As an #author I often assume knowledge that I should ask about. So, here's the ask: As an average person, if you saw a woman in an urban situation with a #wolf (it is a wolf but nobody is saying it is a wolf), would you assume it was a #dog?
Please boost for maximum sample size.
Feel free to comment if you have experience with telling the difference or studying #wolves.
@sfwrtr Weighing in a 4th option; I would look at the features and make an educated guess because not all friend shaped creatures are domesticated. Some are wild, but decide they find a single human's company to be a jolly experience.
I've seen wolves a lot in nature shows and books. Enough to guess within reason but knowing requires asking the person who said canine was accompanying. I am the type to really think about it first before deciding.
I used to work at a nursing home and recognized there was something seriously 'off' about one of the therapy dogs. He was massive, too big even for a malamute husky and had a very mature, Old Gentleman demeanor that was hard to place. I asked her if he was part wolf and was told he was ALL wolf. This was in 2004, probably wouldn't happen now. He was a true gentle king.
@MJones
Wolves accompanying people; not saying pets, but that's implied. I think I've read articles mostly from activists, but some authorities. Rarely works, they state. Dangerous, and I'd definitely worry, but I'm not entirely sure who to believe. My opinion is it isn't ethical, anyway. Mine is a fantasy novella in any case, so not weighing in, just storytelling. Still... wondering if the owner of the therapy dog might be pulling your leg about that "ALL."
@sfwrtr I would perhaps think that it is a wolf-dog hybrid. They were a thing several years ago. Depending on the owner's reaction to a smile, I would perhaps ask what breed it was.
[Poll about identifying whether it's a wolf or a dog.]
Because I didn't want to muddy the waters in the poll, I'll add this detail in the comments: The wolf is female (and thus smaller), she's a white wolf, the scene takes place on a metro train, and she's wearing a prominent gold collar, which, if you get close enough, reads, "Human."
@sfwrtr Answer D: everybody assumes it's a wolf and says so. As per my personal experience with my Czecoslovakian Wolfdog. (I may be a teeny tiny bit frustrated at the constant misidentification)
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