There are other “were” creatures. The wolf is just common in English-speaking countries, and hence is why you always hear wolf, not fox or tanuki or crocodile.

Physically changing, at least for me, requires a hell of a lot of acceptance for what I am. Connecting to your self is the key. I’ve only learned this through years of failed trials, pain, loneliness and rejection from myself, and I still deny sometimes. Now hopefully I can be on the right path and become one with the sacred animal within me.

(P.S. I am not Native American, though when I was young I spent a considerable amount of time with a wolf-hybrid my Mum owned. She was the most loyal amazing dog/wolf ever, and totally contradicts the stereotype that they are bad. They just need better living conditions than regular dogs, like more space and freedom, which we were able to give her. I still miss her.)