Wicket
The Frehel Fellowship is awarded posthumously to Wicket in recognition of her heritage of exceptional service and her role in helping pioneering the human-animal bond in conservation.
The Frehel Fellowship Award, presented to Wicket, pays tribute to a remarkable dog who exemplified the extraordinary role of animals in safeguarding our planet.
Wicket, an exceptional dog, left a dog shelter to brighten the world with her remarkable abilities. She became a true pioneer in the field of conservation, and her legacy continues to support our appreciation of the collaboration between humans and animals. Through her outstanding work, Wicket contributed to the understanding that animals can play a fundamental role in the protection of ecosystems and endangered species.
By awarding this posthumous prize, Noble Alliance recognizes Wicket’s remarkable achievements and honors the lasting legacy she left behind. Her work reshaped perceptions of dogs in conservation, highlighting the outstanding role every animal can play in an ever-evolving world—if given the opportunity.
In honoring Wicket, Noble Alliance reaffirms its fundamental principle: the contributions of animals to the preservation of our world are invaluable and must be recognized as one of the many priceless gifts bestowed upon humanity through the human-animal bond. Wicket’s legacy exemplifies this vision—a world where collaboration between animals and humans is acknowledged and safeguarded. Preserving and valuing this unique bond is essential, as it continues to shape and elevate society
Thus, the posthumous Frehel Fellow Award presented to Wicket is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a future where humans and animals act hand in paw and thrive together. May our animals continue to be by our side, doing good and brightening our lives even from the heavens.
Thank you, Wicket. Though you now watch over us from the sky, your influence continues to light our way. Your work, dedication, and wisdom are lessons we must honor, not only through the recognition you deserve but through the actions we take to show the world how much your existence has had a positive impact on the lives of all.
You paved the way, showing how the human-animal bond can transform our world. Now, it is up to us to carry these teachings forward and ensure your legacy endures, working each day toward a better world. We pay tribute to you, Wicket, and continue to move forward in your wake, united by the hope for a better world through our companion animals.
You inspire us to never forget that every step we take to preserve the planet is a step you have already taken, with the carefree nature of a dog, yet with infinite wisdom. As promised, we raise a toast to you, dear Wicket, Wicky Woo, Miss Woo, Woozle, the Finest Beast in the Land.
A Legacy of Extraordinary Impact
A Dog Who Helped Redefine Conservation
Wicket carved a place for herself in the annals of wildlife conservation. As one of the earliest detection dogs, she demonstrated how animal acuity and human resolve can converge to protect fragile habitats. Trained to pick up subtle environmental cues—from the movements of large mammals in remote woodlands to the faint traces of invasive aquatic species and concealed snares—her work refined methods now employed across the globe.
Aimee Hurt, co-founder of WD4C and Wicket’s lifelong handler, recalled her companion with unfeigned affection: “She was consistently brilliant. She made hard things seem easy and never let me down. She carried me. Won over skeptics. And she was sassy and willful in all the best ways.”
A Dog Who Could Go Anywhere, Do Anything
Wicket’s work spanned a broad spectrum of challenges, from tracking elusive Franklin’s ground squirrels to uncovering snares concealed deep in the wilderness—efforts that yielded benefits for both wildlife and local communities.
Her journeys led her across continents: from international flights and confined rides in battered Land Rovers to rides atop elephants navigating thick mud at key conservation sites. At every stage, she approached each task with a measured focus on fulfilling her mission, irrespective of the difficulties encountered.
The Dog Who Lived for the Work
For Wicket, scent detection wasn’t just a skill—it was her passion. Whether she was tracking grizzly bears or sniffing out invasive species, she lived for the thrill of the search.
"She loved everything about it—from big off-lead romps through the mountains to tiny detailed searches with her nose pressed to the ground," Aimee recalls.
And when the work was done? Wicket’s greatest reward was simple: her favorite Bowowzer ball.
Legacy: The Spirit of the Frehel Fellowship
"There are other dogs as good as her, I'm sure," Aimee says. "But absolutely none who are better. Please raise a toast to Wicket, affectionately known as Wicky Woo, Miss Woo, Woozle, and the Finest Beast in the Land."
Wicket embodies the very essence of the Frehel Fellowship—an animal whose impact transcends species, whose work changed lives, and whose legacy must not be forgotten.
Power in action
32
Is the number of scents Wicket could detect, including grizzly bear, cougar, Franklin’s ground squirrel, desert tortoise, Asian elephant, Cross River gorilla, zebra mussel, and hidden snares.
8
Is the number of countries where Wicket worked, alongside 20 U.S. states.
14
Is the number of years Wicket spent in active service, out of a life that spanned nearly 16 years.
What are Conservation Working Dogs?
Conservation dogs are highly trained canines, equipped with an extraordinary sense of smell, deployed to protect and monitor wildlife and ecosystems. They excel at detecting target species, invasive plants, and illegal wildlife products through scent, providing vital data for conservation efforts.
From locating endangered animal scat for genetic analysis to sniffing out hidden contraband at ports, their work is essential for numerous tasks including, understanding population dynamics, combating invasive species, and disrupting wildlife trafficking.
These dogs provide a non-invasive, efficient method for gathering critical information, making them invaluable partners in safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the health of our planet.
Behind the Scenes
