Persevering for Wildlife

I have had a passion for animals since as early as I can remember. I was the little girl that played Veterinarian not Doctor. Over the years I had many pets that made the perfect patients! They all had a turn getting wrapped in every bandage in the house and endless rolls of toilet paper to make cast on everything from a ear, to a leg, to a tail! As I think back they weren't just my patients, they

had incredible patience! So did my parents who constantly bought me more bandages to use, yet god forbid a human had a wound because there was never a bandage left when someone needed it, oops ;-) As I got older my dream never lost its luster to work with animals. I had the opportunity to take Vet Science classes, study animal husbandry, become a small animal specialist, as well as getting my license in animal grooming. My love for animals made learning and working with them a total joy. Animals have always been the source of so much happiness for me. Then a few years ago my life took a completely different direction and I became extremely ill. I had to learn to deal with this change, but that didn't come easy for me and I found myself feeling very lost. I was no longer the fixer and I found myself being the patient. I have a joint disease that has affected most of my joints severely and a nerve disease that caused extreme pain in my body along with several other autoimmune illnesses. I am also a cancer survivor. As my illnesses progressed my feeling of being lost did as well. I needed a change to help me though. Finally I had a lightbulb moment and I decided to pursue something I wanted to do for years. I had looked into becoming a wildlife rehabber many times, but due to a very busy schedule I was never able to actually pursue it. But at this point in my life I was home recovering from many surgeries and procedures. I decided that I would turn a hard situation into a positive one. I figured while I recover, I could also help orphaned or injured animals that truly need the help! It took me about a year overall for me to become licensed with the State of Connecticut and complete all the requirements from the moment I decided to pursue this dream. It has been a wonderful journey and the animals help give me a reason to keep pushing myself. Life as a rehabber isn't always the easiest or the most glamours, but it is perfect for me. Being a wildlife rehabber is a complete labor of love since this is completely volunteer based with no financial support. I work with as many animals as I can possibly afford to care for and my health allows. But every single life I touch is priceless to me. When working with wildlife you deal with many extreme and sad cases, not all have a happy ending but every animal that comes into my care gets my full heart and soul! I learned several years ago, the true meaning of having Perseverance and I use that every day while rehabbing. I am a fighter, and I fight to save every life that I care for, if at all possible. I have been blessed to save several animals that were barely still alive with hardly any hope, but together we persevered and they got their second chance. If you love wildlife but can not become a rehabber, there are still ways that you can help! Donations and sponsors for the animals are always welcome. It doesn't matter if you would like to make a one time donation or sponsor a particular animal who you just fell in love with! Care for the animals range from Vet bills, medication, medical supplies, supplements, formula, food, cages, beds, and beyond. I supply all of this on my own for all animals in my care, so any donations help me take in and support additional animals in need. In the State of Connecticut we do not have enough licensed rehabbers, and in addition they also have very little support, so unfortunately not all the animals in need get the help that they need and deserve, which is why we are always so grateful for any support that we receive. If you would like to send a donation or supplies please feel free to message me for my address. I also have a wishlist though Amazon with supplies that are alway needed http://a.co/36WEAth. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions about the animals, becoming a wildlife rehabber or just an update on any of the animals that stole your heart!