Meghan L.

I have loved all things that have slithered, crawled, climbed, and swam since before I can remember! Growing up in a very small town, there were not a lot of sources to reach out to when it involved a wild animal that was in need. Other than our home town Vet, Lonnie Meeusen, who also had a heart for wildlife, and was always so eager to show this small town, gangly, eager to learn, blonde headed, tomboy his new intakes that he would keep in his office at his Vet clinic. When he passed away, the wildlife in our town and surrounding areas needed another heart like his. My heart.
Many times I researched and studied to gain the knowledge of wildlife rehabbing and aimed to be as great as he was. Every life, small, fury, scaly, feathered, mattered. I had a passion. To be that person, for any animal that needed help, no matter the circumstance. Over several years of my life, I was always being called for some stray or animal that needed help. Mostly friends and friends of friends from Dalton/Nunda and the surrounding areas. I was supported for many years, to finally become licensed to follow my passion as a Wildlife Rehabilitator.
Many question why I do what I do. It’s simple.
Being able to bring back an injured, orphaned baby, who was once so vulnerable, clinging on to only my prayers, is a feeling that I cannot explain. Every single rehab that I have successfully raised and released, have touched my heart differently each time. I feel the love and gratitude from the toes up.
In this world, animals are very misunderstood as well as mistreated and discarded too quickly.
I’m working diligently to educate those more about the animas I care for, so they can truly understand each animal and quiet those that say “it’s just a squirrel,” “Opossums are rats,” or “there are hundreds of them, it doesn’t matter.” Educating can save little lives, that ask for nothing in return, but to be seen and not harmed due to looks and mis information. All animals deserve to be rehabbed and released, back into the wild, where they belong and I intend to do this, as long as I am able.
As a rehabber, you are tired. You pour your heart into every single animal you get called about. 2 hour feeding schedules around the clock for months, successes, losses. Smiles, tears, anger, and the highest of highs when little eyes are looking up at you for the first time. This is my reason.
My pockets may always be empty, my hands may always be over flowing, But so is my heart.
Animals may not have a voice, but I do. And it’s a loud one. Here’s to all of the little lives that need love and releasing!