Russell P.

My partner and I saw an injured raccoon on a highway median. I had a tote in the car so we coaxed him into it and brought him home. We searched for wildlife rehabbers and after quite a while we finally connected with someone living about 90 minutes away. When we got there she showed us her setup and we talked for a long time. She was an amazing person doing wonderful work. I was immediately hooked and knew this is what I want to do. I began volunteering and learned all about small mammals, turtles, and birds. I also did collection and transport. Eventually we began putting together the necessary equipment (cages, bowls, meds, etc.) so we could care for animals in our home. The following year I applied for my license and began caring for orphaned baby raccoons. Along with my indoor cages, I built an outdoor enclosure which served for their soft release. I put food and clean water out for them every day. This year we have come upon much smaller and younger babies, but we lack a proper incubator to care for them, so we did any necessary immediate care then transferred them to fellow rehabbers with the proper equipment.