Elizabeth B.

My long journey into wildlife rehabbing started when I was a child. My father worked for the U.S. Forest Service so I was brought up playing in the woods and developed a deep love for the animals I saw every day. Every time I visited the ranger station, one of my dad's co-workers had some sort of animal they were helping or getting ready to take to the forest to release. I wanted to be part of that so badly, but circumstances of where we lived, both parents working, my age and later, college, working and life in general did not allow for this to happen. In 2015 I was fortunate enough to become part of Caring Hearts Feline Rescue and the trap neuter return (TNR) program in Jessamine County, Kentucky. These ladies and activities fueled my desire to help animals. I fostered, trapped for TNR, assisted at TNR clinics and facilitated adoption events at our local PetSmart. I never lost the desire to help wild animals, but the opportunities just were not there. In 2020 I started working at PetSmart. I was there all the time with rescue work anyway so why not get paid to be there?! People began to know me as the rescue lady and contacted me with all kinds of pets that needed rescue of varying types. In June of 2023, I got my first contact about 3 baby Virginia opossums that were in need of help. By the grace of God, I found PK with Enchanted Forest Wildlife Rescue of Kentucky. Autumn, Blossom and Skye were safely turned over into her care and we became fast friends. I was so excited to finally know someone in the world I wanted to be a part of! I followed the growth and development of the 3 babies and absorbed every bit of information PK threw my way. I started volunteering in any way I could: food drives, supply drives, the occasional work day at the sanctuary, anything to stay involved. Any wild animals that people came to me about were referred to Enchanted Forest for information/placement. I decided in early 2024 that I was going to get certified so I could help these animals myself. I signed up and prepared to take the required class being given in November of 2024. Finally making progress! Near the end of October 2024, I was officially asked to become a part of Enchanted Forest Wildlife Rescue of Kentucky! I was beyond excited! I cried, I jumped up and down, I laughed and I cried some more. It's one thing to do this on your own and quite another to have a wonderful team around you to help you learn and succeed. November came and I passed my class. I started collecting all the things needed by a rehabber and started getting ready for my inspection from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. This was not an easy task! Enclosures are expensive and take up lots of room. Furniture was moved, rooms were taken over and my husband thought I'd lost my mind! Outdoor enclosures went up waiting for their first occupants. In July 2025, I had my inspection and passed with flying colors! Finally there! I have since cared for and released multiple animals and have found nothing but joy in each one. Are there heartaches? Absolutely. The ones you can't help. The ones that are too far gone. Overall this work brings me happiness knowing that I'm making a difference in the lives of these animals. I hope to continue this work for many years to come!