Tonya F.

As a teenager, I was the one who was always carrying around some kind of animal-in-need--whether it was a kitten I found on the side of the road, a bird with a broken wing, or even a nest of neonate raccoons found in my father's woodpile. When I was about 15, I met a woman, Jane Beaven, who inspired me to learn how to rehabilitate wildlife. The brief encounter and conversation I had with Jane spurred me to always be an advocate for animals. As the years flew by, I cared for mostly orphaned squirrels and cottontail rabbits in my spare time. Life happened--marriage, children, and a teaching career. Roughly ten years ago, I sat for the wildlife rehabilitator exam and passed, yet life took me again in another direction. Finally, I settled back in my hometown and made my dream of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator a reality. Being able to help orphaned and injured small mammals is so very rewarding, but it is also heartbreaking at times. While I realize I cannot 'save them all,' I certainly try!