Last summer, my life changed forever. I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer alongside some of the most kind-hearted people I've met in my entire life. About 20 minutes outside Claremore, miracles happen. It's supposed to be an Animal Rehabilitation Center, and it is, but it's more than that to me. Annette, the amazing woman who has dedicated her life to helping others not only saves the lives of animals who come in, but she changes the lives of the people who come in as well.
Year round, Wild Heart Ranch rehabilitates animals of all shapes and sizes. Of course, different seasons bring in different species and different numbers also. Generally, from May until August or so, "baby season" occurs.
Baby season brings in overwhelming numbers of orphaned babies in addition to the injured animals that come in on a daily basis. But the fearless leader, Annette, and her fantastic crew are more than ready and prepared to raise and rehabilitate these animals to be released back into the wild where they belong.
At times, the temptation to grow close to these animals is difficult to resist but considering the point is to release them, with the animals best interest in mind, distance is kept. It is important that these animals are not imprinted on humans because once they are out of our care, humans become the greatest predator in most cases.
When it comes to baby season, the first thing I think of is bottle feeding. Until these orphaned animals reach the age that they'd be weened off mom in the wild, they are fed by hand. The volunteers who feed them are trained to do so correctly and the particular formula the animals need for proper nutrients are carefully prepared as well. Animals like beavers, raccoons, rabbits, fawns, and skunks are just a few that are hand fed until an appropriate age.
Aside from baby season, many animals are reported injured and in need of rescuing. Here's another instance where Wild Heart comes in. If you happen to hear of or find an animal that you believe needs help, call your local animal rescue to get proper help.
Over the past year when my involvement here has picked up, I have seen the rehabilitation of animals, such as coyotes, foxes, owls of many kinds, and eagles. I have seen more eagles here than I ever thought I'd see up close. I have seen many success stories in rehabilitation and been a part of them as well.
All day every day, Wild Heart staff and volunteers work hard to impact these animals, because, in the end, we all suffer the same. Preparing food, feeding, cleaning the cages and giving care to occasionally over 400 at a time. It's not always an easy, task but it's well worth it.
As a volunteer, my perfume sometimes consists of urine, feces, formula, and the unmistaken odor of an anima,l but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
For any information, like Wild Heart Ranch on Facebook or visit the website.
