Working with animals isn't easy. As a wildlife rehabilitator, you have about a 50% chance of successfully raising an orphaned animal to the point it can be released. Every baby you take in comes with hope and the risk of heartbreak. Then, if you succeed, another kind of heartbreak begins. You open that carrier, watch them disappear into the wild, and wonder, "Did I do enough? Will they make it?" I'm only a parent of paws, but if you've ever raised children or become an empty nester, you probably understand that feeling. You do everything you can, then you have to let them go and trust they'll find their own way. For five years I rehabilitated wildlife for All Things Wild while also serving as their grant writer. Finding money for animals is never easy. People often think nonprofits simply apply for grants and the money appears. Most grants are small, and fundraisers and community support are what keep the doors open. Before wildlife rehabilitation, I founded a feral cat rescue, created the 501(c)(3), raised the money, trapped cats, organized adoptions, and helped more than 500 cats. I've lived this work from every angle. That's why I know it takes a community to save animals. So why do I do what I do? Because I can't imagine my life without animals. And I can't imagine reaching the end of my life knowing I didn't fully use the gifts GOD gave me to help them. That's why I created Empowering Animals. I know I can't save them all. But together, we can save far more than any of us could alone.

I got my skunk fix today from Helen at All Things Wild. This video features two sets of three orphaned skunks getting ready for their final journey back to the wild. Watching these little creatures stomping around like the little stinkers they are always makes me smile. I miss working with these babies. They fill me with such joy. Enjoy the entertainment. 🦨💚

@Michelle Cyr has generously offered to donate an original painting for Empowering Animals to auction off in August for the animals! ❤️🐾❤️ My task is to provide her with a reference picture to inspire her 30-day creative masterpiece. Yes, one. Me. Just one. I have narrowed it down to an owl. However, All Things Wild sent me so many amazing pics of owls, I can’t decide. I’ve decided to ask the community to get me over this hump(day). Sorry I had to… Here are the 4 choices I narrowed it down to. Please vote for your favorite by 6/22. Yes, I know. It’s another difficult decision, the faces are so precious!

@Michelle Cyr @Kate Bullock @James McDonald @Arlana Tanner @Morgane Lemattre @Butterfly Love you were all a yes or maybe so here are some times I am currently available. I have a couple maybes too that I am going to add in just to see where everyone is at. I am thinking I will keep the call open until we are done playing. No agenda, just getting to know each other. Vote on the time that best works for you and add any additional dates that will work for you in the comments. Yah!!! Tea Time!

I’m thinking about hosting a casual Tea Time Meetup for our community. No agenda or recording. Just a chance to meet one another and share the things we are passionate about. Would you be interested in joining?