One of my favorite organizations is the Jaguar Rescue Center in Costa Rica. Several years ago, I worked with their fundraiser while they were trying to solve a heartbreaking problem. The only specialized goat milk formula they use for ALL their orphaned wildlife isn't available in Costa Rica. Importing it wasn't as simple as placing an order. Every shipment required health certificates from the manufacturer that met Costa Rica's Ministry of Health requirements, and for years I tried to help put the pieces together, but I could not swing it. Before JRC found a reliable way to import it, visitors would often carry cans of formula in their luggage. Friends of mine did it. I did what I could to help connect people. It was always hit or miss whether enough would make it through. So seeing this fundraiser fills me with hope. This isn't just about feeding baby sloths and monkeys. This particular goat milk formula is the only one they've found that can safely be fed to all of their orphaned wildlife without risking digestive upset that can lead to dehydration and, in fragile babies, even death. They also need specialized food for the rescue center's flamingo, which isn't readily available locally. The $1,900 only covers about two months of formula and flamingo food. Every couple of months, they have to do it all over again, so this fundraiser is evergreen. If you'd like to send a little love to some very hungry wildlife orphans, here's the donation link: Feed Rescued Wildlife Babies Fundraiser Every donation, no matter the size, helps give these babies the nutrition they need for a second chance at life. ❤️

Today I learned how to change the names of the community levels. Go ME!!!👏👏👏 How fun is that!?! Go check out the Leaderboards tab and tell me what you think about the new level titles. If you have another suggestions, please share. This is our community, let's make it powerful for the animals. ❤️🐾❤️

Adelina brought it to my attention that Empowering Animals was featured in the Skool Ads! How cool is that?! 😁 Seeing our community appear alongside other Skool communities was such a fun surprise. Thank you to everyone who has joined, supported, commented, shared, and helped us grow. We are all part of this beautiful journey for the animals. ❤️🐾 Share Love Make an Impact.

Saturday we had a stowaway in the warehouse that kept setting off the alarm. It turns out the culprit was a little black squirrel. Last night one of the mechanics came into the office and told me he had seen a squirrel run into a roll of shrink wrap. Sure enough, when I shined a flashlight into the tube, I saw black furball mound inside. After assessing the situation, I came up with a simple plan to get our unexpected guest outside safely. I tore off a couple of cardboard flaps and handed one to the mechanic. "On the count of three, cover your end." Together we maneuvered the roll away from the wall and equipment and carried it outside near the evergreens. It took a minute of gentle shaking before the squirrel finally emerged. The little critter seemed listless, likely from being trapped without food for a couple of days. Once he was free, I headed back inside to finish my reports. About an hour later, I was leaving work and decided to use the far gate because it was raining and the first gate can be a little touchy during weather. As I was leaving, I texted to let the boss know what about the rescue attempt and that there shouldn't be any more alarms going off. The mechanic chimed into the conversation and said he was really glad we got the squirrel out because he wasn't sure how much longer the little guy would have survived in the warehouse. As I sat waiting for the gate to open, a little black squirrel suddenly came out of the evergreens and ran across the parking lot carrying something in its mouth. I could almost feel the excitement and anticipation of the needed meal as the critter darted through the chain-link fence and headed for the trees. I immediately texted the mechanic with the reply. "I just confirmed everything is going to be alright."

I have been away on vacation and I have a cat sitter caring for my meows. JZ is my Cat-dog so he loves everyone. He is very helpful and plays constantly. He will claim all humans and toys as his own. Monkee is more of a one human meow and likes things a certain way. I started singing songs to her when she was a kitten to get her to eat. She just turned 9 and I am still singing to her. She gets so happy as she dances to her bowl and waits for me to finish off the song. “Taste it, it’s your favorite” before she takes a bite. I did a recording of the song for my babysitter so she could learn it too. At first, she played the recording, but started to venture out to learn it on her own. I received my daily update from her and this one was filled with excitement and wonderment. It read: Kitties are well and fed. Boxes scooped. I did the song for Monkee and it worked this time! And she did sit in front of her dish and wait until I said, taste it, it's your favorite. I had to laugh out loud with love and joy. I’m so happy Monkee loves Amara. She lets very few people in her furry little world, and you are very blessed when she does. ❤️🐈❤️ Do you have a special friend that warms your heart? Post about them in Companions, we would love to meet them. - Monkee enjoying her favorite chair on the catio-patio - JZ is patiently waiting for his rations of love.