Peter D.

My journey began when I retired. As I began looking for volunteer work, I came across an information session to explore volunteering at a wildlife rehab. center. It was not really something I had considered before, but it looked interesting, so I attended. Shortly after, I began volunteering and loved it. Since that time, I have never looked back, ever growing in my knowledge and skills working with wildlife. Whether it is administering directed medical care under the direction of our vet, providing enrichment activities for our patients, or just cleaning up, I am forever in awe of the animals in our care. Over the past year, I have cared for a number of porcupettes, from bottle feeding to release. Providing such round the clock care and seeing them thrive was an amazing learning experience. This journey over the past 4 years has brought me to recently completing the requirements to be a permitted wildlife rehabber in Maine, and volunteer as a sub-permitee at Saco River Wildlife Center. I am ever grateful for the chance to have touched so many animals’ lives, whether it was to help them reach a point where they could be released and have a full life or helping them pass away in peace with dignity and comfort.