Sarah G.

When I moved to upstate NY in August 2022 I started finding injured and orphaned animals all over the place. I would talk to the wildlife rehabilitators in the area who would struggle to find someone close enough with space to take them. The only way I was able to help was by transporting the animals for them and that alone was a huge help. The difficult part is having to carry 2-3 squirrels in my bra to keep them warm as I travel long distances to reach the rehabbers! Baby bunnies are too big so I have to carry them in my hand, holding them under my shirt against my stomach. When I saw a rehabber walk up to me with a portable incubator in her hand I was so impressed. What a GREAT way to transport these babies! I have wanted one ever since. The first thing we need to do when we get an animal is GET IT WARM! A heating pad under a cage just doesn't cut it sometimes. A portable incubator has been more of a need than a want for me.
After telling my mom about my adventures she responded with "you should get into rehabilitation yourself, you'd be good at it." I'd never really thought about it until she mentioned it. It all just made sense at that point. My kids are teenagers, I don't work, I have the space and the time to take care of these animals! That night I visited the NYDEC webpage and found all the info I needed to study for and take the test which was only a month away. I passed with flying colors and was thrilled to finally be able to call myself a licensed wildlife rehabilitator!!!
Since then I have been part of an amazing community where I learn things daily though group chats and forums. I continue to be a reliable transporter which tends to be one of the hardest parts of the job for some of us. I meet regularly with other rehabbers and we exchange info and supplies. I love working with these sweet animals, the wonderful rehabbers, and the caring people in the community that donate to help us take care of everyone!