Sanctuary: a place that provides safety or protection...
When I first arrived at the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary (WRRS) in Kendalia, Texas, a feeling of calm came over me. I entered the main gate and immediately saw wildlife everywhere. A volunteer drove past with her cart full of hay, farm animals running after her, excited to be fed. It brought a big smile to my face and filled me with joy!
I was there as a volunteer for the first time, so I didn’t know what to expect. But one thing was certain: I was thrilled to be able to play a part in keeping these creatures safe and protected.
Some of my earliest memories are from my grandparents’ backyard–catching toads, anoles, and whatever else caught my eye. I would try to touch any animal that crossed my path. This did not go over well with my family. My mother and brother were (and still are) afraid of most animals except dogs, but even that’s questionable. I couldn’t bring the creatures I caught to them, since they’d freak out and send me back outside.
I never let their fears deter me. I felt a deep connection with these animals and I wanted to learn everything about them. My family now laughs, smiles, and recounts the times when I saved animals from harm or captured them just to see them up close and personal. This is something I still do today.
Although I knew about the WRRS before I became a Texas Master Naturalist, I never thought I would one day be an official volunteer. AAMN gave me this opportunity. I had always helped creatures in need, so when the WRRS set up their information table at class and told me about volunteering and helping wildlife, there was no doubt in my mind. I immediately signed up.
Back to my first day at the Sanctuary. I washed food bowls and baby bottles, then folded bedding that would be used at changing time. My favorite moment that day was being greeted by a flock of geese that eventually attacked my shoe laces. Those geese became my new best friends. During my second volunteering experience, they assigned me the role of food preparation for different types of wildlife. Eventually, the most gratifying part of my time at the sanctuary was going into the field and feeding the deer. I was in heaven and living the dream!
Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered my ability to continue volunteering, but I look forward to returning to my sanctuary, my safe haven, and fulfilling my childhood dreams.
Moral of the story? Never give up on your passions in life! You’re never too old to make your dreams come true!
You can connect with Vanessa on her personal Facebook page here, her professional Facebook page here, or her Instagram page here.
