the Broken Vase

 

The broken vase

 

Imagine in a land not so far away, there was a woman with the vision to merge what she loved with what is important. She willingly made the choice to listen to her calling and became both federal and state wildlife agency approved as a professional wildlife custodian. She recognized that within her soul she must sacrifice self in order to help those innocent beings which through no fault of their own have been traumatized. Since 2001, the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation founder has willingly sacrificed personal health, family, friends, and even simple activities which enrich life and create joy. The hope was that this society would see the need and join her in making this dream a reality.

Operating a nonprofit is the same as operating any type of business. Responsibilities include public relations, human resources, marketing, awareness, and fundraising with the extra pressure to do more with less. Pressure to offer more outreach and educational opportunities. Pressure to respond to EVERY need. The very life of a living being is dependent upon expeditious and appropriate responses. The information gleaned off the world wide web from perhaps less than credible sources should never be the only option for caring citizens. A do-it-yourself project should not be synonymous for the level of experience (and legal permission) required to accomplish the complicated task of successfully rehabilitating (not simply keep alive and raising) and returning to the wild any animal which is expected to survive long term.      

Wildlife rehabilitation is a traumatic field. When AHWF began 60 % of patients were human cause. Currently over 90 % of ALL patients admitted are due to HUMAN causes. We have an obligation to mitigate the damage we have caused to a native population which has been struggling maintain viable populations.   

Which is a primary reason why children are not allowed to get involved with the daily hands-on labor of animal care. No matter what the cognitive mind says trauma is an occupational hazard. There is fatigue. There is moral injury because the patients (rightfully so) hate you. There is chronic emotional stress. 80% of professionals leave after only 3 years! National surveys report a 19 % turnover rate of volunteers. The primary reason is because the workload is too great for so few people. Basically, one out of every five people will quit.  60 % of nonprofit leaders feel used up by the end of the work day. 100% of all NPO leaders polled has felt or feels burned out these past three years.

This community has demonstrated the absolute need for this unique nonprofit! For more than twenty years, every year, there has been an increase in the number of telephone calls from citizens seeking help for a wild animal or inquiring about human wild animal situations. No other agency fills the gap relating to this specialized niche. The early years average was 100 phone calls and not even 3 dozen admitted patient cases. Every year there has been an exponential outcry to do more. By 2014 the demand was too great for the handful of citizens who had been assisting. In 2015, the hiring of seasonal interns began. By 2019, more than 400 telephone calls were made to AHWF. Over 4,000 volunteer hours were recorded from a only a handful of volunteers who provided social media posts, downloadable informative pdf’s on the webpage, and over three dozen outreach events and activities, 6 additional were slated but not possible, and nearly 100 patient cases (an additional 30 could have been accepted had we the trained personnel to respond).

The past three years, we have been struggling to find balance. The pandemic really struck and even shook the foundation core of many. We need to find the reset button. We want to maintain the mission of AHWF. The mission to conserve the native wildlife through rehabilitation of the injured and orphaned local wildlife and community education. There has been the expectation the founder should work 18 – 20 hours each day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, as well as be present in multiple locations simultaneously is not sustainable nor realistic.  This Winter, the quote from the Dalai Lama resonated with the founder - “Never ruin your present for a past with no future.” 

JUST like a VFD (Volunteer Fire Department) cannot function and respond when emergency arises, neither can a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Imagine your shed is on fire. You need a team of experienced professionals. You place the call. ………..    No one answers the telephone. No one has signed up for training. No one has been willing to support community. This is not a ‘google-able’ activity. Your shed burns to the ground.

Just as society expects a response when a fire arises, there is also the expectation for ‘someone’ to rise to the challenge when a wild animal situation arises. A wild animal is a living being which deserves respect and to not be treated like a do-it-yourself project by an untrained citizen. A wild animal is not the same as a domestic pet. One tender heart cannot carry the burden of supporting an entire society in need.

 To keep giving despite depletion. To keep experiencing empathy repeatedly. The intensity of the level of suffering seen multiple times daily. To reflect that most do not care to see the signals. A highly empathetic sensitive person is highly feeling and needs time to recharge. Exhaustion cynicism as well as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, sleep disruption, lack of self-care, gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune disorders, physical ailments, disassociation from gatherings are symptoms of the disease Burnout. The term Burnout is a fairly new term which is defined as the process of prolonged stress, frustration, exhaustion of physical and emotional stress. Literally there is no glucose in the muscles. Distressing to all aspects of being: psychological, behavioral, social, and spiritual. We all understand the term five alarm fire to be descriptive of a devastating catastrophic event. Some experts have broken burnout into 12 different stages. Now imagine the psyche of a human being who is suffering from a 12-alarm fire. The process starts small with feelings to prove yourself, to keep working harder, to neglect self for the needs of others, to blame others, to focus on work more, to deny problems because of work. The burnout continues and there is withdrawal from family and friends, experiencing behavior changes, depersonalization of self, feeling empty, feeling lost and exhausted. Until a complete and comprehensive burnout occurs – a full burnout. There is a complete level of mental and physical collapse. This is a fire which has been burning for a long time and been ignored but the fire continued to consume everything. No spark of that person exists. The cure is a sabbatical. Sabbaticals provide an opportunity to manage professional burnout. Sabbaticals allow the sufferer to return to the rejuvenated mentally and physically and fully recovered from their moral injury, empathetic distress, and vicarious trauma disorders. Please understand the decision to rest is brutal. The sense of duty to the animals is what has driven the founder for over two decades just the same as her heart beat, but the focus and strength of conviction cannot sustain a weakened body, mind and spirit.

 

 

The outcry and demand has confirmed this region should have a qualified experienced professionally authorized wildlife rehabilitation facility. Currently during the busy ‘baby season’ it is not uncommon to receive 100 telephone calls each month from May through September. The level of financial support has been rising, thanks to kind hearted supporters who contribute both small and large amounts monthly as well as generous contributions being given at assorted fundraising events and for AHWF merchandise such as the children’s books, the book of memoirs, the online shopping programs and merchandise including clothing and mini-flashlights. Conversely however the human support has decreased these past few years. AHWF has been operating at a code black level. The demand is too great and the resources too few. These past several years we no sooner start the spring season only to refuse admittance of new patients within a few short weeks. This is heart breaking and soul crushing but if we were to accept every wild animal from every single telephone call, the result would not be successful releases.

We need people to give time and talent. A few years ago, AHWF wanted to expand our abilities. We wanted to enlarge the existing parcel to increase our educational outreach and we wanted to provide necessary rehabilitative care for orphaned black bear cubs. At that time, we had two land options plus the state wildlife agency commissioners willingness to approve a permit IF we could build the necessary enclosure(s). By the time we raised the money necessary, the company which was to build the enclosure had closed, the land owner was not in a position to allow building and the other land option was no longer available, plus the state wildlife commissioners changed their minds and refuse to issue any new game mammal permits.     

The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, so too does it take a community to support a society. American Heritage Wildlife Foundation is exclusively community supported. There are no federal, state or county funds supporting this mission. There are no paid staff responding to the calls, emails, social media and online promotions, event planning and coordination, membership and supporter updates, nature walk maintenance and trail guiding, library lecture presentations, grant writing, website revisions, writing blogs, acknowledging contributions, continuing education and networking with other professionals, as well as providing quality care for the patients. 

Your north Idaho community supported wildlife rehabilitator needs people willing to become trained in order to accomplish all the tasks necessary to keep Idaho wild. In order to accomplish this, we need your support on two fronts. We must have sufficient financial support, as well as staff available to guarantee public presence. Now is the time to connect with neighbors and friends; now is the time to come together and create a legacy for future generations. Now is the time to make the vision a reality and construct the first inland pacific northwest nature center.

Why is a Wildlife Rehabilitation / Nature Center facility is important. These organizations provide answers to general public questions, they dispel common myths and misinterpretations about wild animals and provide professional assistance within a specialized niche. Unique and rewarding adult volunteer opportunities are provided as well as guidance for preventative and humane solutions regarding human and wild animal conflict situations. Diverse educational opportunities teaching about the native neighbors (all the wild animals sharing the ecosystem) are also given. No other organization fills the gap between public and wild animal. Federal and State wildlife agencies enforce legal aspects. Domestic animal shelters have no experience with wild animals. Veterinary clinics provide medical services for domestic pets and livestock. Nature Centers also enable the general public a location to recreate outdoors in a safe natural environment with interpretive tools and face to face guidance.

Other communities across the nation have embraced the mission of their local wildlife rehabber. They saw the need and responded and after a few years of working together as a team built wild animal hospitals, rehabilitation infirmaries, large wild animal enclosures, and financial stability in such a capacity as to allow hiring paid staff members. This community has a few superheroes over the past two decades who supported to the best of their ability, sadly they are too few. If this community expects a professional organization to respond and provide professional services for wild animals in need, this community needs to get together and help mitigate the damage we all have caused. WE have a responsibility to participate and stand for what is good and right. As Katharine Hepburn so eloquently phrased “There is a lot of lead butt in the world.  You are a doer. You are a worker. You make yourself into someone who matters and you do this with your heart and your brain and your skin and your energy. You show up for others and your word is your bond. I am really tired of victims of ambition, particularly when there are people who need our help in serious times of peril.” Get the lead OUT! Join forces with AHWF and let us build a legacy together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

human caused casualties statistics

 

Wildlife species are continually being presented to veterinary clinics and rehabilitation centers throughout the United States, and it is important to determine the reasons in order to monitor the changing health status of the surrounding ecosystem (10), decrease the anthropogenic effect of habitat fragmentation and pathogen pollution (2,12–14), and investigate preemptive strategies for reducing the number of wildlife casualties. This large dataset provides a sample to explore causal trends for presentation and sheds light on some of the major anthropogenic threats to wildlife health. This study does not attempt to explain the origin or cause of all reasons for presentation, but rather focuses on human related causes of presentation. Approximately one-third of the cases examined were presented to the hospital because of either direct or indirect anthropogenic reasons. Direct interactions with humans (human-induced- trauma and hit-by-automobile categories) were less common than indirect interactions (dog and cat categories) in this population, but still made up 11% of the total cases. Pathogen pollution, noise pollution, and environmental pollution have also been shown to lead to wildlife morbidity and mortality (1,15–17), but this study provides an additional explanation that “predator pollution,” by means of introducing domestic cats and dogs to wildlife areas, may also be having a profound and damaging effect. Of all cases presented, approximately 20% were due to interactions with domestic pets, specifically cats (14% of all cases) and dogs (6% of all cases). By narrowing the interface between wild and urbanized areas, it is likely that human–wild animal encounters, whether direct or indirect, will increase and, based on the results of this study, these encounters frequently result in the detriment of the wild animals. The data provided in this study do not investigate or provide evidence for the role of environmental pollution, pesticide use, or other forms of habitat disruption, but it does lend itself to the needed discussion about the many factors contributing to the morbidity and mortality of native wildlife species. In order to establish long-term conservation, a variety of initiatives including responsible pet ownership and habitat modification should be considered. Community and veterinary-client education about the importance, as it relates to wildlife, of keeping domestic cats indoors and preventing domestic dogs from roaming outside unsupervised could lead to a reduction in the number of animals presented to wildlife facilities based on the findings of this study (18). Although pets other than dogs and cats were not identified as reasons for presentation in this study, exotic, invasive species can lead to wildlife morbidity and mortality in other regions. Providing educational materials to owners about the proper care of their exotic pets may decrease those introduced to the wild by intentional abandonment and therefore reduce interactions with native wildlife (19). Increasing canopy coverage and the shrub layer along urban parks and greenways has been suggested to increase crucial habitat areas for certain avian species and protect them from the negative pressures of urbanized areas (20). In addition, evidence supports certain habitat defragmentation projects, such as linear patches and biological corridors, as successful in increasing migratory ranges and establishing connectivity between wildlife (5,21,22). On a smaller scale, establishing larger wildlife-friendly areas by arranging neighborhood gardens adjacent to each other has also been proposed as a means to increase wildlife habitat in urbanized areas (23). By removing invasive predators, focusing efforts on the conservation of native habitats, and affording a level of protection along developed and undeveloped transition zones, the numbers of animals affected by direct and indirect interactions with humans might be decreased, therefore leading to decreased morbidity and mortality

 

Are you a radical?

 

ARE YOU A RADICAL?

 

What is your definition of radical? Do you think of the movie actor James Dean or perhaps 1980’s ‘surfer dudes’. The oxford dictionary states the word radical is relating to the fundamental nature of something. It is also advocating for social change, representing or supporting progressive policy. 

There is a coffee mug a friend showed me with the saying ‘sedate women seldom make history’. That can easily be applied to current times. Unless we are radical about saving the wild species and spaces of North Idaho we do not deserve to show sorrow for the loss. We should not have the audacity to act shocked when we humans are also adversely affected by the massive environmental changes which have taken place these past 100 years.  The human population has quadrupled in that time span and yet wild animal populations have declined disproportionally to levels of near extinction and other species vanished entirely.  

Yes there are developers altering habitats and creating homes for residents. Yes there are more people moving to Idaho and calling it home. Yes we are seeing declines in native animal species and rises in human wild animal conflicts. Is the answer to post a picket sign in your yard or type franticly on a keyboard in retaliation – NO! Nothing will change except your blood pressure.

Being a warrior can be defined not as one who brutally and blindly with malicious intent destroys any on the chosen path but rather a visionary who has hope for the future. Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops at all (E. Dickenson)  

Warriors have experienced great hardship which is why they choose to be so gentle. They have felt the burn of the past and carried the weight of their world on their shoulders. The lamp of love has been subjected to hurricane winds of anger and torrential rains of sorrow. And yet, they rise with a pure energy which illuminates all those around. There is a blazing sun within their soul which shines a light upon the shadows and darkness which try to engulf them. The Teton Dakota Chief Sitting Bull said warriors are the ones who sacrifice self for the good of others. The task is to take care of the defenseless and those who cannot provide for themselves and above all the children which are the future of humanity. 

We borrow this land from our grandchildren. Be the radical who leaves nothing but a footprint and takes only photographs. Be honest, despite the illegal nature of taking bits of nature while hiking on public lands, how many have taken a plant or rock or even animal back home with them?  “I am just one person, it won’t be missed” right? WRONG! Every single alteration to any habitat has a ripple effect; please change your perspective. An excerpt from a short story may help the message linger longer. A girl went to a museum and took a small piece of bandage from a mummy which was on display. She thought nothing of the theft because it was after all only a small piece and there was so much remaining. That night she was visited from the mummy who plucked one hair from her head. The next night a different mummy appeared and took a single hair. The third night, again a different mummy appeared and took one hair. She realized that if this continued, she only had so many pieces before there would be nothing left. This was the exact act which she had performed at the museum. When we take from nature we are like that girl and the mummy.

In 1963 one of the most prominent wild animal parks in the world had an exhibit called “the most dangerous animal in the world” ………… what species do you think was on display? …………… it was a mirror! The most dangerous animal is the human animal. We humans vilify the wild animals with traits which are purely human. We imbue the worst characteristics of humans upon other living beings so that we may feel superior. We destroy habitat and turn a blind eye to the suffering we have caused but assuage our guilt by proclaiming the false statement ‘nature is cruel’ ‘let nature take its course’. 

Far too many view nature as a place to ‘wreck-reate’ or a place to exploit for sheer financial gain. It is imperative the lessons of cohabitation are shared freely. Leave the leaves in the autumn. Leave plant stalks and seedheads. Use no pesticide or lawn chemical. Mow less by planting native plants for year-round foraging. Reduce light pollution. Protest using poisons (aka herbicide, insecticide) on our foods.

Shift your perspective. What we do to our home and wild neighbors, so too we do to ourselves.  This planet is not ours to use up and appease our every want; this planet is merely on loan to us from our grandchildren so they may simply live with needs fulfilled.

The word radical is synonymous with fundamental, essential, deep rooted, extreme, far reaching. Are you a radical?

There is a coffee mug a friend showed me with the saying ‘sedate women seldom make history’. That can easily be applied to current times. Unless we are radical about saving the wild species and spaces of North Idaho we do not deserve to show sorrow for the loss.

Yes there are developers altering habitats and creating homes for residents. Yes there are more people moving to Idaho and calling it home. Yes we are seeing declines in native animal species and rises in human wild animal conflicts. Is the answer to post a picket sign in your yard or type franticly on a keyboard in retaliation – NO! Nothing will change except your blood pressure.

Being a warrior is about standing for and abiding by a cause. Being a visionary means there is hope for the future. Change the perspective from ‘make the best of today’ to ‘We borrow this land from our grandchildren’. See the habitat as a community where you are one small part instead of a society where you must be bold enough to dominate.   

Once upon a time the land spaces were filled with diversity of species. It is painfully clear, as more and more species are listed as endangered of being extinct or are now gone forever we must ALL become a radical to save what we love. The truth is, how we treat our home is a reflection of our destiny. What we have done to our native neighbors, so shall become of us.   

Granted Granite Gratitude

 

Be the Difference

 

The English language has assorted peculiarities one such example relates to the words Granite, Granted, Gratitude. Three very different words despite the difference of only a few letters.

Granite – noun. rock (solid, heavy)

Granted – adjective. approved, decided. / verb. given. acknowledged.

Gratitude – noun. thankfulness. gratefulness. appreciativeness.

The founder of the panhandles only licensed nonprofit organization working with native wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians has been the driving force. She has been the immovable object between certain death for hundreds of injured and orphaned wild animals.

When one person gives another something, it shows approval. The opposite occurs when someone is ‘taken for granted’. The removal of value and a general lack of empathy towards another living being.

Without this community American Heritage Wildlife Foundation would not have been able to keep Idaho wild. Thanks to the contributions of time, talent and treasure your local 501c3 has been operating for more than 20 years and without that support would have closed its doors years ago.

The difference between these similarly spelled words is only a letter or two. Granite to Granted is ‘ID’ and Gratitude is ‘U’.  YOU are why the injured and orphaned native nongame wild animals have a chance at being returned to their home territories. If you want AHWF to continue another twenty years we must have you involved today!

ID is the state we all call home. ID also is a psychology term referring to the oldest and most primitive instincts - pleasure. ID provides the drive for our actions, Superego the moral perfection and portion of personality stiving for balance between potentially opposing forces is the ego.   

Do you see your wild Idaho through the lens of ID? Do you see yourself as simply one piece of the Eco(system)?  We humans are in a place of power, let us forget and take our wild native spaces and species for granted. Let us remember Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters. Let us reflect that we can all evolve and love each living being with a little repetition and patience.  Just as the word impossible declares everything is possible (A.Hepburn) so too does the word love. Palindromes are words identical forwards and backwards, now look closely at  the words LOVE and EVOLVE.  

Idaho was once full of wild animals. The wild spaces and species were plentiful. Then we humans discovered the beauty of the wild spaces and claimed them for our own private recreational area. Conflicts arise, injuries and orphans are created and the need increases for services which are provided by no other organization. Think ECO not EGO. Be a part of nature not apart from nature. Be aware of the wild animals around you. Hesitate before approaching any wild animal. Watch for signs of distress. Follow through by connecting with Idaho’s professionals found at AIR for Wildlife (Association of Idaho Rehabbers for Wildlife).

Treat the earth as if it is has been loaned to you by your grandchildren not given to you by your parents. (Lakota Chief Crazy Horse). There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice but there must never be a time when we fail to protest (E. Wiesel). The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (Plato). Merge what you love with what is important to you (M. Chapin Carpenter). Your community needs your help with contributions of time, talent and treasure. 

Human Nature

 

Human Nature

 

What is it about human nature that makes us polar opposites?  Take a moment, reflect on those around you. … Are all the people you know named Steve or Sharon generous people? Is every Kevin and Karen bold? Perhaps human nature cannot be confined to a name; perhaps human nature is in our core being. The Nature versus Nurture theory.  Is it freedom of choice or demand of ego?

 

What makes one person stop on a highway and pick up a turtle who was trying to cross the roadway and another person simply run over the top and crush this living being? What drives one person to commit time and money when they find a wild animal orphan in need? This person will drive hours and donate money (often funds which they have do not have) to ensure the necessary care required will be possible! What encourages one person to leap in and volunteer at charities and another repeat the mantra ‘I am too busy’.    

 

One person will see a nest of crows who have fallen and say ‘well its just nature’ and ignore the vocalizations. Another will say the same thing BUT they will watch for signs of distress. They will connect with professional agencies who can answer questions and guide through the next right step. One person will see a group of Striped Skunks and run away screaming and demanding killing or trapping to take them away (which is the same thing only more suffering involved). Another person will see the group and watch for normal signs of behavior. They will rejoice in the reality these animals dig up underground wasp nests and keep rodent populations in check. One person will ignore the guidelines suggested for the best times to allow their domestic cats outside (which is around mid-day) or ignore the recommendations to keep their dogs on leash when hiking. These people treat the wilderness as their own personal habitat to abuse and yet another will spend hours picking up litter including plastic water bottles, dog feces, candy bar wrappers etc. which is not their own. One person will view the wilds of North Idaho as their personal back yard and all the inhabitants should bow down to the desires. Each animal is to be dominated and made a ‘pet’.

 

A wildlife rehabilitator is a licensed experienced professional. These dedicated few choose to commit their lives to this calling. It is in their nature to nurture. Audrey Hepburn said eloquently that ‘hard work is never so hard as when it is done with love’. Most wildlife rehabilitators are volunteer based and solely community supported. What greater statement of love is there?

 

Keeping North Idaho WILD is a necessity. It is why we all live here. It is why we all love our lives here. Despite the hardships we can always step out our door and listen to the sounds of birds calling, see pine squirrels racing around the trees, find foot prints in the mud from the assorted native neighbors, and perhaps be fortunate enough to locate one of the handful of reptiles or amphibians tough enough to call North Idaho home.

 

The wild animals have survived for hundreds of years without human intervention. They have maintained that line of respect and fear. They do not need us to ‘help’ them survive. However, we humans have created such a rapidly changed environment these last 100 years the wild animals cannot adapt. We humans have not held dear that line of respect and fear.  Is it human nature to want to dominate and put ourselves first? Is it human nature to view oneself as part of a whole?

 

Every day wild animal rehabilitators see the traumas which are inflicted upon the patients. 90 percent of patients admitted for care are a direct result of humans. Some of these injuries are purely accidental and the rescuers are such tenderhearted people. The rehabilitator is meeting a kindred spirit. Some of these injuries are a direct act of cruelty or ignorance. These rescuers are lacking in awareness and education. The only way a rehabilitation facility is able to continue from one decade to the next is with strong community support and awareness. Please help American Heritage Wildlife Foundation continue into a third decade. Ask local humane societies to expand into a wildlife ward. Seek corporate sponsorship or commissioner support to build a facility which can be staffed. Collaborate with friends to create a wildlife paramedic ambulance service.

 

Wildlife Rehab is FUN

 

Wildlife Rehab is FUN

When people first hear there is such a profession as caring for the injured and orphaned native wild animals, usually the first word uttered is FUN. The reality of accepting responsibility for the wellbeing and very life of a living being is, in a word DAUNTING.

If providing necessary medical, behavioral, psychological, and emotional care were easy, state wildlife agencies would not require citizens to be licensed. The reality is rehabbers respond to the community of caring citizens when their cat brings in a songbird, when their dog uses a turtle as a chew toy or they witnessed a vehicle aim for and intentionally run over a wild animal. They also respond when the goose family group has been separated and youngsters are wandering the roadside, when a mother raccoon has been killed and her offspring were found under the shed days later, when the lawnmower ran over the nest of baby cottontail rabbits. These caring individuals have knowledge, training, experience and networks to guide them. This harsh reality is, in a word, CHALLENGING.

As a 501c3 nonprofit with the mission to also provide education and awareness on how to keep Idaho WILD, your local wildlife rehabilitation organization also offers programs and presentations. In years past: youth summer camp, guided nature walks, children’s’ books as well as anecdotal books for older readers, public booths, and outreach events. We have spoken on important topics such as cohabitation, healthy habitats and the value of each species. Interacting with our human neighbors has been ENJOYABLE.

Did you know that recent surveys report 90% of all wild animals admitted at rehab centers are there because of human causes. To be able to return an individual who through no fault of its own was traumatized back to the home territory is what this profession is all about. There is a saying amongst professional wildlife rehabbers – every animal which crosses the threshold has already been claimed by death. That animal has already had the hand of death lay hands upon it.

When we are able to stand between death and that patient and succeed, the word is RESTORATIVE.

Wildlife rehabilitation is not the same as raising a domestic animal. Domestics have been reliant upon humans for thousands of years. Food items are created for domestics not wild animals. Domestics want to be held and interact. A wild animal wants nothing to do with humans. The boundary is respected and there is no desire to cross it. A wildlife rehabilitator honors that aspect and using wisdom gained through more than reading one online article. The reality is a ‘tame’ wild animal is a ‘dead’ wild animal.  

Wildlife rehabilitation is a calling. Wildlife rehabilitation is a career without the salary. Wildlife rehabilitation is a public service to help the native neighbors. Wildlife rehabilitation is provided by no other entity than private citizens who accept the daunting challenges with a smile and enjoy restoring a small piece of nature one animal at a time.

Wildlife rehabilitators need public support to continue the vital missions. Without supportive society, a wildlife rehabilitator is EXTINCT.

 

Be the Difference!

 

Be the Difference

 

The English language has assorted peculiarities one such example relates to the words Granite, Granted, Gratitude. Three very different words despite the difference of only a few letters.

Granite – noun. rock (solid, heavy)

Granted – adjective. approved, decided. / verb. given. acknowledged.

Gratitude – noun. thankfulness. gratefulness. appreciativeness.

The founder of the panhandles only licensed nonprofit organization working with native wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians has been the driving force. She has been the immovable object between certain death for hundreds of injured and orphaned wild animals.

When one person gives another something, it shows approval. The opposite occurs when someone is ‘taken for granted’. There is a general lack of empathy towards another living being.

Without this community American Heritage Wildlife Foundation would not have been able to help keep Idaho wild. Thanks to the contributions of time, talent and treasure your local 501c3 has been operating for more than 20 years and without that support would have closed its doors years ago. These past several years the demand has become so great, the founder has felt as if she is being crushed by a boulder of granite.   

How has AHWF been able to operate? Only because of you. AHWF is community supported for every aspect of operations. What is the difference between granite and granted ‘ID’ and gratitude ‘U’.

YOU are why the injured and orphaned native nongame wild animals have a chance at being returned to their home territories. If you want AHWF to continue another twenty years we must have you!

ID is the state we all call home. The ID is also the primitive core essence of a person. It is one of three parts to the human psyche. The ID is the source determining what gives each being happiness. The Superego is the moral compass while the Ego attempts to balance the moral conscience with the primitive base desires. Do you view Idaho as a place to ‘wreck-reate’ or as a place where you are but one small part of a vast ecosystem?

When you are able to recognize Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters you will begin to identify the importance of being a good neighbor. When you see that love is the solution, the evolution process begins. A word which is the same forwards and backwards is a palindrome. Look closely at the word Evolve. The instructions could not be any clearer. WE must evolve and love our native neighbors as ourselves, for what we do to them we do to ourselves. Real eyes realize real lies from agencies and organizations which say they support the environment. Pay attention, make a stand, shift your perspective to the mindset that we do not own this land, it is simply on loan to us from our grandchildren and all the wild neighbors.

Idaho was once full of wild animals. The wild spaces and species were plentiful. Then we humans discovered the beauty of the wild spaces and claimed them for our own.  The human population has quadrupled in 100 years. The wild animal populations have dramatically declined to levels of near extinction, imminent extinction or extinct in the last 50 years. We alone are responsible for their demise. We have taken nature for granted.

There are countless conflicts which arise, wild animal injuries and orphans are created and the need increases for services which are provided by no other organization. Think ECO not EGO. Be a part of nature not apart from nature. Be aware of the wild animals around you. Hesitate before approaching any wild animal. Watch for signs of distress. Follow through by connecting with Idaho’s professionals found at AIR for Wildlife (Association of Idaho Rehabbers for Wildlife).

IF you wish to get involved with creating the first nature center of the inland pacific northwest – which has been the vision since 2001, we need you to join with your friends and share this vital information. Make the changes to behaviors and demonstrate an attitude of gratitude for all the wild spaces and species. Gratitude is after all the key component of joy.

 

Demise of Community

 

Indoor plumbing – the demise of community?

 

Take a moment to reflect on the benefits of indoor plumbing, specifically the loo, the WC (wash closet), the john,  the head, the can, the toilet, the crapper, the commode, the porcelain throne, the potty …. Now take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned from the ‘out’ house.  What knowledge could be shared from the experiences gained by our relatives which lived in a time before this modern convenience.

These folks needed to observe many factors or else suffer the consequences. The obvious aspect was location. Not only the distance from home to outhouse but additionally the chosen pathway to the outhouse. Did the route have sharp rocks or plants with thorns? The conditions of the trees were also noted: if leaning there would be concern of falling onto the pathway. Was the trail bisected by any wild animal trails? Equally important, other trends of nature such as the direction of the wind. Did it blow away from or towards the outhouse? In every type of weather, would the path be accessible? During the spring rains, would there be puddles and mud? In the cold of winter, would there be issues with ice formation or snow drifts? The lesson: pay attention to natural world and your surrounding habitat.

Before construction could begin, the acknowledgement of physical abilities and a proper design were necessary. The builder needed to be physically able to accept the challenge, be able to obtain all necessary materials plus make sure they were sustainably sourced so a new one could be created with minimal inconvenience. Observational and memory skills were put to the test to reflect upon design flaws noted in other outhouses? Which way did the roof slant? Which direction did the door open and face? What materials had they used? Where did they put the therapeutic papers (tp)? Additional information could be gained by asking neighbors for valuable insight. There was an acceptance of limitations to live within ones means. There was value in learning as well as sharing. 

The design must be inclusive as it would be utilized by all ages and sizes of humans. It must be sturdy enough to support a large man yet small enough as not to have a small child fall in. It was also imperative that the work be done properly. An outhouse which was built with poor craftsmanship would not last for long. Poor choice of wood could result in splinters. The hole itself, if dug into a substrate which would not drain or would crumble when wet, as well as if not dug deep enough would all cause future issues. There was no excuse for exerting the least effort possible or expectations of someone else fixing your shoddy work. There must be pride in a job well done and wisdom to think of others instead of exclusively self.

This wisdom to look outward to community has eroded. The realization that we are made to be together and cooperate has been lost. The world today preaches the value of looking inward and relying upon self. Society demands we be narcissistic (self-absorbed); take as much as you can for as long as you can. To be considered important you must go faster than your neighbor. In our haste to speed up and be more productive, are we actually doing more damage?

The Anthropologist Kathryn Bouskill has been studying the effects of fast paced living on humans.  Except for the exponential population growth, what do we as a race of humans have to show for the past 50 years? 100 years? 200 years? The world population, at the start of the 1800’s was around one billion people. In a span of 100 years, the population doubled. Statistically speaking, approximately 50 people for every 5,280 square feet. By the 1970’s the population again doubled to four billion people. Incidentally, that was also the same decade in which the realization that the United States had surpassed the carrying capacity of its citizens.  The term carrying capacity is defined as the ability for one nation to grow enough food within the soil of that nation to support all the humans who live within the boundaries of that nation. This explains why our grocery store foods are more world traveled than the majority of shoppers.      

The world human population is presently over 8 billion, for every square mile 130 people. In essence, where there was only one person now within a span of a single generation there are three. The wild animal species however have not been able to over populate their habitat. They have not been reckless by acting as if there were seemingly unlimited resources of food, shelter, water.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list established in 1964 as an indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. This list currently provides the names of more than 150,300 species. Over 42,000 have populations declining; one of every three is threatened with the reality of extinction. In the United States 1,300 species are in endangered. The number of known globally extinct living beings was 842 only 13 years ago, today 905 known species - gone forever. These numbers do not reflect the dark extinctions, those species which died out before we have even discovered them and determined their contributing value. Unless we think of community instead of self and take bold actions, we will be once more be responsible for mass genocide. ‘One does not have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient.’ – Charles Blow

The last 50 years many bird species have had population declines as great as 60%. Hundreds of lives have been lost, and hundreds more are considered to be extinct within the next fifty years. Do we feel empathy for the devastation? Do we even acknowledge ourselves as the destroyer of all creation?

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. Wrong is always wrong no matter how many are doing it. Right is always right even if no one is doing it.  “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort. It is choosing what is right over what is fun. Fast. Or easy. It is choosing to practice your values rather than simply professing them”- Professor & Author Brene Brown. You may never know what results come from your actions but if you do nothing here will be no results. – political ethicist & lawyer Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ & activist Kasturba Gandhi. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. – Theologian Desmond Tutu

The desire for we humans to have every want conveniently and expediently fulfilled appears to be acceptable. Do we consider the origins of the water when we twist the knob? Or electricity when we flip a switch? What about the foods we consume? Where do they come from? Because of the advancements in there are wonderful improvements to the medical field, industry, transportation, and connectivity. Thanks to innovations in technology, we have access to a great flood of information on a global scale within minutes. In one moment, we see human tragedies, scroll a bit more to see humorous baby animal videos, scroll further to salacious celebrity headlines. We are living faster than we can cognitively process. We pack our days with activities but are we actually improving our lives? Happiness and busy-ness are not synonymous.  We have polarized our communities, stifled our creativity and retreated into our self-made safe havens of chaos. We are surrounded by billions of people and yet we feel more isolated and lonelier than any time in history!  

As anthropologist Jane Goodall said ‘Here we are arguably the most intelligent being that ever walked the planet earth with this extraordinary brain yet we are destroying the only home we have.’ How many of the 8 billion humans view themselves as a guest on this planet; the earth as being borrowed from future generations - a loan from the native neighbors? How many view it as a place to control? Privilege is when you think something is not a problem because it is not a problem to you personally. It is culturally sanctioned to stay busy no matter the expenditure of natural resources. But author Brian Herbert points out “The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice.”  A question was posed – Would you give up right to vote or give up your smart phone? The majority of those polled responded flippantly: the right to vote! Technology keeps me connected.

Sociologist W.E.B. DuBois astutely professed that we should measure the prosperity of the nation not by the number of millionaires but by the absence of poverty; the prevalence of health; the efficiency of the public schools; and the number of people who can and do read worthwhile books.” If you view reading a waste of time, consider the insight of Albert Einstein that creativity is the residue of time wasted. The creations of art, music, and writing are ways to be reminded that humanity is capable of beautiful things and allow us to escape the harsh reality encapsulating us daily. 

‘The earth provides enough to satisfy mans needs, but not every greed’ – M. Gandhi. There is no limit on what entails enough for many of the most wealthy and powerful human beings on this planet. There is the desire to possess more. Yet the wisest person finds contentment with the joys which have no monetary value. Those souls are by far the wisest. They K.I.S.S. and find JOY! They Keep It Super Simple and find the Jubilation of Yielding. Discovering youthful bliss in the assorted shades of green upon the natural landscape, the symphony of wild bird songs, the fragrant scent of flowers, the taste of wholesome foods. Nothing in nature lives for itself. Rivers do not drink their own water. Trees do not eat their own fruit. Flowers do not spread fragrance for themselves. Living for others is the rule of nature. It is the humans then which can be defined as the aberrant beings.        

The lessons of the past should still resonate in the present. The only way to preserve a future is by acknowledging we must be aware of the wild spaces and species around us. We must not be afraid to share and learn experiential facts. We must think of ourselves as one member of a community – an ecosystem where all members actions effect all the other members very lives. Reflect upon the insight in this statement: When any living being is removed from the natural landscape, the ripples are always felt – except man-kind. We humans must identify the truth that our place in the natural world is not defined as the dominant destroyer but rather a guest in the home of our wild native neighbors.     

Have we finally reached a place in history when we are able to see the consequences for our actions and inactions? Weak people are abusive and spiteful. Strong people are protective and loving. Compassion is not a weakness. The absence of it is toxic. It is the savage who destroys the spaces and species around himself. “Cruelty is the worst of human sins. Once we accept that a living creature has feelings and suffers pain then knowingly and deliberately inflict suffering on that creature, we are guilty whether it be human or animal.”- J. Goodall. “You need power only when you want to do something harmful. Otherwise, love is enough to get everything done.” - Film maker Charles ‘Charlie’ Chaplin

Closing words of wisdom from World Class freediver Kimi Werner “When you feel the need to speed up, slow down!” and look around.

 

Parallel Lines

 

Parallel Lines

 

The phrase “stand for something or fall for everything” reflects the passion of community. The desire to become involved with a battle cry to fight for what stirs you soul. The recognition that you cannot enjoy the privilege of being silent.

Society relies upon technology and industry. Communities require citizens who care. Society needs / demands capital and assets as indicators of success. Community provides services not otherwise found. These services help create a thriving neighborhood. These services fill the holes and provide an assistance for those with want and in need. 

Public Libraries for example were established “to bring information and imagination to all the people of community”.  These institutions offer enjoyment for each citizen of the community. They exist because of support by each member of society. Regardless of which station in life or belief. A public service which exists for the betterment of society. Many public libraries are simply an extension of community, a place where friends gather and share information. Most societies agree a public library should provide all manner of topics in assorted media formats; they are not institutions for only a privileged few. 

Another example of a public service which is perhaps taken for granted, fire departments and the mission to save lives and protect property. Citizens expect there will be this service provided in their community. However, think for a moment about the level of commitment required by each member, particularly in rural areas where the members are volunteering their time and talent and even treasure.

Imagine your shed is on fire. You need a team of experienced professionals. You place the call. ………..    No one answers the telephone. No one has signed up to training. No one has been willing to support community. Your shed burns to the ground.

Just as society expects a response when a fire arises, there is also the expectation for ‘someone’ to rise to the challenge when a wild animal situation arises. JUST like a VFD (Volunteer Fire Department) cannot function and respond when emergency arises, neither can a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center when there are no bodies willing to commit to helping neighbors.

A wild animal is a living being which deserves respect and to not be treated like a do-it-yourself project by an untrained citizen. A wild animal is not the same as a domestic pet. Also true is the reality that one tender heart cannot carry the burden of supporting an entire society in need.

‘Those who do not move never feel their chains’ were the words spoken by Rosa Luxemburg - a very wise person. If you do not get involved in what you love today; it may not exist tomorrow. A community is very much synonymous with an ecosystem. All members must contribute in their own way in order to keep it functioning. Eco is Greek for House. Our communal household demands certain aspects accomplished in order to remain standing and functioning. 

Only with unity and acceptance can a society rise up to the challenge of being a community. Mattie Stepanek said Unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. Communities must be guided by unbiased public sector representatives. There are many local charities in which to become involved. Sadly, smaller charities are underserved and overshadowed by entities which claim the spotlight. Choose wisely – opt for community!  As we each begin a new day, take a moment and reflect upon the actions of self and how to improve our todays and ensure a better tomorrow. Make a pledge to present the present as a present for future generations.

Society and Community may be parallel to each other. Both appear to be heading the same direction. Both appear to have the same course. However, without individuals removing the obstacles, repairing damage, and warning of the hazards the road will not be traversable. There will be a traffic jam where Everybody was sure that Somebody would take care of it. Anybody could have done it. Somebody got angry, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized Everybody would not do it. So, in the midst of stagnation and sorrow, Everybody blamed Somebody when nobody did what Anybody could have done.    A society has four types of ‘body’. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. A community has caring hearts, willing hands, active feet and engaged minds. It is up to you where you live.