Im Back.

I know that a lot of people read my blogs daily and I try to keep up with one daily but it is hard to do when you don't have a computer for a couple of days. Figured out the problem and we are back online again. I had a great 4th of July, I actually left the facility long enough to go to a friends house for a BBQ and to watch the fireworks. It was actually nice to hangout with the wife, kids and friends without the phone or an animal hanging off of me.

The beginning of the week we had a reporter from the Mountain Eagle here to do a story on Oscar and New York Wildlife Rescue Center. I've met some really nice reporters lately and it has been great sharing the story of Oscar the Bobcat and what we do for the animals here at our facility. I really think that we are a very unique place. We are licensed, inspected and regulated, many "rescue facilities" are not . Ive been thinking a lot about it lately. I really think that some State Agency (such as Ag and Markets) should give accreditation and license facilities that want to call themselves an animal rescue place. There have been a lot of well intentioned people that have saved animals, called themselves a rescue and are basically animal hoarders that can't afford to feed what they have. I have been personally involved with several "big" rescues at other facilities that have more animals than they can feed and end up becoming a rescue case themselves.

People send donations and give their support here because they can see what we do. I think all rescue facilities should be open for inspection. Should be licensed by DEC, Ag and Markets, USDA or the US Fish and Wildlife Service. All facilities should be Open to the public, even if on an appointment basis. There should be a budget, program of veterinary care, sufficient facilities for an appropriate number of animals ... I have a list . I would be more than happy to sit down with anyone from any government agency to come up with a way to do a voluntary licensing program to become an accredited "Rescue Facility". It would make it more difficult for just anyone with a good heart and a lot of animals to call themselves a rescue facility (enough of that vent).

Been very busy here. We had another great photographer and reporter from the Daily Gazette come yesterday to do an article for the Sunday Gazette. I will put links up for these articles and news reports as I get them. They were both awesome reporters, I am really looking forward to seeing these articles and really appreciate the attention that a lot of reporters have given Oscar and our Open House on July 18th. Enough of my complaining about animal hoarders calling themselves rescues. Lets talk about animals. That is what we are all about.

Since my last blog on July 6th, we have had several cottontail rabbits come in. They were all good sized so they have been relatively painless to feed and wean soon. I also had a fawn come in from another wildlife rehabilitator. Something has bitten her up pretty good. I think that she will be ok. Last night, I had another little baby bat come in. So far, so good. The bat was very dehydrated but has started to come back to life great. I have to run, have to go to Barber's to get veggies for my animals. I will try to do another blog later.

Justin, Chris and I have been working late trying to do the finishing work on the Raptor Center (phase one) for our Open House. Tell everyone you know about the Open House.... I hope the weather cooperates and we have a good turnout.

Wes