Don't Touch That Wounded Animal!
Today, a very sad thing happened. Sometimes the right decision isn't always the easiest decision, and sometimes that decision means no one wins.
Our baby owl had to be euthanized this morning. Even after surgery, she wasn't able to stand on her own on even her good leg. It became clear that she was not going to recover in such a way that she'd ever be even comfortable, so euthanizing her was the only humane option.
It's always sad to euthanize an animal. I always enter on such a thing with a very heavy heart. Saving this little owl was something I really wanted to do, because that's what I do. I like happy endings, and sad ones really stink.
This one hit me particularly hard because I also struggled with anger. When this owl was first found, a rehabilitator was not called right away. Instead, children played with it, no doubt causing or compounding her injuries. People are often well-intentioned, but what they don't know really can hurt - and often it's someone or something else that gets hurt.
If you find an animal that appears injured, or a baby animal that appears abandoned, DON'T TOUCH IT! Call a professional! Call Western Plains Animal Refuge for advice, if you want. Our number is 785-621-4222. But don't touch it.
Learn what to do if you find a baby animal here.
Because happy endings are better for everyone.
It's always sad to euthanize an animal. I always enter on such a thing with a very heavy heart. Saving this little owl was something I really wanted to do, because that's what I do. I like happy endings, and sad ones really stink.
This one hit me particularly hard because I also struggled with anger. When this owl was first found, a rehabilitator was not called right away. Instead, children played with it, no doubt causing or compounding her injuries. People are often well-intentioned, but what they don't know really can hurt - and often it's someone or something else that gets hurt.
If you find an animal that appears injured, or a baby animal that appears abandoned, DON'T TOUCH IT! Call a professional! Call Western Plains Animal Refuge for advice, if you want. Our number is 785-621-4222. But don't touch it.
Learn what to do if you find a baby animal here.
Because happy endings are better for everyone.
Posted by Jessica Braun at 6/16/2009 9:28 PM 
Categories: Baby Animals,Animal Rescue,Western Plains Animal Refuge,Wild Animal Rehabilitation
Tags: animal rescue wildlife rescue baby coyotes baby birds baby owl deer rescue animal care barn owl Jessica Braun deer rehabilitation animal babies baby raccoons
Categories: Baby Animals,Animal Rescue,Western Plains Animal Refuge,Wild Animal Rehabilitation
Tags: animal rescue wildlife rescue baby coyotes baby birds baby owl deer rescue animal care barn owl Jessica Braun deer rehabilitation animal babies baby raccoons
Comments