I called to ask for help and I was attended by the owner who was pretty much a monster. I was trying to get help for a fledgling and instead of being met with compassion, or being attentive to help I got yelled at for a good 5 minutes for trying to do the best I can for the situation that I was in.
She seems to forget that this is about what’s best for the animal. If we were actually on the same page about that, she wouldn’t have lashed out the way she did.
Regardless, I’m happy it turned out that way since I instead went to Holly’s Nest in Sanford. Where I was greeted with kindness and understanding and people that are passionate about helping. Both humans and animals. I recommend that place instead.
I made the mistake of first contacting Claws about a couple of baby rabbits that needed care. As soon as I mentioned I had a cat outdoors, the Claws representative told me they (meaning cats apparently) were a non-native species and that they would not be taking my bunnies because I'm an irresponsible pet owner. She immediately hung up. She offered no reason other than I guess attempting to shame and punish me (and the rabbits).
I told my story on their Facebook account and the employee stated they meant the cat was invasive and not the rabbits. It was easy to be confused by the call because she emotionally lashed out and hung up as quickly as she could to avoid and response or discussion.
Claws clearly cares more about virtue signaling than helping animals. Our Wild Neighbors in Hillsborough was very helpful and I was able to find a local wildlife rehabilitation volunteer who was able to take the rabbits who are currently doing very well in their care.
Review from Guidestar
Wow, where to begin...Claws does so many different things including but not limited to educational programs, rescue & placement of exotic pets in need of new homes on a national level, rehabilitation & release/placement of local wildlife (I'm talking about songbirds, birds of prey, small mammals, deer! You name it, they take it! They truly do not discriminate species where alot of non-profits really must make a distinction in order to be successful)...Claws is also active in international breeding programs and they mentor/train rehabbers throughout the year.
My experience with Claws is two fold, as a volunteer AND also as a fellow wildlife rehabilitator. I've never been apart of an organization that did so much good in so many different ways concerning so many different species. I've learned so much from volunteering with Claws at local educational programs and fund raisers, even coming to them with an exotic care background, I am constantly learning new things about animals.
Claws is strictly a volunteer organization with no paid employees. The staff is made up mostly of a core family and other volunteers. Their knowledge of the many species they work with on a daily basis is just amazing. Alot of their permanent animals that cannot be released due to injuries, would have to be euthanized by law if they were not apart of an educational program. Kindra's animals are not only given the best care possible, but they are happy. They are handled and socialized so that these educational experiences are not stressful, and in Claws fashion, the animals always come first, if they do not wish to participate that day, they are not forced to do so. Their educational programs reach children and adults alike...people learn so much about the animals around them, as well as exotics and how to live with nature as a whole.
As a rehabber, I've enjoyed networking with Claws so that local wildlife in need can be delivered to a rehabber as quickly as possible. Claws (Kindra specifically) has been an incredible resource for local rehabbers. Claws is always willing to train or brainstorm any problems or odd issues that might arise...and often help out with the overflow from the home rehabbers if the season becomes crazy busy. I've had the pleasure of training under Kindra on songbirds...and I could not have asked for a better teacher.
I am/have been involved in numerous nonprofits over the years working with exotic animals/wildlife. I can not say enough good things about Claws. Here the people revolve around the animals at all hours of the night and day, here Triage is constantly on-going 24-7 and the vet, meds and food bills are extremely high, even with discounts (ever wonder what a hawk surgery costs?)....in this house, people ask is this fruit for animals or the two legged household member?
I consider myself blessed to be a part of the Claws family.