It all started with a squirrel. I looked out my kitchen window and saw it dragging itself across my back yard. I knew it was seriously injured and dying. I held it on my lap with one hand while dialing the phone with the other, reaching out to the only place I could think of. I'd seen their donation jars in various places, but I had no idea at that moment as I sat trying to bring comfort to this little creature, what impact Fellow Mortals would have on my life. I didn't know what to do or how to help it. All I knew was I wasn't going to let it die alone. It's life mattered. I left a message and sat there crying while I awaited a call back. To my delight, I was quickly called back. The voice on the other end of the phone calmed me right down and I'll never forget how well she handled the situation. The thing that stood out most was the compassion in her voice. She let me know I wasn't alone. Fellow Mortals was there, and all too ready to help. Although the squirrel wouldn't survive it's spinal injuries, I felt peace in knowing its life came to an end in the most capable, compassionate and caring hands, and that it didn't die scared and alone. Its legacy has carried on. You see, until that day, I wouldn't drive the highway system. I grew up navigating country roads. I feared highways. But my need to get the squirrel to Fellow Mortals was stronger than my fear. Not only did I navigate the highway system alone that day, I discovered the gas guage was blinking on the way there. In my concern for the squirrel, I had failed to realize I was so low on fuel when I started out. I just knew I was going to run out of gas along the highway. I was riding on fumes when I finally reached a gas station. That little life changed mine. I now navigate the roadways with ease. That squirrel not only took away my fear, but paved the way for all the other wild ones that I would eventually find. For anyone who has found an injured animal, just imagine if there wasn't a place to help. To see an injured animal and know there's nothing you can do. I can't fathom that idea. Fellow Mortals is God's gift to us. They are not funded by the state. They survive on donations alone. If people like you and I don't help, who would be there for the wild ones? Every dollar matters. It doesn't matter how small or insignificant you may think it is. There are many ways of giving, From sponsoring, to bringing in things like dish soap or a bag of nuts. It all matters. And for those of you who want to give but have no money, how about volunteering your time? That's what my husband and I have recently done. There's nothing as gratifying as knowing you are making a difference in the life of an animal. And if you'd like to go a step further, why not leave a lasting legacy and become a planned giver? It's easy to do and your gift would ensure that the wild ones continue to have a place to help them long after you're gone. For some reason I can't explain, animals in need seem to find me. Whether it's driving along and finding an Injured falcon sitting in the middle of the road or a hurt dove in my own yard. Through the years I've taken many wild creatures to Fellow Mortals and I thank God that they are there. The staff and volunteers are just the nicest, most caring and compassionate people I've ever met. It doesn't matter what the animal is or if you are able to offer a donation when you bring in the injured or abandoned animal, each animal is cared for just as lovingly. They work hard and put in long hours and they do this out of love for these creatures. God bless Fellow Mortals. You guys are Angel's on earth. Thank you for taking care of the wild ones and giving all who enter your doors a "chance" they wouldn't otherwise have.
Fellow Mortals has been a priceless resource for both the wildlife of their part of the state and the people in their region who care about wildlife for more than two decades. This is a professional organization fueled mostly by the sheer will, compassion and committment of their handful of staff. This staff works, long, long hours to make sure the animals in their care are treated with kindness and respect. Fellow Mortals and their professional, caring staff are valued colleagues and friends whom we greatly value.
Review from Guidestar
I always love to take every chance I can get to praise Fellow Mortals. I had two internships 6 years ago, working a estimated total time of 10 months full time, where I had the unique opportunity to learn to care for wildlife. I am now a veterinarian, and there are too few of us that know about wildlife. I work with 5 veterinarians, and even though I am the youngest, they rely on me for wildlife advice, and sometimes even calling me on my day off. I can honestly tell you that wildlife care differs with every rehabber or hospital, but Fellow Mortals is one of those rare places that cares for wildlife the RIGHT way. They are always striving to learn more with medical care. In addition to giving high quality care, they also educate students by giving them internships to learn how to care for wildlife and to carry that knowledge with them wherever life may take them. Fellow Mortals deserves it.
Review from Guidestar
My wife and have been federally licensed bird rehabilitators for 30 years. I have never seen a more caring and competent environment where the use of funds is frugal and used is the best interest of the creatures.
Fellow Mortals is a truly unique and amazing wildlife hospital. They provide high quality care to injured and orphaned wildlife while rehabilitating them to be released back to the wild. They are compassionate, ethical, knowledgeable, and extremely committed. I have had the honor of working with them in the past in various capacities and can not recommend them more highly. Dr. Amanda Falch