Animal caring

I was mostly involved with orphaned and injured baby animals and birds, and the occasional relocation of an adult. It was by turn the most inspiring and uplifting work and also heartbreaking. Many animals that came to me had horrendous injuries. I’m sure you don’t want the details, but it amazed me that they were still alive. Other times a mother kangaroo would have been killed by a car (or truck) and the baby (joey) would be uninjured.

This was such a learning time for me. Learning how to do this job properly (there was a lot to learn). Learning about the physiology of the various animals. Learning about what was expected behaviour of each animal, and how to encourage them to revert to “wild behaviour” after (in many cases) months in care. Learning how to “harden up” (me). Learning how to put them first. Learning that wild animals are not domestic animals.

Then I learned so much about people. A lot of people thought I was mad, some even thought I was caring for vermin. Learning how little the general public knew about wildlife (this was true of me before I started caring for wildlife). Learning not to judge by appearances. I often had really rough looking “bikies” covered in tattoos knocking at my door, looking slightly embarrassed, and carrying a tiny bird or baby animal in their huge hands, and asking me most politely would I please be able to care for it. Their little charge would be wrapped in anything from a not very clean handkerchief to a rag that would be best described as an oily rag, or maybe if it was lucky, a flannelette shirt (or part thereof). Whatever was used, the animal/bird was tenderly wrapped in it, or it was organised as a nest. I would take the creature from them, asking did they want the wrapping back, and promise to take good care of their little charge, and then transfer it to something clean, and more appropriate.

I rarely saw them again, but a couple of times I was hailed from a motor bike and asked how the little thing had gone. The neighbourhood got used to it…and me.

I learned how this was God’s plan for me…at that time. And how he was using me to help animals, His creatures, and how I was being a steward for Him. How I was quietly showing His love by being loving to those animals, and loving to the people who brought them. I would promise to give the animal the best care I could. Unfortunately at times that meant taking them to the vets and arranging euthanasia. I was always truthful with people, but rarely gave the details. These people were suffering too. Often they saw themselves as the cause of the animals’ injuries, and needed reassurance. If it was appropriate, depending on the needs of the animal, I would have a cup of tea with the person and explain what would happen. I would never “bible bash” these people, but occasionally they would ask why I did it. I would give them a very brief explanation, because some were obviously embarrassed, but just sometimes I would get affirmation from them, that I was a Christian, and this was God’s work for me.

I’m sure some thought I had completely lost it, but people kept bringing the animals to me for care.

I think the biggest lesson I learned was that God cared. For the wildlife, for all his creatures, for the people I dealt with, and for me. All love comes from Him. After all, He loved me so much that Jesus died for me, for everyone, to give us what Christ deserved. And I was passing His love onto others, as He commanded.

My life has changed now, and I can no longer care for wildlife. But I look back on that time with such fondness and such memories. I give heartfelt thanks to God that He allowed me that experience, and was able to use me in that way. And taught me all those life lessons! God’s work takes many forms! God made preachers, cleaners……and animal carers!