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This was another difficult year with many changes. We had our usual overload of fawns. Our five satellite shelters were full. As fawns matured and were ready for release, they dashed joyfully out the open gate without hesitation, instinctively responding to their natural longing to be free. Swimming pools, holding tanks, ponds, any source of water, create a necessary attraction for wildlife. Due to dry summer creeks and drought conditions, they invade these premises to survive. Open gates, low fences, and inadequate reinforcement permit a desperate and thirsty animal to enter, and much too often, slip into these tempting traps. The law exists to require property owners to protect any living creature from having access to these dangers. More and more schools and public organizations are learning of our free wildlife education programs. Quite often, in this time of budget cuts, free, is a key word for schools. Julie has been dashing to all corners of the county with her van filled with mounted exhibit animals. These native animals are used to teach children, and adults, to treasure the variety of wildlife that still roam throughout our county. We are privileged to be living in an area where a variety of wildlife still abounds. We, at Fawn Rescue, feel strongly about the importance of a child learning the ways of the wild. Some have little exposure to these fascinating creatures and would not know of their existence if we were not available to show them hoofs, talons, claws, hair textures and size at close range. These children are full of amazing questions (how much must a vulture eat before it can't fly away?), and they produce some touching and delightful drawings in response to our visit (a small child approaching a fawn where the does pleads, "Don't touch that fawn, that's my dawder."). Smile. For the second year, Lani and Arleen rounded up a group of volunteers to help them set up and maintain a highly successful booth at the Santa Rosa Farmer's Market. This is one more way of reaching out to the public and passing along information about the necessary work we do with Sonoma County fawns. Our Spring Open House was a great success. We hope you were able to join us and we expect to be able to invite you again before long. It's our way of showing you about our important work. Fawn Rescue, once again, has a position open for a qualified person with animal experience, whose primary interest is working with wildlife. We provide a vital service to the county and this service must continue. We admit this is not easy work, and we ask for your help in locating the right person. The rewards far outshine any other consideration. If you know of anyone who would enjoy this challenge, please have them call Marj at (707)-833-6727. Please note our new official address and phone number. January 2009 will be our 20th year since Fawn Rescue's founding! A lot of fawns helped, with devotion, and you are an important part of it all. Thank you for your many, many years of interest and support. It does take a village, a city, a county. Marj Davis, Director |
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