My Mission
My purpose is to educate the public on the level of commitment required for reptiles and amphibians, to prevent pets from being abandoned in the wild causing the potential death of the pet and detriment to native species, and to provide homes that can adequately care for these animals.
Why is there a need to rescue
reptiles and amphibians?
Because sometimes life gets the
best of us. Births, deaths, divorces, marriages, and financial
disasters can change many aspects of our lives. These situations can
affect our ability
to care for our much beloved pets.
Sometimes, we are not informed at the pet store that the cute little
hatchling tortoise we are buying is going to turn into a 110lb ramming
machine.
Sometimes, we are not told that the cute little green lizard is going to
grow to be over 6 feet long with razor sharp claws and an attitude to match.
If they live that long.
More often than not pet store owners and employees are not as knowledgeable
as they should be about the species that they sell, and we end up with pets
that we are not equipped to care for.
I am a private individual. I have been involved in the rescue of dogs, cats,
horses, and various other livestock for years. I feel that because of
my love and knowledge of them, it is time I extend that to reptiles and
amphibians. The main reason for my focus is that most humane societies
and animal shelters are unequipped and incapable of caring for these types
of pets. I have seen reptiles and amphibians kept in conditions that
would put people in jail on felony charges, IF it was a furry pet. Our
scaley and slimy friends, however, do not seem to warrant as much attention
from the legal system or the lay person.
I am an experienced herpetoculturist that has kept many species over the
last 15 years, and I have done intense studying into diet and nutrition.
I am willing to take in unwanted animals on a case to case basis, and either
provide them with a permanent home or find individuals that can. I
require all prospective adopters to exhibit that they can adequately provide
for the animal that they are adopting, and they are contractually obligated
to do so.
Whether or not I can take on a pet depends on both the species and the space
that I have available. I am not equipped to house large Green Iguanas. I am also unable to take
large constrictors or poisonous species due to having children in my home.
Turtles, tortoises, almost all lizards and almost all amphibians may find
help here.
If I am unable to provide for your pet, I can help put you in touch with
organizations that can. Some facilities in the state of Michigan are
equipped to handle Green Iguanas, but they may require a surrender fee due
to the high level of care that they require.
Please contact me for more information.
I am not accepting any mammals at this time.
You are required to transport the animal needing placement to me. I am
located in Cadillac, MI 49601. Shipping of animals is possible based on
certain factors, such as species and weather, but owners and adopters are
responsible for all charges.
I am a bit out of the way for some owners, but I do have friends in the downstate area that can also help. We all work together for the good of the animals.
* Due to a recent high volume of surrenders of Red Eared Slider turtles, and they space they require, I am unable to take any more at this time. I am more than happy to help coordinate adoptions for RES, but please be advised that due to their large adult size they are difficult to place, and no one is willing to pay for shipping for a RES.
*I am often asked why I require a set $15 adoption fee for RES, when I often ask for less or even nothing for larger, more rare or commercially expensive reptiles. The simple reason is that Red Eared Sliders are a "throw-away" pet. Purchased as tiny hatchlings, RES quickly grow to a much more difficult to maintain size. Females can attain the size of dinner plates in just a few short years.
It costs me a LOT to house and feed a slider, and often for several years before placement is found. $15 doesn't begin to touch the expense, but helps me assure a good home.