Spotlight: Deanne Lawrence
FoxTales Wildlife Rehab is so grateful for our wonderful volunteers. We hope you enjoy reading Deanne’s story about how and why she supports the FoxTales mission.
How did you first find out about FoxTales Wildlife Rehab?
I learned of FoxTales when our community wildlife group was making a list of local rehabbers for a supply drive
Why do you think it is important to coexist with wildlife?
Our health is directly related to the health of the world around us, and that includes the plants and wildlife. Wild animals do not understand the boundaries of our homes and yards and we continue to encroach on their natural habitat. We all have a shared responsibility in maintaining a peaceful coexistence with wild animals, and understanding how our actions may cause them harm or endanger them.
How did you get started working with wildlife?
I’ve always been an animal person but devoted most of my adult life to dogs, dog training and dog sports. After an open house tour at the Wildlife Center of Virginia somewhere around 2016, I was motivated to volunteer. I was lost without a dog for the first time in 20 years. I took several of WCVs online courses and became a volunteer transporter. My husband and I did capture/transport together for the next six years, which allowed us to meet rehabbers, ACOs and DWR staff, see facilities, and really understand the process of getting help for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. As part of a community wildlife group for the past few years, I’ve been able to share what I’ve learned, assist with conflict resolution and learn more about local, state and federal laws relating to wildlife.
What made you want to volunteer with FoxTales?
A friend and I had recently gotten our caregiver permits with another rehabber. When we found out we could be caregivers for more than one rehabber, we knew FoxTales was caring for a lot of animals and needed help. So we set up a meeting and then decided to get our pre-exposure rabies shots. I am really excited to be learning from someone who is not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also committed to continued education and implementing best practices in all aspects of care.
With all your hands-on volunteer experience, do you have a favorite animal?
Crows, ravens and foxes are probably at the top of the list but I also love raptors, songbirds, opossums, squirrels, turtles, toads and lizards. In the past few years, I’ve developed a genuine appreciation for spiders, insects and snakes, northern water snakes in particular, and now have a pet corn snake named Irwin (who you see in my pictures).
Do you have any advice for someone who is considering volunteering with a wildlife rehabber, but may be hesitating to do so?
Do it! You will learn so much and it’s incredibly rewarding. There are so many ways to volunteer and so many great resources for learning. Personally, I think transport is one of the best ways to start, because you will meet rehabbers and other wildlife professionals, visit facilities and learn the process of getting animals into care.
Is there anything about wildlife that you wish the public would understand?
That all of our wild neighbors deserve our respect and compassion because we inhabit the same spaces, and that they don’t need to benefit us directly in order for us to accept their presence. All wild animals, including predators, are just trying to survive and raise their babies. The very best thing we can do for them is let them be wild animals.
