Because They Matter

I don’t remember how I stumbled across Because They Matter by Cindy Traisi, but it was so enjoyable I had trouble putting it down!  The book is a collection of chapters which can each stand-alone, and together they provide an in-depth look at the day-to-day happenings at a wildlife rehabilitation center.  I think what makes the book unique is that the individual stories are so “mundane” on the surface, yet those of us who love animals will cheerfully devour a book describing baby bobcats at play, the demanding gluttony of baby birds, and the antics of a mischievious crow.  The real joy of being around wildlife isn’t found in the big dramatic moments, but it’s in the tiny things, like watching an orphaned coyote contentedly suckle on a bottle, or knowing that you made the last few hours in the life of an injured rabbit peaceful and pain-free.  My wildlife rehab skills are limited to orphaned baby birds, but even then there’s an incredible satisfaction in removing a splint from a sparrow and knowing it will be able to fly again, or in having a tiny finch open its mouth to be fed when it sees you enter a room.  I always felt a mixture of awe at the fact the animals were allowing me into their lives, and humility because of their trust.  If you’re curious about wildlife rehab or just love true animal stories, this book is a real treat.  Not all the stories have happy endings, but they’re all written with humour and love.

And on a related note… here’s an entertaining blog entry for those of us who don’t mind going the extra mile to help a little critter in need: Sparrows do not belong at the library.

Posted by Leigh-Ann on 05/14 at 10:11 PM

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