Nicole Ankenman

Vancouver, BC

I am sitting down to write this testimonial on the computer here at Critter Care, immediately after I have just finished my final day here. It has been 9 weeks since I first arrived here, and I am both sad to leave, and excited to move on to the next adventure.

I found out about Critter Care through the internet, and searched the web-page, pausing most thoroughly at the testimonials, as you, the reader, are doing presently. I had always wanted to volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center, but before deciding upon Critter Care, I wanted to know what the people who had come through here had to say about their time at Critter Care. The message I got was, that it is very hard work, that it is not for sissies, and that it is a life-changing learning experience.  It was all of those things, and more, since of course I was able to have fun!

For the sake of simplification, I am going to discuss several main topics.

The People. I knew from the get-go that the people I would be working with would make or break this experience for me.  I am happy to say that everybody I have met here has been absolutely wonderful, and I have made some great friends, and had lots of laughs and great conversations. This applies all the way from the permanent and dedicated people who work here year round, to the other interns, and to the volunteers that may come in once a week. Almost everybody I have encountered here has a really good attitude, and are positive, compassionate, respectful, fun people that I have enjoyed meeting and spending time with.

The Animals. Of course, this is probably why you are thinking about coming here. It is an unequaled opportunity to be around various types of native BC mammals, and to interact with them all in various ways. I encountered raccoons, bears, sea otters, opossums, beavers, rabbits, squirrels, a marmot, and a bobcat. I arrived here at the end of the summer (baby season), and had the opportunity to bottle feed a few squirrels, and to be involved in several releases, including raccoons and rabbits. Seeing raccoons enter their new and natural environment is such a treat. They all react so differently, but mostly they appear elated to be in the great outdoors again. The resident bobcat Hoover and I had several cuddles a day. She loves to get her head scratched. I was also entrusted to work with the two beavers, Gordie and Frankie, and was able to get to know them and their hilarious quirks and astounding beavers-ways quite well.  The greatest treat for me, however, was to work near nine baby black bears. They are absolutely captivating animals, with so much curiosity and personality.

When considering this internship, it is important to be realistic. Do not assume that this place is a fairy tale full of cuddly animals. This is reality at its starkest. Not all of the animals make it. Death is a constant here. And there are many sad stories. Although I was expecting this, and being exposed to all of this was an invaluable personal learning experience for me, it is also very hard. However, at the end of the day, most of the animals that arrive here injured or orphaned make it out happy, healthy and with a good solid second chance at life. Although we do not know what happens to them when they leave, knowing they we gave them a really good second chance is enough.

The Location. The property is situated directly beside the Campbell Valley Regional Park. I love being outdoors, and on my days off, it was a wonderful place to go with a book to read, and to stroll around in. This is also horse country, and there are many friends to be made on walks around the area. I loved watching all the trees turn as fall arrived. The colors were astounding. However, the property is basically isolated from urban civilization. The nearest coffee shop is a two hour walk away, which I did several times, and it was quite pleasant, but be aware. There are no buses nearby. We could catch rides once in a while, but it is a privilege, and not to be counted on, especially in the evenings. This location will become your castle or prison, depending on your attitude. I found it very cozy here. It was my castle. The intern cabin was fun, because it was like a constant sleepover with friends!  There are three different TV's, one with a DVD, and one with VCR, available to us, and lots of channels. There is a computer with internet. But further than that, it is up to you to make your own fun. I enjoyed spending my time drawing, playing guitar, reading, and hanging out with all the fabulous ladies here.  I was completely content with that, but perhaps bring some props with you to entertain yourself here in the evenings and on days off.

The Work. I have a background in gardening, landscaping, coaching kids in sports, and other types of relatively demanding physical work. Still, I was impressed by the way my body morphed into better shape while I was here, just from working so constantly at so many various tasks. There is always something new and different to do here, and I never had a set routine, which I liked. For example, I was lucky enough to make a few presentations for junior high classes that came here, as part of the Wildlife Education program. I even had to go to Vancouver once to pick up an injured coyote pup, and that turned out to be quite exciting too.

The funny thing about Critter Care is that it exists in a time-warp. After two weeks here, it feels like two months, and after two months here, it feels like two weeks. The work becomes effortless after a while. Basically, I did not find the work difficult, although there was a lot of dirty work to be done. Cleaning is a constant, and if you are not ok with cleaning up animal excrement, you had better get used to it fast. Just breathe through your nose. It stops bothering you really fast. And an entirely new avenue of jokes opens up for veteran Critter Care interns. Most importantly when it comes to the work, remember that the animals come first. This is a not a place for personal drama or politics. We are all here to help out animals, and to work as a team.

At the end of it all, I feel entirely grateful and thankful for this experience. There were ups and downs, as with all things in life, but it really is an invaluable experience, that you get to share with wonderful critters, and even more wonderful, supportive, knowledgeable, caring people. This is a wonderful place, and I am so glad it exists, and that I got to be a part of it for a while. Thank you to everybody!