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It’s no secret that throughout time, we’ve been seeking a human – animal bond. The American Veterinary Medical Association defines a human – animal bond as a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors essential to the health and well-being of both.
Today we see this drive to understand and be part of this bond from anthrozoology to the average pet owner. The American Pet Products Association says that the number of U.S. households that own a pet is on the rise. They say about 68 percent of U.S. households have a pet, more than 90 million dogs and 94 million cats. People are also changing the way they view their relationships with animals, both in the home, and outside it.
Life in the Adirondacks affords us the opportunity to come in contact with wild animals. Although forming bonds with wild animals is limited by law and common sense, wild animals are not less worthy of love and care than our pets. As an animal lover I often asked myself: where do the wild things go to be loved? I found the answer at The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington NY. I have had the pleasure of spending a considerable amount of time on the Refuge and my heart and notions about wild animals has forever been altered. The seemingly perpetual love, time, and finances that the Refuge owners, Steve and Wendy Hall, have allocated to the animals there is nothing short of an amazing act of grace.
The creatures that the average person considers untouchable are loved and cared for by the Hall family and the Refuge workers. From a distance some of these animals look like creatures no one purposefully comes in contact with, but the animals on this Refuge would have been euthanized or suffered from sickness and injury without the love, costly medical treatments and homes provided there. Something profound happens in your heart when you witness some of the daily human – animal bonds at the Refuge.
We can all show love to our neighboring wild animals by looking out for them. Should you see or come in contact with a forest dwelling animal that appears ill or injured, where the wild things go for love is The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington NY.
You can contact them online.
Photo: Alex with Zeebie and Cree at Adirondack Wildlife Refuge.
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Thank you Jackie Woodcock for writing about this beautiful caring place. I live in the town of Chester and have visited the refuge center many times, when I visit I come away with such respect and love for the the Hall’s and all the workers at the refuge , it is so heartwarming to see all the animals that have been rescued and have and are being taken care of .,
I recommend this place highly and love when I see families bring the little ones to see how these less fortunate animals are loved and taken care of , they don’t ask for a entrance fee only for a donation and I try to give as much as I can when I visit.
I will share your article in the hopes more folks will become aware and plan a visit .
Hi Nora,
Thank you so much! Steve and Wendy are amazing people. I know they appreciate your kind words and your support. My husband and I have been working close with the Halls and refuge workers to upgrade and expand on the refuge so please come back to visit this summer and check out the improvements. We are hoping to work with the refuge this summer to implement our SkyLyfeADK indoor butterfly garden. Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Hi Jackie
Must be so rewarding to work closely with Steve and Wendy and the Hall’s.
When the time comes to do the expansion and if you need help please reach out to me as I would love to help, I am good at taking direction, well most of the time lol
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving.
As an educator at the University at Buffalo I have encouraged hundreds of students and staff to visit this amazing gem found in Wilmington, NY. The Halls have left a lifetime of memories for all of us who have visited this magical place they call home. From Wolves to Birds of Prey to lively conversations about sustainability and the need to care about our environment, you will walk away with smiles on your face, with incredible photos on your camera, and perhaps a lesson or two about a moose or bear! A must place to go when you explore the Adirondacks!
Hi Russell,
You are so kind and I know Steve and Wendy truly appreciate your support and spreading the word about the refuge and the important work they do their. As you may know, the refuge runs solely on donations and every bit of support is a Blessing. The Refuge is improving and expanding all the time, we hope you will visit again this Summer to check out the changes. We are hoping to erect an indoor butterfly garden this Spring and permanently partner with the refuge!
Have a Very Happy and Blessed Thangsgiving!