Serenity's Place Wildlife Rehab

09/14/2026

09/13/2026

Patient Update: Several intakes, calls for support, transports and ongoing care. Thank you to the wonderful finders who made their way to me … transporters who assisted when a finder couldn’t & to partnerships with other Rehabbers ❤️‍🩹
A busy week!

09/12/2026

I don’t usually share personal stuff on my rescue page, but I wanted to give a little insight into the last few months because I may be a little slower responding to messages, posting updates, or getting out to check on an animal. In May I was diagnosed with Mono. By June, my symptoms were worse & I learned that I was also dealing with Lyme disease.

It has been a difficult few months physically, but even more so emotionally. During all of this, I also lost my Dad suddenly. My Dad was such a huge part of Serenity’s Place. He built every cage, listened to my rescue stories & was always willing to help me “figure it out”. A lot of energy behind Serenity’s Place came from him. My rescue is dedicated to my Dad.

I’m thankful that Serenity’s Place has some amazing team members who have also taken in many of the babies you’ve reached out about. They are skilled, committed & have put in a lot of hours this summer with their babies. I’m also thankful for the transport team we’ve built. They are incredible people willing to jump in & help get an animal where it needs to go. I am still intaking. Lately I’ve been focusing more on flying squirrels & bunnies… two species I specialize in. While also continuing to sharpen my skills with Raptors. I appreciate you & your support! Never hesitate to reach out ❤️‍🩹

09/08/2026

Sparrows are considered an invasive bird, and because of that, some rescues don’t take them. It’s not because they don’t like Sparrows — it’s simply that they need to prioritize the space and resources they have for native species. I’ve fallen for these little ones… especially the babies. ❤️

I’ve been a holding point for quite a few songbirds this summer as they make their way to either the Bird Center of Michigan, Nottingham Nature Nook, or the Michigan Starling & Sparrow Rescue, run by my friend Cari Clift.

This little guy was incredibly sweet & took his fluids & pain medication like a champ. Sadly, he passed away around 4 AM. 💔 I have two others who had a little “sleepover” until their Uber arrives this afternoon to meet another transporter to take them to Cari. I’m so grateful for the people who help the mouse, frog, snake, starling, sparrow, mole, shrew, etc. Love the littles/underdogs. It takes a village, and every single one of you who cares enough to help is part of that village.

09/08/2026

The calls just keep coming in at a rapid pace. Last night, two baby Red Squirrels came in from completely different locations. I’m so thankful for our Transport Team, who worked late to get them to me. When they arrived, I noticed one had significant face swelling & blood around his nose. Both babies were skinny & dehydrated. I did everything I could for the little injured one, but sadly, I lost him. 💔

Today started with a grounded Cooper’s Hawk. The finder worked with me to contain until we could get there. Unfortunately, even with a broken wing, this guy was FAST & managed to get away. He ran into thick brush where he couldn’t be reached. Our team member even got into the lake trying to coax him out. It’s an awful feeling to leave an injured animal behind, but sometimes there just isn’t a way to get them. We’ll be checking back tomorrow. Then, a bunny who had been cat caught, with a broken leg & several puncture wounds. Pain medication & antibiotics were the first priority. Cat saliva contains bacteria that is deadly to rabbits, so these injuries are always critical. I was able to set his leg & remained hopeful. Unfortunately, he passed away.💔

Days like today are hard. One minute you’re hopeful, the next you’re holding an animal you couldn’t save. As a finder, you experience the emotion of that one animal. As a rehabber, we carry it for every animal that comes through our doors. I celebrate the ones I save & grieve the ones I lose.

09/06/2026

The phone has been ringing nonstop following the recent storms and Saturday night was busy!

This Red-tailed Hawk was spotted grounded about a half hour north of me, so I headed up to contain him. He has received fluids and is now resting comfortably.

From there, I went straight to help fellow rehabbers attempt to capture a Sandhill Crane that has been walking around with a badly broken wing for weeks. He can’t fly—but boy, can he run! I was able to chase him into a backyard, get the fence closed, catch my breath, and have Mike get the net over him. Thank you Mike, Mike & Lauren - it was a team effort.

These bunnies had been doing so well until the camera showed that Mom hadn’t returned in several days. They are incredibly thin, and sadly, we lost two. The remaining two are very hungry & dehydrated.

This little flying squirrel was discovered in a home office after being brought there by the family cat. They likely have flying squirrels living in their attic.

Two fox squirrels discovered at the marina of a nearby subdivision. I cleaned flystrike, gave them fluids, and ready for transfer. Thank you both Cathy and Heidi!

Wildlife rehab is ever changing. Sometimes it’s chasing a crane, sometimes it’s sitting quietly with a bunny, and sometimes it’s feeding a tiny animal who desperately needs a second chance.

09/05/2026

While dropping off a dove at the Bird Center of Michigan I got to check in on my little Cedar Waxwing baby. He is growing up & they are doing an amazing job with him (as they always do). I love parenting with them. ❤️‍🩹 He still has a larger than life demanding personality & will soon be moving in with the big kids! He is such a late summer baby and I’m looking forward to the day he is old enough to be released.

09/05/2026

This little possum had me worried for so long. When a baby just doesn’t seem to grow like his siblings, we sometimes refer to it as “failure to thrive.” While his siblings doubled in size, this little guy remained tiny and showed very little interest in typical possum activities — climbing, hissing, growling, devouring grapes, sleeping in the hammock… you know, all the important possum things! 😂 His siblings are now in the outdoor acclimation cage, while he has remained inside in his bachelor-pad Critter Nation cage. I’ve known he will be on the smaller side, but I’m finally seeing him starting to bulk up! The mice and shrimp help I’m sure! He has striking markings and, even for a young possum, is still a little reserved.

Over the next couple of weeks, he’ll transition outdoors while I continue monitoring his weight, development and readiness for release. Hopefully, this little guy will be ready to write his own wild story soon. Sometimes the little ones just need a little more time. And I’m happy to give him that time. ❤️

09/05/2026