That’s where you enter the exciting, heartbreaking, and joyous world of wildlife rehabilitation through the inspiring stories of some of the wild animals brought to Oaken Acres. Author and wildlife rehabilitator Kathy Stelford recounts the misfortunes and victories of 24 of her most memorable patients – from rescue, through painstaking care, to triumphant release back to their true homes in the wild. This is no “how-to” book on wildlife rehabilitation, nor will every wildlife professional agree with some of Kathy’s methods, but like everything Kathy undertakes, this book contains her extraordinary heart, the testament of a woman who would let nothing stand between her and her dream to help save injured and orphaned wild animals. From the smallest foundling – Slinky, the mink – to the largest gunshot victim – Uncle Buck, a 13-point deer – Stelford brings the reader up close and personal into the lives of wild animals that most people never have the privilege to see. She also challenges us to acknowledge the harmful impact of human beings on the habitat and life cycles of the wildlife all around us and to consider ways that we can help. Celebrate with Kathy each release and, by the end, be convinced that every life does matter.