Rescuing animals is not an easy job. People who work in animal rescue often see the worst side of other humans as well as the best. They make life-and-death decisions every day and they are among the first, along with veterinarians and other animal-care workers, to suffer from anxiety and depression, to experience extreme burnout—sometimes even to give up completely.
I interviewed a woman whose own life turned her to an unusual rescue relief, one that involves rescuing the rescuers . . . of ferrets. Her name is Lisa Watson, and here’s her story.
| How did you get started in ferrets? | |
| In 2003, my daughter tried to commit suicide. One of her doctors suggested a new kind of therapy for her depression—a ferret. That first ferret not only saved her life, but changed my entire world. When I realized I had my precious daughter back, I promised to return the favor for ferrets, thinking at the time I would take in a few. In the eight years Wind and Willows Ferret Rescue was operating, we took in, cared for, and placed (when possible) over 300 ferrets, just in Northern Nevada. | |
| What do you think was therapeutic about a ferret? | |
| They are used by therapists for anxiety, depression, and other social/mental issues. [The ferret] helped get my daughter through a horrible time, helped her open up about her problems and make new friends. For me, he opened up the world of ferrets and gave me a new purpose to life—first, rescuing ferrets; now, rescuing ferret-rescuers. | |
| What inspired you to think of providing rescue for ferret-rescuers? In other words, how did you come up with the idea? | |
| I ran Wind and Willows Ferret Rescue for over eight years. In September 2012, I had the first of several heart attacks. I was very lucky that I had a few very good friends and a few volunteers already able to step into my shoes and allow me and my family the time we needed to handle this life-changing event. While lying in a hospital bed after heart attack number three, I began to think about other ferret shelters—many with no help, no chance to relax. They were going to end up in same spot or worse, [with] no one to step in. But if I could prevent even one bad situation by offering them a chance to recharge, and by helping them network with other rescuers . . . it was a lovely dream. | |
| I didn’t think it would be possible. I was working full-time, running my shelter, going to school, taking care of my house. How could I completely turn it all upside down? I whispered a prayer—to show me if it was the right path—and never mentioned it to a soul. When I was back home and recovering, I stopped to chat with my neighbor. They were selling their RV. I could see a way! So I asked my husband if we could buy the RV for him to use on location for work. He and I looked it over, not knowing a thing about camping or RVs. A week or so later, after hearing once again from my doctor that my heart was not fixable and I should follow any dreams I might have because the clock was ticking, I asked Don if we could try to find a way to travel the country helping other ferret folks. He was happy to have time—real time—to spend with me, and to see the country. I think he originally thought it would be a short-lived thing . . . or that I would be. | |
| I called my friends together, told them our plan, and asked them to help set up a nonprofit to make it happen. I announced our shelter closing and began rehoming the remaining ferrets in my care. It took over six months to find good homes (or for the oldest to pass away), but I kept working full-time, seeing my doctor, and getting the RV ready. | |
| Would you tell me about how what you do works? How you arrange to visit the rescues, how you plan your travels, what you do when you get there? And what is the response from the rescues that you’ve helped? | |
| How it works now is that rescues put in a simple application. We try to fit in as many as possible. We establish our route; then, when we have a tentative timeframe, we contact the shelters that applied, give them a ballpark time, and ask if that will work for them. If they need a specific time, we try to schedule it in and will detour if possible. We leave gaps in our schedule for emergency visits and such. Our goal is a minimum of 12 to 15 shelters on our schedule and room for additional [ones] as needed while in each area. | |
| When we arrive: meet and greet on Day 1 and settle in. Days 2 and 3, shadow, taking notes of their system, schedule, special-needs ferrets, location of supplies, etc. Day 4, their vacation starts if they are going somewhere. Staycations are up to them. It’s hard for many to step away, but we try to send them out to the movies or dinner or to see friends—anything to get a break. Our visits last from 10 days to two weeks on average. | |
| Last day or two, we just visit, lend a hand with stuff around the house, and get ready to move to the next location. | |
| The responses have been everything from smiles to tears. Some didn’t realize how much they needed a break, someone who really understands their situation to talk to, help catching up. The reviews have been very favorable! | |
| Proof of our project: most signed on the first year to “check us out.” Second year, they wanted us back and really took the opportunity to step away. Now they are begging to stay on our route. Even if we can’t give them a full vacation because of timing, they want us to stop for a night or two just to visit and rest from the road. They are all amazing warm-hearted people. I have been given the best gift—a chance to use my life to help others . . . and to make so many wonderful friends. | |
| What can we do to help with your mission to rescue the rescuers? | |
| Donations toward our ongoing road expenses are always appreciated. If not dollars, you can donate or bid on items on our auction page, share our story with others, and, of course, find a rescue near you and volunteer a day or two! Our mission isn’t about Rescuer’s Relief, it is about the rescuers we relieve. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. | |
Paypal: rescuersrelief@gmail.com
By mail:
Rescuer’s Relief
235 South Maine Street #116
Fallon, NV 89406
Lisa adds: “If you shop Amazon, sign up for Amazon Smiles and select Rescuer’s Relief as your favorite charity. There are lots of ways to help, and many don’t cost anything.”
