2024 marks our 40th year in business, and in these posts I’d like to reflect on some of the jobs that have made the past four decades truly special to me.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to rescue animals that would have otherwise met unfortunate fates without our intervention. Whether they’re scaling construction cranes, tumbling down drain pipes, or finding themselves wedged in hollow trees, animals seem to have an uncanny knack for getting into tight spots. Upon encountering a particular critter in a rather amusing predicament, my initial reaction was a hearty laugh, accompanied by bewilderment at how such a situation could unfold.
This furry fellow had managed to find himself stuck, and while it seemed perplexing given his entry through the doggie door, the mystery unraveled after a chat with the homeowner. Apparently, this was a nightly routine for Mr. Raccoon, sneaking into the house through the doggie door to indulge in Princess the dog’s dinner. However, on this memorable night, Princess’s entire bag of dog food had been left on the floor—a jackpot for our raccoon friend. His voracious feast left him with a belly so full that squeezing back out the doggie door became an insurmountable challenge.
To liberate the overindulgent raccoon, we had to dismantle the doggie door entirely. Somewhat embarrassed, Mr. Raccoon waddled off into the night, a bit more rotund than when he arrived. The incident left us with a tale to chuckle about, and it’s a story both he and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
