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(Grand Rapids, MI) Peg and Roger Markle have seen a dream realized. After over 20 years of caring for abandoned and injured animals, the Grand Rapids couple has formed a nonprofit corporation so they can offer the best rehabilitation and a greater return rate of these animals back into a safe, and habitable environment.

The Markles formed Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd in December 2002 when they realized operating costs for their current facility, located in the rear of their residence, were becoming too large to bear. Working in conjunction with Dr. Richard Bennett, a local veterinarian, the Markles currently absorb the cost of medication and care for the animals out of their own pockets.

“Dr. Bennett and the Animal Clinic donate an extraordinary amount per year simply by not charging us for basic veterinary medications,” says Peg Markle, “we contribute about $15,000 – $20,000 of our money on top of that, which was becoming a financial burden. Now that we’ve achieved nonprofit status, we can actively seek donations and expand our services.”

Under strict federal law, the Markles must adhere to several regulations and are subject to unannounced inspections by the Department of Natural Resources of their facility. In order to operate the rehab center, the Markles first had to obtain state permission, and then a federal license, which consisted of a 16-page application, complete with six letters of recommendation. Primarily rehabilitating ducks, geese, fox, and other small mammals such as opossums, squirrels, rabbits and migratory birds, the couple do find an occasional abandoned cat or dog on their doorstep.

“We don’t accept domestic animals, however I do make an exception once in awhile. We have a heated and air conditioned barn with running water, and a fenced-in area of cages for the animals we take in, the majority being squirrels, baby ducks and birds,” says Peg.

Federal law protects all migratory birds indigenous to Michigan. Injured birds may only be kept at a rehabilitation center for 180 days. Rehab centers must have federal permission to extend that stay.

“We have three choices for these animals when we take them”, says Peg. “We can send them out to an educational facility, like a reserve or a nature center; we can release them into the wild, or we can euthanize them. Of course we prefer to release them back into the wild, but sometimes that isn’t an option. We always act on behalf of the animal’s best interest and maintain a high quality of life.”

The couple is trained to administer some care, including injections, feeding, bandaging and some emergency care. However, for major medications and all serious emergency care Peg and Roger look to the expertise of Dr. Bennett. In the past year, the Markles have moved approximately 1,000 animals through the center. Their goal is to process 1,500 animals this year with a 75% or greater release rate—losing only 25% or less of the animals to morbidity or euthanasia.

Typically the Markles are notified through the Kent County Humane Society when there is an animal in need of care, and the animal is transported to their residence. Word of mouth advertising has also brought many injured and abandoned animals to them. Neighbors appreciate the efforts of the Markles, and consider the rehab center a valuable resource and a testament to the Markles commitment to animal rescue and ethical treatment.

“What they do is a tremendous gift of service”, says neighbor Kurt Carlson. “Peg and Roger are an asset to this community and a safe haven for many animals who are injured and left for dead. I consider them great humanitarians and even better neighbors.”

Interested donors can look outside the monetary realm if they would like to make a contribution. Peg has worked with area grocery stores to negotiate costs for nuts and other food items. She has also worked with many community volunteers to handle the sometimes overwhelming maintenance jobs needed.

“We’ve had many students come in who are either interested in veterinary medicine, or who have a love for animals. Most of the jobs involve cleaning, but it’s well worth it when they see the animals we’re helping on a daily basis.”

For more information about the Wildlife Rehab Center, located at 1504 Union Ave NE in Grand Rapids, call (616) 361-6109 or visit their website at: www.wildlife-rehab-center.org.