07/27/2026
To clarify the current issues mentioned here are not on Opie Acres. One of our sister rehabs is being attacked. This post is in support of that (and all) rehabilitator (s) who've faced this.
Occasionally in our profession we all face adversaries who make accusations, file false reports to our governing agencies, or even make personal attacks.
The good and bad news to this is that the vast majority of the time these allegations are false.
Opie Acres itself and I personally have faced this many times and I'm proud to say that each and every time we've been proven to have the best care, the most professional volunteer staff, and the highest standards we can possibly provide in all areas of operations, procedures, housing, and finance. I am grateful to God for all that we have been given to care for these poor helpless souls.
Every wildlife rehabilitator gives 100% of themselves to the care and cause. We may all be different in our social, political, and religious beliefs, but we stand together for one great purpose, the preservation of life!
That's why when we have someone come along and make accusations against one of us, we need to stand together until those accusations can be proven.
The loss of life by su***de in animal caretakers is very high. This comes from isolation, countless hours year round, compassion fatigue, constant financial strain, and continuous high stress are all factors.
When someone makes non evidentiary claims against a committed, long term rehabilitator, makes public charges against them on social media, and paints a picture that stains a wonderful, long admired reputation the results are devastating!
I ask you all to stop your judgments against our own. I pray that you don't push someone we all love and trust over the edge by supporting that which has no merit.
I beg of you to be patient, pray, be silent, send love and support. Listen to that still small voice of truth and justice.
If we lose one good rehabilitator over vengence we suffer, but most importantly, thousands of animals will go without care.
Gossip and unsubstantiated claims should never be placed before the decades of love, sweat, lost sleep, and physical exhaustion given to those lost little souls we care for.
LOVE to all of you!
Rys Waller
Angel Marie
Kate Kate
Doreen Leo Huneke
Geri Wynn
Chris-Lisa Thomison
Des Butler
Jeff Teas
Sherry Turner Teas
Joanne Groat
Tissi Smith
Alice Miller
Possumbilities
Christina Young
Beth Sparks
Bev Bittner
Mary McCormick
George Cooney
