Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.

Where Hope Takes Flight

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Showing compassion to dying wildlife is one of the most challenging yet essential aspects of animal rescue work. This reality hit home during a recent Blue Heron rescue at Riverside Park. Sometimes, nature has already made its decision before we arrive, and this was one of those cases. The heron passed before making it to Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary the next day, and you know what? That's okay.


A lot of folks think I'm crazy, assuming I believe I can save everything that comes my way. Truth is, I often take in animals knowing full well they won't make it. But here's what I CAN do � I can make their final hours matter. I can show them that not all humans are the same. I can give them dignity, comfort, and peace.

Put yourself in their position for a moment. Would you rather spend your final moments on scorching pavement, exposed to the elements, with flies taking advantage of your vulnerability? Or would you prefer to transition peacefully, with a full belly, in a safe space, maybe with some gentle background noise for comfort?

I believe how we leave this world might just set the tone for whatever comes next. I don't want any creature facing that new chapter while recovering from terror, uncertain of what humans might do next. Instead, I want them to cross that bridge feeling calm, protected, and ready for whatever lies ahead.

Look, I'm not God � I'm just Brad. I don�t think God will ever question me as to why I wasn�t more like him but he may have questions as to why I wasn�t more like me. What Brad can offer is comfort, compassion, and love to those in need. Sometimes, especially when you know the end is near, that's when these qualities matter most.

Being present for transitions � whether human or animal � is one of the hardest yet most rewarding experiences I've had in this field. I've witnessed peaceful passages and heard the echoes of distress that somehow linger even after they're gone. When the most compassionate choice is to ease their departure because their present suffering is too severe, I act without hesitation.

Do I enjoy making these decisions? Absolutely not. But I only carry the weight when I question the choice. When I'm certain, when there's no doubt in my mind, I know I'm doing right by them. It's the uncertainty that haunts us, not the decisive acts of mercy.

If I'm ever in that position � where recovery is impossible and pain becomes overwhelming � I hope my hero appears against all odds to make the right decision. Maybe then I'll truly understand the meaning behind those eyes as they slowly fade, appreciating that final moment when life transitions to whatever comes next.

I want to face that moment fearlessly, knowing I gave my absolute best throughout my journey. And maybe, just maybe, all these souls I've helped along the way will be there, making my own transition that much easier. What a precious gift we can offer each other in these brief but significant moments we share.

Read some of my other goose adventures here including where I got stabbed in the head with scissors...
Another goose story here the Lonely Goose...
Read about how a one legged goose out maneuvered us here...

Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.

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