Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 9 8 3:30PM-6:00PM: Okay, I have just arrived home, and now it's time to prepare the raptor diets. Mice and rats are on the daily menu. The American kestrel and the rough-legged hawk are fed first. There is nothing like watching them tear into a rodent to get you hungry for your own dinner. Nakiska will not let me for- get to feed her and her German shepherd companion, Gunner. After that, I make sure to feed my two rabbits, who are anxiously waiting for their hay. If the weather allows during the summer and fall, I will put a glove on and take the kestrel outside to enjoy some sunshine. 6:00PM-7:00PM: Time to get in some exercise to keep me going. Usually, it's the treadmill or stationary bike for me. The dogs might get a good walk as long as there isn't a ton of snow still on the ground—it is West Yellowstone, so it can be challenging. 7:00PM-9:00PM: After the short-eared owl is fed, it's time to relax. The hubby gets a little cranky if he doesn't get some at- tention. We usually chill out and watch some television together while he rubs my feet, which are pretty sore by the end of the day—isn't he the best?? I am usually exhausted and ready for bed by 9:00. I am so very fortunate to have a job that I absolutely LOVE! Each day is filled to the brim and it's pretty awesome that I can hang out with animals all day long and if I'm lucky, I can even catch the wolves howling early in the morning. A S A N I M A L W E L FA R E C O O R D I N AT O R , I CARE ABOUT EACH AND EVERY LIVE ANIMAL AT THE CENTER, WHETHER IT'S THE CRICKETS THAT WILL BE FED OFF TO THE AMPHIBIANS OR A GRIZZLY BEAR WITH A LIMP. IN MY OPINION, EVERY ANIMAL, NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL, DESERVES THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE.

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