Hardcover with 182 pages & black/white photographs. - This is the true story of a dedicated vet who worked against great odds to set up a center where sick and injured wildlife could be treated and rehabilitated, a place which would also serve as an educational resource for the surrounding communities. Dr. Foster discovered that he could not simply follow his calling and start treating sick and injured wildlife. He was forced into a political arena in which some people were actually opposed to what he was doing. Book includes stories of animal rescue and shocking revelations about governmental authorities in whose trust and responsibility we have placed the lives and welfare of all wild animals. In this moving and compassionate book, Dr. Foster shares his triumphs, his frustrations, his sorrows, and his joys as he describes his treatment of creatures ranging from Faline, the fawn, to a magnificent wounded bald eagle.

This short book is about a vet who set up the first hospital and rehabilitation center specifically for wildlife, in Wisconsin during the 1980s. It all started when a fawn was struck by a car and someone brought it to the animal hospital. Up until then Dr. Foster had only treated the usual dogs, cats and other pets, but he was willing to help out this injured wild creature. Foster and his wife raised the fawn in their house, eventually setting it free to live in the wild. More and more people began bringing him injured or orphaned wildlife, until he realized he had more wild animals occupying cages in his hospital than pets, and would have to either give up treating them or build a separate suite just for their care. He did so, as a non-profit, dedicated to helping wild animals free of charge.

Surprisingly, his efforts to fund and build the Northwoods Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Center were met with a lot of opposition from the local community, including the forestry department whose job it was to manage wildlife. He also had to deal with the issue of local roadside zoos, who existence he was adamantly opposed to.

I enjoyed as always, the stories about the animals themselves. The writing is easygoing and some of the tales are pretty funny. Many of Foster's patients were deer, orphaned or struck by cars. He also treated a lot of birds injured in one way or another- eagles, owls, herons, even an osprey. Some of the other animals he cared for included a porcupine, a white arctic wolf, and an infant otter. Overall, this was a good, quick read. The man was very passionate about his work and had a good sense of humor as well, both of which shine through the pages.

from Dogear Diary ( )