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A step closer to freedom!

11/2/2014

14 Comments

 
I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath to hear the outcome of the barred owl’s pin removal, so he’ll be our main focus today.

He came through with flying colors! Vet Jim Hobby of Smalley’s Animal Hospital gassed him down to sedate him for the removal.
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The tip of the pin had been left exposed so no actual surgery was needed to remove it, just a pair of pliers and one swift pull.
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Circle shows exposed tip of pin.
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Then we waited for him to wake up a bit before getting one final x-ray to see how the wing looked after the pin was out.
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The bone looked good—it didn’t shatter or splinter when the pin was removed. Because birds’ bones are, in effect, hollow, this is always a concern.
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While he was still woozy and therefore fairly cooperative, we gathered for a group shot, because I wanted you to see the dedicated vets who worked with me to save this bird’s life. Below, from left to right, are Jim Hobby, me and the still-drunk barred owl, and Richie Hatcher. Without their willingness to try a risky procedure on the owl, he would have been euthanized two months ago. 
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Of course, as soon as possible Mister Attitude went into the flight pen, where he first tried to pretend he was invisible—for some reason, all owls seem to think if their eyes are closed or nearly so, you can’t see them!
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That didn’t work, so he glared at me.
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Then he flew to the ground, backed into a corner, and went into full threat display.
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I’m happy to report that he’s flitting about the flight pen like a pro. Another week or so, and he’ll be given his freedom.

The red bellied woodpecker that came in last Sunday died unexpectedly  that night. Given that his only physical problem seemed to be a broken wing, his death was somewhat of a shock, to be honest. I hate losing any rehab, but I especially hate losing them for no apparent reason.

The Eastern towhee was released last week and didn’t waste time leaving the LWR B&B. Apparently our accommodations weren’t to his liking. Geez, hope he doesn’t leave a bad review…
14 Comments
Anne Golden
11/2/2014 06:36:01 am

I'm so glad you had good news (except for the woodpecker). One of my favorite little stories is about the child who threw a beached starfish back into the ocean. When his grandfather said "You can't change the world, you know," the child said "I changed the world for that starfish." You do that every day. Thank you.

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Laurens Wildlife Rescue
11/2/2014 06:41:39 am

Thanks Anne! I know the story you're talking about, and that's pretty much my philosophy. I can't save 'em all, so I save the ones I can. And having vets who go above and beyond helps immensely!

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dmortiu
11/2/2014 07:38:00 am

I love this barred. He's absolutely gorgeous. And the pic of him with a shadow of a circle looks like a halo. I'm loving following this story. Thanks for that.

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Laurens Wildlife Rescue
11/2/2014 07:54:36 am

Thanks dm! I promise you, this guy's more likely to sport horns than a halo; I've threatened to call him Satan so when I release him, I can yell, "BeGONE, Satan!"

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Jan Buckwald
11/2/2014 09:55:36 am

Thank you again, VL, for a great story, photos and all. And Anne G, thank you for reminding me of the starfish story. I tend to forget it too often when things feel overwhelming. But it's so much the truth. And I'm so grateful for people like you, Vonda, and all the vets, and all the people taking care of our wildy beasts.

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Laurens Wildlife Rescue
11/2/2014 10:00:33 am

Thanks Jan!

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Ann Feldman
11/2/2014 11:16:06 am

I can honestly say that I have been worrying about this all week, or at least thinking about it. Glad for the good news. You and these vets are the best. WOW!

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Laurens Wildlife Rescue
11/2/2014 11:48:45 am

Thanks Ann! I love my vets and their staff; it would be hard to find a better group of people assembled under one roof!

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Wendy Alvarez
11/2/2014 03:18:24 pm

What a gorgeous owl! I knew from the look in his eyes earlier this week that all would go well!!!! What a wonderful moment it will be in a week when you get to see him take his rightful place back in nature! Wish I could be there to witness it!

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Laurens Wildlife Rescue
11/2/2014 04:05:15 pm

Thanks Wendy! Yeah, I'm not sure who's more eager for the release, me or him. Will, of course, attempt to video it!

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Pipette
11/2/2014 03:30:07 pm

YAY for you and your wonderful vets - the photo is great! Who gives a "hoot"? We ALL do!

Hoping Mr. Owl will soon be able to go his merry way & will find the owl-ette of his dreams!

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Laurens Wildlife Rescue
11/2/2014 04:08:35 pm

Thanks Pipette! Within a week or so, we'll send him on his merry way! (And then I may get some garlic and holy water to ward off any future hormonal raptors...When the hormones are ragin' they're NOT cooperative patients!)

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Pam
11/3/2014 03:28:43 am

Good on you and Smalley's! I gave their page a "like" and made a comment there. Wonderful post and I'm hoping the owl's release goes as smoothly as the pin removal.

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Laurens Wildlife Rescue
11/3/2014 04:33:27 am

Thanks Pam!

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