Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Cooper.
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Animals have always been a huge part of my life. Since I could walk strolling my poodle around in my baby doll stroller, to having hamsters, rabbits, and any other pet growing up. As an adult, I have always helped any animal that crosses my path and helped with domestic rescue.
A few years back, our rescued lab, Motley, was running around on our property while we were outside doing yardwork when she found a 2-week-old squirrel somewhere on our 24 acres. She brought her to my husband’s feet and gently set it down. Once he brought that little tiny squirrel to me, Pandora’s box was opened!
I did what we tell most people NOT to do, and that was jump online and rush to get formula, and take care of her myself. Luckily for her and me, I found the correct information and really researched thoroughly. I reached out to other rehabs and rescues as well as diving into groups online about rescuing and rehabilitating squirrels.
Once I decide I am going to do something, I go in 1000%. I dedicated every waking hour to learning as much as I could from every resource I could get my eyes on. Mentoring with other wildlife rehabbers and rescues, I knew this is what I wanted to do, I wanted to create an organization that was devoted to helping these animals and the people that find them.
Creating Snug Harbor Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary, I wanted it to be just as much about the community as the animals we are saving, and the rehabbers dedicating their time and efforts to these babies. In South Carolina, our wildlife laws are more lax- there’s of course pros and cons to this. With more flexibility we are able to rehabilitate these animals out of our homes, which gives us 24 hour access to the animals to be able to keep up with their demanding feeding schedules and needs
We simply have the public to thank for getting us where we are today. Without the community support, there is absolutely no way we could do what we do. As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, we depend on donations of all kinds, and our friends, family, and neighbors definitely show us they are here for us! Whether its bringing old towels, a bag of dog food, attending fundraising events or even sharing a social media post, all of these things help us immensely.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The animal rescue world is not for the faint of heart. I tell everyone who asks about getting into what we do that they have to have thick skin. More often than not, it’s the people who are more of an obstacle or challenge. Like every venture in life, there are people who are in things for the right reasons, and those who are not- trying to decipher the difference is absolutely a challenge. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the right people to be by your side to be the best that you can be for the animals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We try to bring creativity and passion to the table wherever we are and whatever we are doing! Whether it’s handing out coloring sheets for kids to take home, doing art classes where we teach our youth about wildlife, or putting projects out on our social media. We want kids and their parents too to get hands-on with learning about wildlife, why it’s important to co-exist, and ways to help wildlife even in their backyard. We love to talk about ways to make habitats, nesting boxes, and even feeders for the wildlife around us.
When you make awareness and education something fun and exciting, that information is more likely to stick and make an impact!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Every day is a hurdle, and that is why my team is so valuable and appreciated. Many don’t know that I suffer from severe chronic pain, mixed connective tissue disease and autoimmune disorders. When I saved my first squirrel, she was my saving grace. Going from working a career I love in human medicine, to being out of work and unable to do much of anything. I was absolutely miserable when that little 20-gram squirrel made it to my hands, she gave me purpose again. There was something I could do from home that made a difference in the world, even if it was just on a small scale. Then when our group came together, I found the most amazing friends at the same time. They are the glue that holds things together, working together to get animals to safety, helping with fundraising and events. I tell everyone who wants to join us that we operate like a little family, that we are there for each other and the animals that come our way as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.snugharborwildlifesc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snugharborwildlifesc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snugharborwildlifesc
