Editor:

When we decided to start Wild Instincts in Rhinelander two years ago, there were a lot of things we knew. We knew it would be difficult. We knew we would be working 10- to 16-hour days, seven days a week. We knew for the most part, it would be Us against The Odds. We knew the animals would come, along with the demands for caging, food and medical supplies. We knew every day would bring a new challenge. We also knew that we have the passion, desire and experience to give hundreds of wild animals each year a second chance. We knew all this and we were still determined to give it our all, even if we were in this alone.

What we didn’t know was the unbelievable amount of support that would come from so many. Every time a crisis would come up, some wonderful person or organization would magically appear with the solution, whether it was supplies, manual labor or donations of money. When we needed it most, somehow, someone would make it possible.

We have been so humbled by the outpouring of support from so many that we can’t even begin to tell you. We have met many wonderful people who share our passion for wildlife. We thank the area communities so much for your support! We will continue to build enclosures, rescue wildlife, educate the public and give the utmost quality of care to the wildlife of the Northwoods.

We didn’t know if we could make it or if we could find enough support when we started, but we knew we had to try. Now, thanks to all of you wonderful people, we also know we are not in this alone.

Wild Instincts is an independent, non-profit wildlife rehabilitation facility not affiliated with any other organization or center. We are the only wildlife rehab facility in the Northwoods permitted to treat all Wisconsin wildlife. In 2012, Wild Instincts treated 564 patients of 98 different species from 28 different counties. Our volunteer rescue/transport drivers logged over 6,725 miles. Our success rate was 74.87 percent.

This was possible because of your support. Thank you, Northwoods, for helping us help them!

Mark Naniot, Sharon Larson and the entire Wild Instincts team