We got an email from fellow wildlife lover and rehabilitator John Schwake of Bobcat Refuge and Rehabilitation. John wants to place Bob in a permanent home where he will be safe forever. He chose us and we are truly honored. It is no easy task taking on what John does. The general public does not realize that rehabilitators do not get compensated from the states that they reside in and most support it by putting their own money in most of the time and/or donations (and from personal experience unless you pay for BIG advertisement, and who has the money for that?, are few and far between!)
Here is Bob’s story. We do not EVER embellish the truth to make things sound better for donations. This sad story is straight from the owner of the facility. Mystic Jungle prides themselves on being open, honest and maintaining a safe and happy environment for it’s residents. Upon arrival here Bob’s care will continue throughout his life as he needs life time medication. Please read:
Bobby CANNOT be released. But Bobby is ALL bob cat and will need to have medication for the rest of his life. From the owner of the facility:
Three years ago on a rainy day I met an animal that would change me forever. I couple of teenagers stopped me and said there was a cougar in the ditch hit by a car. I asked them how long it was in the ditch. They answered five days. I got out of the van and walk down to where a very weak and almost dead bobcat laid. One of the teens said he was mean and kicked him with steel toed boots and the bobcat attack his boot. I told them I would handle it from there and to leave it alone. The bobcat was twisted like a pretzel. I could see multiple injuries on his back and pelvic region(Hips) I slowly turned him over only to find more damage to his legs. I could see tendons and muscles. He was full of Maggots and flies. I slowly turned him over again. I looked at his face holding my tears in and his eyes were so crystal clear. I promise him I would do the best for him. I took him home.
Then the nightmare. Phone calls. Local Police response! Do you have a gun or rifle to kill him. Game and Fish response! Leave it where you found it and let nature take it course. Third and final A wildlife Rehabber who I refuse to name response! Surrender it to me so I can euthanize it.
That was enough. I became a rehabber. I would take on any animal no matter what. Wrong answer to kill first. I took Bobby to a vet who is great with wildlife. No surgery due to his health and infections. Putting him in a induced coma probably kill him too.
I gave all his meds while he was alert orally with a straw. I cleaned his wounds daily. and finally got him eating chicken from a stick with a point. After the infections and wounds start closing. Several months later I seen Bobby up and walking around on his own.
Another trip to the vet. His pelvic bone heal on its own a lot of scar tissue. Would have to break the bone again but it might not help due to scar tissue. It was then I found out Bobby needs meds the rest of his life.I made bobby a promise nothing would ever hurt him and I would a forever home where he would be treated like a regular bobcat. At no time was bobby treated as a pet. He has always been a mean bobcat and that is what I want him to be. John Schwake-
We are currently asking for donations for his travel expenses. This will cover his fuel and any unexpected problems (flat tire etc). All the rehabber is needing is $500.00 to bring Bob from Arkansas to Florida.
Will you PLEASE consider a donation today? No donation is too small… even 5.00 helps! !
