Arkansas

Had I known what challenges were ahead, I may have turned around and driven back to Wisconsin. But ignorance became my salvation and so I stayed, learning more about animals than I ever thought possible.

Years
1987-1999

Lib Horn and her pal Liza, with my pals Sticklet and Dave, at her home October 2014

Lib Horn and her pal Liza, with my pals Sticklet and Dave, at her home October 2014

Last goodbye. I would never see her again.

Last goodbye. I would never see her again.

The first job that made my heart sing, and the first dog I adopted, Carson.

The first job that made my heart sing, and the first dog I adopted, Carson.

First date, Lou. Meadowcreek in Fox, AR

First date, Lou. Meadowcreek in Fox, AR

Tiny Bird, just days before he flew onto independence. 1995

Tiny Bird, just days before he flew onto independence. 1995

How to catch two dogs with one leash.

How to catch two dogs with one leash.

Front entrance of original Fayetteville shelter. Replaced by Lib Horn some years later after hard work and dedication. The new facility bears her name, and deservedly so.

Front entrance of original Fayetteville shelter. Replaced by Lib Horn some years later after hard work and dedication. The new facility bears her name, and deservedly so.

One of my first tasks at the first supervisor job was to "get rid of the ducks." I did not, but I did make friends with them and convinced them to disperse across town to other lakes and parks. Success.

One of my first tasks at the first supervisor job was to "get rid of the ducks." I did not, but I did make friends with them and convinced them to disperse across town to other lakes and parks. Success.

The van worked hard.

The van worked hard.

Sarah the young Wood Duck, her first time really swimming in "water she couldn't see through." She confirmed that wild animals have more courage than any human being can measure.

Sarah the young Wood Duck, her first time really swimming in "water she couldn't see through." She confirmed that wild animals have more courage than any human being can measure.

Baby Sarah the Wood Duck, who spent a lot of time outside in the grass, finding bugs and learning about the sky. These days would be important lessons for her.

Baby Sarah the Wood Duck, who spent a lot of time outside in the grass, finding bugs and learning about the sky. These days would be important lessons for her.

Within a few days of arriving at the shelter, We knew we would have to introduce her to as many natural elements as possible. We still needed to make sure we fed her enough, but this element of raising a wild duck was just as important as food.

Within a few days of arriving at the shelter, We knew we would have to introduce her to as many natural elements as possible. We still needed to make sure we fed her enough, but this element of raising a wild duck was just as important as food.