Fast-forward about 15 years….my life lead me down a completely different career path and I didn’t fulfill my dream of working with animals. I ended up a player in Corporate America (Go figure!) and while my dream may have died, my love and compassion for animals did not. I would still “rescue” injured animals and bring them to my local vet, although now the bills were my responsibility and not my father’s (The pains of becoming an adult, I suppose). I still got the same wonderful feeling when they could be released and I still felt great when I could help a stray dog or cat find a home. I envied the people who were fortunate enough to work with wildlife every day of their lives and cursed myself every day for not following my dream. But, I resigned to accept the fact that this was the path I followed and I would have to live with it. That is until…….

I moved to Florida in May of 2001. I was overwhelmed by the bountiful wildlife all around me. It inspired me to pursue my dream once again. I began researching the many sanctuaries in Florida and I came across the Jungle Friends Website. I swear my heart stopped for a second! I read over the story of their beginnings and Kari’s plight to help these wonderful beings and it touched me so deeply that I knew this was what I was meant to do. I E-mailed Kari and told her I was interested in the “Keeper-in training” program but that I worked during the week and lived 3 hours away. I asked if there was any way I could be involved at the sanctuary. She E-mailed me back and told me that they needed volunteers in any capacity and that I could come out that Saturday! I was absolutely elated!! I read over the story of each and every monkey (at least 3 times) that week. I couldn’t wait for Saturday!

I woke up at 4:30 Saturday morning and made the drive up to Gainesville (Thank God I found a faster way since then). After a little bit of “lost time” I pulled into the drive and walked through the front gate. I was greeted right away by Corky’s tail banging on the metal roof of his habitat (warning that someone was there) and Scooter’s “new people” screech. Kari came out to save me from Brandy (a beautiful dog) who decided that I wasn’t going any further than I already had. Kari was very sweet and led me over to the clinic where Nicole was preparing the monkeys’ breakfast. Nicole was very quiet and I was quite intimidated, but anyone who knows her will tell you she’s the nicest person you’ll ever meet (Just don’t cross her). We passed out the meals and I was introduced to all the monkeys and got to hear their “good food” sounds. I thought I was in paradise! Then Nicole said, "O.K. it’s time to get to work." I certainly wasn’t going to tell her no! She showed me how to clean enclosures, scoop monkey poop, make enrichments, wash toys, and all kinds of good stuff. By the end of the day I was dirty, smelly, sweaty, and exhausted but extremely happy and I was hooked!!

I have gone every weekend since that day and look forward to it all week long. I have also become a Gold sponsor of Mickey. A lot of my co-workers, family and friends think I’m crazy, but they can’t understand. Unless you have that kind of love in your heart you could never understand. It’s just a part of your soul; it’s who you are. I feel so fortunate that Kari and Nicole gave me the opportunity to make my dream come true. I could never explain how much Jungle Friends means to me. It realized a life-long ambition and I could never thank them enough.

So, if you have that kind of love in your heart and you DO understand why I do this and love this, then please know that you can make a difference. Every little bit you contribute makes a big difference to the animal you are helping. Whether you donate your time, money, or even prayers and thoughts, it makes all the difference in the world to that one animal’s life that you are touching. And nothing will ever compare to the sense of fulfillment and love you will have by being lucky enough to be a part of these wonderful beings lives.