Click through the images to see some of Greenwood’s successes for 2012!

Did you know you could donate your old vehicle to help provide care for our orphaned and injured wildlife? The funds raised from your donation will be used to provide food and medical care to our animals until they are strong enough to be released into the wild. The process is easy, towing is free, and your car donation is 100% tax deductible! We accept all types of vehicles. Call 1-800-274-1088 or go to http://www.greenwoodwildlife.org/cardonation.php. Thanks for your support!

Did you know that a grebe can only take off from water? Greenwood recently cared for a rescued grebe who accidentally found himself on concrete. After only a few days under Greenwood’s care, he was ready to be released in a more suitable location. When he was released, another grebe happened to be in the area. After some ritualistic head bobbing, both swam away together under the beautiful Colorado-blue sky! Greenwood staff finds it a privilege to help rehabilitate such amazing creatures. (Photo credit: Brent Daniel)

A few weeks back, Longmont Animal Control brought in a Great Blue Heron, normally strong and feisty, entwined in fishing line. He was docile, astoundingly emaciated and unable to fish, fly, or even stand. The officer had already detached a fish hook from his foot, but line was wrapped around his beak, locking it shut. After our staff removed the line, they gave him fluids, pain medication, antibiotics and then placed him under a heat lamp. The next morning we were anxious to check on him. Did he survive the night or were our efforts too late? To our amazement, we found him powerfully strutting around and gulping down fish. He had truly escaped from the jaws of death. We named him Miles.

But his traumatic story was not over yet. The next day, Miles made eerie, gurgling sounds and began spitting up fish. X-rays showed another hook caught in his throat and a fishing swivel much deeper in his digestive system. To the rescue came Dr. Colin Combs of West Ridge Animal Hospital in Greeley, who performed endoscopic surgery on Miles.

Once Miles was under anesthesia, Dr. Combs grabbed the fishing swivel with an endoscope. He then tried to snag the hook with the swivel. After many attempts and much finesse, he was eventually able to remove the hook and all of the fishing line. Following this nearly two hour-long painstaking surgery, Miles returned to Greenwood and given ulcer medication to aid the healing of the spot where the hook had embedded in his esophagus. He immediately began eating and gaining weight. Miles was released back into the wild only a little more than a week after surgery.

This wondrous community effort started with the concerned citizen who called animal control. Supporters brought goldfish at $45 per day when he was unable to ingest large fish. Fishers at a nearby lake caught trout to feed him and delivered them to Greenwood. Three veterinarians donated their time to do X-rays, examinations, and surgery. Volunteers transported him and staff showed incredible patience and persistence caring for him.

We are thrilled at this success story and so proud of our community that helped make it possible. Thank you!

Over the past two years, Coloradans have demonstrated incredible generosity by contributing $20 million to their favorite local charities during Colorado Gives Day.  Organized by Community First Foundation, Colorado Gives Day is an initiative to increase philanthropy in Colorado through a 24-hour period of online giving with a goal to inspire and unite Coloradans in supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

All donations will be directed to the charities specified by the donor. FirstBank has again pledged $300,000 through an Incentive Fund that will leverage every gift and be distributed proportionally as a “boost” to each donor’s contributions.

Giving begins at 12a.m. on December 4th and runs until midnight. Greenwood is eligible to receive donations through Colorado Gives Day. You can make a huge impact to help the more than 2,400 wildlife that we care for each year.

To save time and ensure your contribution runs on December 4th, you ay schedule a donation ahead of time! Simply go to the link below.  Next, click the “Donate Now” button and choose Greenwood.  The donation screen includes a check box to send your donation on December 4th.

https://www.givingfirst.org/cogivesday