Today was Wild ARC’s “Paws for a Cause” fundraiser. This year I was on the traffic/parking crew; smiling, waving, pointing, and confusing people as they arrived at Royal Roads. Its a really fun event where people walk or run with their dogs. The weather was fantastic, so it was great to spend most of the day outside just enjoying not being at a desk. (The Victoria branch of the SPCA has their walk on Sunday, so if any of you Victoria people need your puppy fix, head down there tomorrow.)

Look at these buds! The dog on the right is me on Wednesday, after being at work until 3:30 am getting the paper out. The dog on the left is me today, paws all crossed, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. This is supposed to be the worst couple of weeks of the year at work for crazy hours. I learned a few things from last week, and I’m hoping next week will go incrementally better.

But back to today. At the end of the event a rehabilitated red-tailed hawk that had been injured by a car was released. Sometimes they just open up the crate and get the hell out of the way, but for this one the rehabber held the hawk up and then lifted him into the air to let him take flight. Being a wildlife rehabilitator can’t be easy. You work long, hard hours for very little recognition or thanks. If things go well, your patients hate you, may bite you, and try to get away from you as fast as they can. I’m glad she got her moment today; a picture-perfect release and a big round of applause.