Rocky Start Rescue

08/26/2026

What's the saying? Can of worms? Cooler of c***s?

I went down to feed everyone and I thought "well that doesn't look like there are 15 racc***s in that enclosure" so I go in and see one fluffy butt. Lift the lid and found them all 😂 it's not the only hidey hole in there, I swear.

We are now taking up collections to purchase more coolers for the purpose of raccoon nap spots because apparently, they're the best.

08/12/2026

It's wishlist Wednesday, my dudes! And yes, I'm still alive! Lol I've just been trying to power through the remainder of this hellish season. We are in need of wet kitten food the most right now! If you can send us a case, it will help so much! These little ones aren't eating solids yet but they will before I know it! And the others are becoming adoptable so stay tuned for their photos!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2CY5C21QD49SA?ref_=wl_share

08/06/2026

Update: they made it here!!! Thank you so much Sunny Graves !!

am looking for transport for five neonatal opossums with fly strike from Sherwood to Battle Creek. They have been without Mom for too long and likely won't make it the night. Is anyone able?

07/28/2026

07/23/2026

Happy birthday to me! I did some releasing yesterday. I released my first batch of squirrels at the squirrel (video to come) and then I took ten opossum kiddos over to one of this year's finders and I was just over the moon. Holy opossum heaven. I couldn't have found a better home with nicer people for these guys. Have a great life!!

07/21/2026

I know there were several kind people this year who expressed interest in having opossums released on their property when they were ready. I have several ready to go!

You must have 4 acres or more, have an easily accessible water source, no hunting neighbors, appropriate habitat, and be outside of city limits.

Please reach out on this post if you'd like to host a few opossums this year!

06/26/2026

When you wake up and it's FRIDAY!

five dollar Friday, friends! We are far from the end of this season and as animals are growing and being moved from cage to cage, inside to outside, and outside to freedom, we keep on moving along with them!

If you'd like to donate, every amount helps and it all goes directly to the animals in our care at Rocky Start Rescue.

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3917959168787966759&created=1732625854

https://cash.app/$RockyStartRescue

Paypal: Rocky Start Rescue

06/24/2026

It's wishlist Wednesday, my dudes! We are still going strong and flying through food! Here are some of our biggest needs right now, and as always, I myself and the animals definitely appreciate it!

The incubator is not an urgent need, but it's on a great sale right now and these little warm boxes are perfect for triaging and babies that need a little extra support when my brinsea incubators are full!

We go through a case of wet puppy food a day at this time of year, and we aren't picky on the brand, this one is just one of the most reasonably priced and available

The cat food is also not something we are picky about the brand, but we ARE picky about the type. Well, the opossums are anyway, they seem to prefer the pate and it's easy to mix it with the variety of other things in their diet.

And of course, anything on our wishlist is needed and appreciated always if there is something smaller you wish to buy, or a specific animal you wish to support!

Thank you!!!

Rocky Start Rescue is a non profit 501(c)3 rescue that is state licensed to rehabilitate our state's native small mammals. We are a small, home based operation with two sub permittees that also work out of their home. Supplies donated are also shared with them and their babies being raised on Rocky Start Rescue's license. All donations are tax deductible.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2CY5C21QD49SA?ref_=wl_share

06/23/2026

I said "smell ya later" to two opossums I have had since late last summer. They were too small for release in the fall and they came down individually with a skin infection I was having a hard time getting healed up completely. Wildside in Eaton rapids took them for me for their last few captive weeks and Louise got a handle on it quickly so they could finally be free and I could fill those critter Nations with babies!

I'm forever grateful for my relationships with fellow rehabbers, whether it be lending each other a helping hand, a listening ear, or supporting each other for the good of the animals. We are so much stronger together!

I asked for them to come back to me so I could see them off personally as i'd put so much time and effort into getting them ready and I am glad I did because it's always the most rewarding and satisfying part of rehabbing is to see them run (erm, waddle) free and not look back! This video is of Ophelia, a very sweet little opossum who came originally from Healing Lotus Animal Rescue LLC last year as a single too small to be on her own and Natascha and I patiently waited for her to grow big enough for her special day. Good-bye, Street cats!

Rocky Start Rescue is a privately run 501(3) non profit animal rescue licensed through the state of Michigan to rehabilitate Michigan's native small mammals and work with exotic domestic pets as well. We run solely on donations and we work with Calhoun and surrounding counties. If you'd like to donate, the 🔗s are in the comments. Thanks for watching!

06/22/2026

What a day we had on Saturday!!! We raised so much money for the rescue, I'll post the final number soon, and we saw so many faces that we adore!

The support of our friends, family, and community was just overwhelming and we want to thank each and every one of you for always showing up!

Huge thank you to the Griffin Grill & Pub for hosting us four years in a row and for always helping us set up and tear down. Especially to Kathy who goes out of her way every year to make it so special. She bought a basket for auction and matched a gift card to the griff as well as blocking off the parking lot, advertising, and making sure that we get the most out of the fundraiser every year.

Thank you to Riff Raff BC for always playing our event and killing it every time! Dale always comes in and makes sure the crowd has a great time and he never misses a dad joke! Thank you to Connie for singing for me as well!

Thank you to Pet Supplies Plus Battle Creek for donating a basket this year, and to my mom for putting one together as well, and to Redbow Photography for donating a gift certificate!

Big thanks to the City of Battle Creek for sponsoring us this year again!

Lastly, to my friends and family who show up and are always willing to help in any capacity that I need you. I'm so lucky to have such amazing people in my life!

Already excited for the next one!