Allegany County sisters have already helped dozens of animals in need, can you help them ?
By Tammy McQueen Kokot, Follow Two Sisters on Facebook
Many of my generation (born in the early ‘60’s) remember with fondness reading the book “All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot. Movies were made, as were TV series (wildly popular in the UK). I sort of lived that life as I had a sister that was always rescuing baby animals, desperately trying to keep them alive, and most often failing. I lost count of the number of “funerals” that we held for the poor souls.
Locally, we have two sisters that actually know what they are doing, and while there have been some disappointing outcomes, they have successfully managed to rehabilitate well over 30 animals this year alone. Autumn and Tosha were raised in Scio, Autumn now resides in Wellsville, and Tosha has a “hobby farm” between Scio and Wellsville. Together, with the love and support of their families, they established Two Sisters Wildlife Rescue.
Autumn, is an EMT with the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corp. At one time, she worked for Wellsville Manor hills, then ARC, but decided she wanted to be home to raise her two children. When her children were older, she worked at Jones Memorial as a Medical Assistant, where she was employed in a physician’s office. She found her calling as an aide within the Wellsville school system working with children with special needs, and using the patience and knowledge that she learned in caring for her autistic son. She decided to add to her repertoire of skills by taking a test to become a wildlife rehabber (passing with flying colors). Here she is after a recent Route 19 rescue.
Tosha, a nurse for ten years, has been caring for a special needs child for the past three years, which she finds immensely rewarding. Her passion for caring for animals is evident by the variety of animals that are present on her “hobby farm”…there are emus, a pot-belly pig, goats, chickens, ducks, and geese to name just a few. What her farm animals have taught her, she felt offered a natural segue to caring for all creatures in need…not just domesticated.
In 2021, Autumn came upon a recently deceased opossum that had babies. She called her sister, and together they searched the internet for a place to take the babies, someplace that could give those little ones a fighting chance at life. Finally, after hours and numerous phone calls, they found someone that was well over an hour away. Sadly, many animals that might have been able to be rehabbed, are euthanized because of the lack of available care. Tosha noted that over 40% of animal injuries involve humans, be it by vehicle, lawn mowers, or pesticides and poisons.
Both sisters told me of instances that truly touched their hearts. Tosha spoke of a an intake of baby opossums after their mother was hit by a car. One of the littles, after being tube fed along with his siblings, would not let her go. He clung to her, grasping at her fingers so that she couldn’t put him down. So, instead, she held him in her hand allowing him to calm himself, and he fell asleep while hugging her thumb. Autumn has a bunny that became a part of her family after being severely injured by a weedwacker. When she received him, he probably was just days old. He didn’t have any fur and his eyes and ears were still closed. Because of his scarring, he earned the name of Freddy Kruger and he is hopping around and healing well. Not too long ago, Freddy was joined by more baby opossums. Four was the original number, but only two were able to survive the trauma that they suffered. A Good Samaritan from Portville delivered them into Autumn’s care before dawn one morning, after seeing them alongside the road with their deceased mother. Survivors Georgie and Where’s Waldo were just released to their natural habitat this past weekend.
The Sisters would like to clarify as to their statement about not taking deer. Just recently, a call came in about an injured fawn…and they couldn’t say “no”. They rescued the fawn and took it to a rehabber that had experience with Cervidae ~ the technical term for the genus of deer. But when it comes to anything larger than a fawn that can be carried easily, they have to draw the line. They will, however, provide phone numbers for other rehabbers that may make the trip.
As things stand now, Autumn and Tosha have over thirty “wild” animals in their care. Their hearts are bigger than their wallets, as they pay out of their own pockets for the majority of all that is involved in caring for these vulnerable creatures. Some kind-hearted folks have made donations, but those are sporadic.
I asked them to provide me with a “Wish List” in preparation for writing this article, but I’d like to start that Wish List with what I would consider to be of utter importance ~
>They need to become a 501c3 organization. So I am asking for someone to step forward that knows what is involved to not only assist in making this happen, but also to be the financier. Perhaps an attorney would be willing to donate his or her time? I’m throwing out a challenge! Who will respond first?
They need to be an on-the-books non-profit in order to be eligible for grants hopefully fulfill the following:
>As there is such a need for their services, caging is a necessity. Cages of all sizes would be useful. Check out Ferret Nation cages for examples.
>A big wish is that what is most desperately needed ~ an outdoor “pre-release” cage, which is exactly what it sounds like. In order to assimilate animals back into their natural habitat, they have to be introduced to “freedom” in steps. The ones online average about $600; they, of course, are manufactured for this purpose. I Googled for some examples, and there are different types for different creatures ~ some look as though they could be built using scrap lumber and extra fine chicken wire to keep smaller critters and birds safe. There has to be some retired contractors out there that could put some together based on specifications from Autumn & Tosha (animals can be such escape artists). How about it folks? Maybe some will donate materials and others will donate labor?
>A larger incubator is near the top of the list…one that will hold MORE than ten or so, as litters of wild animals do number higher. Perhaps some established company could fulfill that wish?
>The little things add up ~ nipples, formula, antibiotics, feeding tubes, and the list goes on. Autumn says that just when she has made a purchase of supplies, it seems that there is an influx of babies, and she is soon wiped out.
Many of you that are reading this are probably wondering “How far will they drive to rescue an animal?” I asked that very question, and Autumn’s response was “We’ll just about go anywhere in New York State (where they are licensed), but may ask (due to distance) if we can be met part way as we have children and the animals to take care of. And if someone is willing to make the trip to us, that helps us beyond measure.” Because they are part of a very special network, they can also assist in finding rehabbers that might be closer to where the animal is, meaning less stress on the animal and a better chance at survival.
Both Autumn and Tosha spoke of how grateful they are for the support of their loved ones. Autumn refers to her husband as an “absolute saint”, while Tosha states that her supportive partner (to whom she is engaged to), encourages her pursuits. Clearly the two sisters are not only capable of taking on the challenges of caring for the wildlife that end up in their care, they have a passion for it.
Two Sisters Wildlife Rescue would like to publicly thank Madison of Life on the Wildside in Belmont. Autumn first met Madison when a fox came into her care. Not having knowledge of how to properly care for a fox, she sought out the wisdom of Madison, and not only did Madison teach her so much about treating animals with the proper medications, a true friendship was born.
They would also like to thank Kristy Woefel and Nate Roeske. Autumn had started a fundraiser to purchase an incubator and had just about given up hope, when Kristy and Nate stepped in and made it happen, also donating some much needed supplies.
If you would like to be a sponsor of a rescued animal, wish to make a donation, are willing to lend a hand to build enclosures, and/or can donate materials and needed supplies, please reach out to Autumn & Tosha ~ they would be so thrilled to know that their efforts are appreciated and supported.
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576619540371
How to help! Visit this Website (includes an Amazon Wishlist as well as a Cashapp and Swym link)
Love helping animals and wildlife rescue operations? Don’t miss this August 16 event from Belmont’s “Life of the Wildside”!! Check them out on Facebook
