Silver Creek Fawn Rescue

       Welcome to Silver Creek Fawn Rescue, developed and managed by Billie Garrett. I appreciate you taking the time and interest in what has become a priority and passion in my life. I was raised here locally in Polk County, NC. I grew up on a farm, and had exposure to many species of animals, both domestic and wild, my entire life. Of course, it was just a common occurrence around the farm that something was always in need of being nurtured and cared for, whether by accident or by fate. “Bottle babies” of some sort were always part of our daily routine, be it calves, goats, pigs, etc.
      With that being such a natural part of my rearing, it only seemed obvious that I would pursue a career working with animals. My first paying job was at a horse farm in Tryon. Though I was a teenager and just getting my driver license, my love for the animals caused no inconvenience in rising at 4 and 5 in the morning, 7 days a week, making sure they all had food, water, proper exercise, and a clean place to rest.
I continued my education, and went to work in the dental field, thinking I would gain satisfaction and financial security. However, in my heart, I still desired to work with animals and give back to them the unconditional love they bring to me. I am now employed at Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital. I have had the opportunity over the last 5 years to work several different positions within Bonnie Brae, and now fortunate enough to be in a position I love, working completely hands on, with whatever breed or species comes thru our office.
Each year as Spring arrives, its seems our office is flooded with good samaritans bringing in newborn creatures i.e., squirrels, opossums, rabbits, fawns, and even raccoons. Most people that have a love for animals just want to make sure they’re cared for and not left to die. However, Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital’s services are aimed a little more towards the domesticated species verses wildlife.
     After watching the need grow for someone to take care of these newly spring arrivals, I decided to research what options were available. Sadly for the wildlife, not many, especially locally. So, I applied for a permit thru NC Wildlife Resources and was able to receive a small mammal permit back in 2011. Though I could only care for, rehabilitate, and release back into the wild small animals, it seemed the need for a Fawn Rescuer was growing rapidly. I took my concerns to Toby Jenkins, our local Wildlife Officer, and after lengthly discussions I learned that the rules and regulations for rehabilitating Fawns are far greater than small mammals. I had lots of things to accomplish and preparations to make before even applying to the Wildlife Resource Commission in Raleigh. With that ahead,  I got busy, preparing areas on my small farm that would be dedicated to nothing other than the needs of taking in wounded and orphaned Fawns for rehabilitation and release. Once, fencing was put into place, the proper coverage required, and plots planted for grazing, i still had to purchased a milk goat, and prepare for her needs, so that she could provide the best alternative nutrition for these babies that’d be arriving. The permit requirement list was completed, I sent in my request and with a thankful heart i received back notice that my facility had been approved and I could now take in these wounded and orphaned fawns.

       Spring 2012 arrived and along with the small mammals, I rehabilitated 2 fawns. It was additional work, but I loved it! Spring 2013 arrives, and before you know it, I was having fawns dropped off weekly if not a few times a week. Many had been hit by vehicles, injured by dogs or other animals, and some orphaned. All of them were not a success due to the extent of their injuries or trauma, but in the end we had rehabilitated and released a total of 9 fawns. Wow, a busy busy year for me! No complaints, but one thing most people don’t realize is that Wildlife Rescuers are completely volunteer and unfunded. Though this is the case, the passion perseveres.
       At the end of Spring and early Summer 2014, i had already received 29 fawns, multiple of which have been treated medically. That’s a lot of bottles to handle. Some of these babies were brought as newborns, and some a few weeks. I had worked really hard making sure I have the equipment and set up I need to be able to do this AND work my full time position at Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital. I had to purchase 4 milking goats, and even with all that milking, I had to supplement by purchasing additional milk to meet the current needs. These rearing fawns were bottle fed 3 times a day. My mornings started about 4am,  my lunch breaks consist of running home and giving that mid day feeding to these babies in need, as well as ending my day with the dinner feeding.
      Now, it is the start of 2015 'fawn season', and I have recieved 6 baby fawns. Yes, it’s a lot of work, a lot of responsibility, and a lot of out of pocket finances. But a passion that we feel we are called to fulfill. Thank you for taking the time to view our site, and read about what we do. You can now follow us on Facebook, and watch the progress of these precious creatures with updated pictures and stories.