Words June Murray Dagnall
Photos Wind Gypsy Photography
On any morning, the quiet rhythm of family life in Steve, Liz, and Millie’s home is gently interrupted by the soft shuffle of paws, the flutter of wings or the curious gaze of a creature just beginning to trust again.
For this family, caring for animals is not just a passion; it’s their way of life. Animal Rescue Team, based in Brentwood Bay, began two years ago as a simple commitment to fostering pets in need and has gradually grown into something much bigger. Late last year, they became a registered charity.
Animal Rescue began by helping dogs on the euthanasia list in central California with Cat’s Cradle, a local cat rescue in Sidney. Cat’s Cradle helps cats from that area and taught Animal Rescue how to help dogs as well. They also get a lot of help from volunteer fosters and local vet clinics such as Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, Sidney Animal Hospital and Broadmead Village Veterinary Clinic. All of this is possible due to the wonderful adopters in the community, and they are very grateful to live in a place where people love animals and love to help.
Steve and Liz, the founders of Animal Rescue Team, are both veterinarians, and after opening their home for years to animals from rescue organizations, they decided two years ago, along with their 11-year-old daughter Millie, to take what seemed like the obvious next step! The family founded their own rescue, built on experiences, compassion and a deep understanding of what these animals needed to heal, thrive and live their best life! The work of this family has touched the lives of a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and even reptiles. Each one of these animals arrives with their own story, and they all leave with a second chance by being carefully matched to the perfect home. This trio firmly believes that rescue is not just about saving animals; it’s also about building community. Their organization operates as a non-profit, guided by integrity, compassion and flexibility, for the animals they care for and the people they serve. They welcome people and families from all walks of life with the belief that compassion, connection and the opportunity to make a difference should never be limited by background or circumstance.
Millie, aka “the animal whisperer,” is an integral part of the team. Born into a family of veterinarians, she was surrounded by animals from the very beginning, so when her parents suggested fostering, Millie didn’t hesitate for a second. Her passion for animals started early and as Millie has become older, so has her ability to help the Animal Rescue Team. Millie plays an active role in rescue work, including giving medication, weighing kittens, preparing vaccines and caring for the rescue animals daily.
Her knowledge for her age is admirable; she has familiarity with conditions such as heartworm disease, among others, and knows how to properly feed a snake! Millie’s natural demeanour is calm and gentle, and she feels the animals therefore trust her. Rescue work can be very rewarding, but it has also given this young girl a glimpse into the more difficult realities of human behaviour. She finds it heartbreaking to hear the stories of some of these rescue animals; however, she focuses on the positive side of how so many people are very kind and willing to help in so many ways.
One of Millie’s most memorable and lasting impressions was the rescue of a bearded dragon. Unable to walk, the reptile required daily care and medicated baths. She also loves to recount the story of ChiChi, who is now Millie’s own dog. He came from Mexico after surviving a jaguar attack, and despite having one less leg, ChiChi is full of happiness and loved very much by the family. Watching animals go from suffering to being loved in their forever homes is what makes everything worthwhile. Millie wouldn’t change what she is doing for anything. Through her dedication and commitment, she is a shining example that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference. The strongest bonds don’t always need words, and in fact, often compassion and understanding are enough.
For Steve, Liz and Millie, teamwork is at the heart of everything they do. Through trust and compassion, they have built not just a stronger family, but a lifeline for the animals that need them most.
www.animalrescueteam.ca
