We did not set out to create a shelter or sanctuary in the beginning. I am a single mom who was homeschooling my two gifted daughters and my son with special needs while incorporating our pets into the lessons. We had the usual pets, a dog, cats, hamsters, & gerbils. However we decided to add ferrets and ended up taking in a rescued ferret and his cousin. Then came the hedgehog, another gerbil and parakeet. Before long word got out & people were bringing us their unwanted animals. We used these opportunities to learn about the new animals in all subject areas - reading, writing, math, geography, science, etc. When we had nearly 30 animals we decided we had to either stop accepting the homeless critters or make it a full time endeavor and become a licensed shelter. We have grown to care for over 250 animals of 30 different species, utilizing about a dozen volunteers, and becoming a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.

Volunteers from Pecatonica, Freeport, Leaf River, Davis, Janesville (WI), German Valley and Rockford come to help us at Critter Camp. They help clean cages, build enclosures, exercise, feed and play with the animals.