Animal lovers and cancer survivors true inspiration

I thoroughly enjoyed the story line involving the animals, for obvious reasons I did not like the story line about Jeff's cancer. What brutal horrific disease. Having a veterinarian of 40 yrs as a mother in law who retired and with in 1 yr was dead from cancer this book hits home but Jeff's courage and inner "animal" gives those of us fighting a disability strength! A nice easy read that will make you wipe away tears.....but are they of joy or sadness?? Both! ( )

This was a wonderful story. Jeff Guidry's friendship with a wounded eaglet grows into a life changing relationship. The two have a bond that sees them both through illness, pain and loss. A heart-warming and inspiring story. A must read for nature and animal lovers. Also included are the laughable antics of a "domesticated" squirrel!

Thank you to all those who, like Guidry, volunteer their time to help return injured wild ones to where they belong. ( )

A true story of an injured eagle and the man who helped rehabilitate him. This book really describes how the wildlife volunteers work to save injured animals. Just a great story. ( )

I enjoyed the part where the eagle and he bonded during his illness, but it goes on and on,. I fall asleep after about 3 pages. ( )

One October day in 1992, Jeff Guidry was driving up in the mountains and seemed to be parallel with a flying eagle. He took notice and became so fascinated with the eagles that he started to read and study them. He volunteered for the Eagle Watchers for four years before a ranger suggested he volunteer at the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center.

Jeff writes about his involvement with Freedom, and the rescue and bonding of the other animals: bears, cougars, eagles, hawks, raccoons, owls, Canadian geese, etc. He relates his interaction with the Native First Nation people at their festivals, and the gift of a buffalo heart for Freedom and a new leash made from the buffalo hide.

Jeff did get cancer and writes about his fears, emotions, pain, illness and trials, but he tells more about the stories of the animals. He tells about the antics of the animals, the laughter at their play and explorations, and also the sadness when a long-time animal resident dies. Sarvey Wildlife Care Center did rehabilitate and then release the animals, but some could not be released back into the wild and survive.

As a volunteer, Jeff would take Freedom to the elementary schools, festivals, Make A Wish Foundation, Kids At Risk, etc. And I’m going to quote what he says because he can say it so much better than me: “I got to teach a lot, not just about Freedom, but also about the greater natural world outside the classroom—and how to show respect for the wild ones.”.

It was an enormous amount of work, but he made it sound glamorous and fun. I highly recommend this book.