I am like many
Quebecers; hyper-sensitive to the fate of animals, riled up by these images of
poaching or dogs and cats abandoned to their fate, Instagram photographers
proud of their trophy hunting in Africa. I am in shock as soon as I cross a crushed
raccoon on the road, discouraged by so much of the misery animals face on this
planet.
Like many, I
often look away, unable to tolerate the evidence – prominent in the media – of
our cruelty and unconsciousness. But some, rather than look away, have decided
to act and devote themselves – body and soul – for these four-legged friends.
I witnessed this devotion last
February. Thanks to an organized visit to the Centre Refuge Nymous by your editor, Luigi Morabito, who also has
the welfare of animals at heart. I remember the interview the founder gave to
Denis Lévesque in 2015, when his pet raccoon, Nymous, was confiscated by the Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources
naturelles.
Jacques Lessard appeared
completely helpless, a grief that was difficult to watch. After an intensive
campaign, the Ministère de
l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles finally issued a special permit and Nymous
returned home, only to die a few months later. However, Nymous left his his owners
with inspiration; to start a rehabilitation centre that would open its doors to
other species at risk.
I later met Lessard again in
Ste-Beatrix. This time, he was in much better shape! The shelter he set up with
Rachel Ouve has become a sanctuary for wild animals that are wounded, abandoned
or endangered by humans. A mission of observation, education and
rehabilitation, for dozens of animals that nobody wants or is willing to save, the
Centre is something Ouve and Lessard take very seriously.
You should see the place! Their
residence has become – over time and after many animal adoptions – the
undisputed kingdom of the animals, organized according to their needs. In a
once abandoned room – which has become a playground – chubby, happy raccoons
are everywhere. There’s Miracle, born in St-Hilaire. There’s Lucio who is blind
and once escaped drowning and has a sixth sense for sniffing out danger. And Lucas,
the negotiator who resolves the conflicts.
In the last drawer of a piece of
furniture, you’ll find an improbable friendship; Martha the raccoon and Ioan
the groundhog, close together, taking a nap. In the room, a newcomer in his
cage; a possum. It is an incredible and moving scene…
In the kitchen,
it's time for treats. We prepare huge platters of mussels for the raccoons, who
love it. It costs about $18,000 of food per year!
There is a unique atmosphere of
mutual aid. The founders have attracted many volunteers and friends of the
animals they rescue. People like Kim Bruneau, a generous artist, businesswoman
and philanthropist, who undertook renovations and organized a benefit evening
at the end of March for the benefit of three organizations, including the Centre
Refuge Nymous. And people like Morabito, who fell in love with this mission
and asked me to act as a volunteer photographer. This is the essence of a committed
photographic art; We take a photo to share, and at the same time, give back to
the animal that offers us so much beauty. In short, a beautiful whirlwind of
solidarity exists around these two passionate people and their rescue centre.
The Centre’s needs are numerous;
you need a nursery for babies, an annex instead of the garage for new arrivals
in quarantine, pens for bears, and place for end of life care for animals who
cannot be rehabilitated.
Pens will be
added to those that Lessard built with his own hands for more animals. Like the
four silver foxes who were saved from the fur factory, and Coyo, the coyote,
survivor of a car accident, who underwent orthopaedic surgery to save his paw.
There are also several raccoons ready to return to nature. Lessard can barely
handle the emotion of sending them off. There is also Gaby the skunk and the
star, Chenoa, the beautiful gray wolf who arrived at a young age.
Have you ever played with a wolf?
That’s exactly what Lessard and Ouve do, just as if Chenoa were a playful dog.
They have an amazing connection with this animal who literally screams with joy
as the couple approaches! Absolutely beautiful photo opportunities!
By
the way, this photo close-up of Chenoa holds the record in views of any of my
images on FLICKR. Nearly 120,000 people have admired this wolf.
To you both Ouve and Lessard,
from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do!
Translated
by Maria Barillaro
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