This is an opportunity to learn firsthand about a valuable resource in Wellesley and Weston. The Animal Control Officer of Weston, Karen O'Reilly, will present a typically day in her "Rescue” world, which oftentimes overlaps with Wellesley Animal Control Officer Jenny Smith’s day. Karen works for the Weston Police Department; but, as we know, animals have no boundaries so whichever officer is available at the time of the rescue call steps forward to aid the distressed animal. Karen notes that she and Jenny travel as much as two hours to take an injured animal to Tufts Veterinary Hospital or to one of the few volunteer wildlife rehabilitators in the Commonwealth. The number of wild animals that call Weston and Wellesley their homes is impressive. There are shy opossums, bobcats, beautiful red or silver-grey foxes, coyotes, raccoons, beavers, fisher cats, white-tailed deer, skunks, and cottontail rabbits, not to forget associated rodents, reptiles, and a variety of birds, including the bald eagle.
Karen and Jenny remind us that oftentimes we are encroaching on the natural world. They were here first so it's important for us to learn how to live in harmony with our wildlife neighbors.
Let's thank both officers for the important service they provide to our communities.