I am the founder of Pat's Bandits.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that finding an orphaned baby raccoon one day would have exploded into what we have created.

My passion has always been animals, growing up on a farm, we had a little of everything from horses,cows,pigs chickens,ducks, you name it. Of course there was always wildlife wandering through the farm as well. As a little farm girl I had to save every animal in trouble and that has not changed throughout my life. 

So I took that baby raccoon to a rehabber who soon became my friend and mentor. I was hooked, and within months I was a licensed rehabber. It just exploded from there.

We care for every type of wildlife that comes through our doors. We specialize in some species and transfer others to rehabbers who specialize in animals that we don't. All rehabbers in our network are professionally licensed to rehabilitate animals. 

We strive to give the highest quality of care so we are releasing strong healthy animals back to the wild. 

I say "WE" because without my wonderful team of volunteers none of this would be possible. Without their love and dedication to these animals I could not do what I do, We work as a team here, and I truly believe we have become one large family. I love my team and appreciate them all so much.

I must also give a shout out to my husband, Norby who thinks I'm absolutely insane to put all of this effort and expense into this crazy way of life, but he is right there supporting me and working to help support the rescue. I love him and thank him for helping me fulfill my dream.

My passion has always been for animals and love what we do here! I began volunteering with Pat in 2016 and have learned so much since then.  

Everything we do here is in the best interest of the babies we care for.  We strive as a team/family to problem solve and come together for one main goas...to release strong, healthy, happy babies.

A piece of my heart goes with each one that passes through our care.

Never in my life I'd have ever guessed I would get to feed, nurture, socialize, and love the variety of animals we recceive here (raccoons, opossum, squirrels, rabbits, and the occasional turtles, ducks, deer, fox, larger birds, groundhogs, etc.)

I started volunteering at Pat's Bandit's 2 1/2 yrs ago and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I never thoought I'd love the wildlife like I do today. Pat has taught me so much about how to care for and love raccoons.

Six years ago i lost my bestfriend/daughter and was in a very dark place in my life. when I  became a volunteer, I discovered that i had a purpose and could feel again. Her commitment and compassion to save these babies is amazing. i am so blessed that our paths crossed, because it literally saved my life.

I would not consider Pat's Bandits just a Rescue/Rehab for wildlife. When I discovered Pat's Bandits I was feeling lost and broken. I was wanting to help animals still but was burnt out due to all the drama that is in domestic rescue. I figured I would give it a try since Pat only had a small amount of volunteers at that time. With little trust that I would fit in, or that drama would arise, I started going out a few times a week. I started to build a bond with some of the animals, I caught myself going almost everyday. As my first year of volunteering passed, I also started building bonds with the regular volunteers. Now I am a regular volunteer and am spending the majority of my free time at the rehab because everyone feels like family, and I feel at home here.

Wild about animals!!

I enjoy working with the animals and the people. Even though watching them grow up and being released is sad, it makes me feel like I've accomplished our goal. Hannah and Mariah make me look forward to something every weekend. We are pretty much family out here.

I enjoy coming out here because of the rewards of working with the animals. It is amazing to see them go from being in incubators, getting moved to the different kennels as they grow, and being released. I look forward to coming out on Sundays, it's all I think about in my free time at school. Mariah and Paige have become my first real friends outside of school. I have never had sisters before, but I think of them as my adopted ones.

I Like helping out and working with the raccoons. It's nice to watch them grow up and be released. I've really grown out of my shell since I've been here. The people are really nice and understanding as well. the friends I've made here I know are real and make me look forward to coming back.

When I first heard about Pat's Bandit's Rescue and Rehab, I was reluctant to go. But once I did, I found a love for the baby raccoons. Bottle feeding them and having them look up at me with their little eyes melted my heart and I knew I was hooked.

My heart cannot turn back....

When My sister Jan told me she was volunteering at a wildlife rescue, I thought...Ugh!!  Then I went with her and I was hooked. Just to see all those beautiful little raccoons needing love and care, well it tugged at my heartstrings. I haven't regretted a moment of it. It is so rewarding.