December 15, 2014 at 3:25 p.m.
'Christmas for the Critters' benefit draws animal lovers to Pat's Tavern
'Christmas for the Critters' benefit draws animal lovers to Pat's Tavern
By Kayla Thomason-
"We take care of all species that are allowed by law in the state so everything from mice to bears and hummingbirds to eagles and everything in between," said Mark Naniot, the center's director.
Naniot and his wife, Sharon Larson, started Wild Instincts almost four years ago.
Staffers are available 24/7 to respond to wildlife emergencies and currently have about a dozen animals in their care. During the summer that number swells to around 160 animals.
Last year they helped 606 animals representing 97 different species.
"[Mark and Sharon Larson] amaze me," said Tera Federighi, event coordinator for Wild Instincts. "What they do is just -- I think more people need to know about them because every place I went maybe 90 percent of them had no clue, they had never heard of Wild Instincts."
Barbara Hopkins was drawn to the benefit by her friends and the music of Tuck Pence.
She didn't know much about the organization before she arrived but enjoyed donating to a good cause.
"I really like it here and it's a lot of fun," Hopkins said.
Kathy Helm was also happy to help Wild Instincts.
"We're from out of town and we like to hear music and we noticed that this place was going to have music and it was also a benefit for something
so we came," she said. "We like to support local functions and partake in what's happening in Rhinelander."
There were 15 or so raffle items, including art donated by local artists, a handmade teapot, a hair care gift basket, a fishing basket, a cat lady basket, and baked goods.
Proceeds from the event will help Wild Instincts buy food, caging and medical supplies.
"[The donations are] a huge thing because we are a not-for-profit so we don't get any monies from city, county, state, government, anything like that, so any monies that we get to take care of the animals comes directly from things like this we can do, memberships, donations that type of thing," Naniot said.
To volunteer at Wild Instincts, call (715) 362-9453 or email [email protected].
For more information about Wild Instincts, or to make a contribution, visit www.wildinstinctsrehab.com.
The website includes a link to the center's YouTube channel.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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