Behind The Rescue:

[CTReptileRescue]

I wanted to write something up to give a bit more information for everyone who may have any questions about what we do, or how we do it. Sorry, I think it turned out a bit long. But thank you for reading.

Rusty Reptiles

Behind the Rescue:

Rusty Reptiles is a rescue, conservation and education effort for all reptiles, amphibians and arachnids. We provide services such as rescue, medical care, educational programs, rehabilitation and release of native species, care advice, adoption services, breeding programs and custom built enclosures.

We have been in operation for a combined effort of a little over ten years. We deal with all aspects of rescue from large-scale cruelty investigations involving the CT Department of Environmental protection and town animal control officials to private citizens finding themselves no longer able to care for their animals.

We are known throughout Connecticut and the surrounding states through vet hospitals, law officials, pet stores and the like.

We have worked with a variety of animals from large pythons and boas and full-grown monitor lizards to small Old World species of tarantulas and centipedes.

Winslow and I both come from a long working relationship in the animal care field. Winslow, before becoming disabled, was a certified veterinary technician. Working with many recognized doctors throughout the state. He is also the creator of some of the best naturalistic environments. He has built the enclosures for many museums and small zoos. Winslow grew up with a mother who was an accredited wildlife rehabilitator. He was exposed to animal care at a very early age. Through the years his fascination with exotics grew into a life long dream. While Winslow worked as a tech he saw more and more irresponsible herp owners then ever before.

Winslow and Katie, (Griffin’s biological mother who is sadly now deceased), started Dragons & Dinosaurs. Which was a rescue, breeding and educational program. During this time Griffin (who is now five) was born, and Merlin (The large Burmese python) came to be in Winslow’s custody. And there it began.

I also came from a long line of animal lovers. I started working in pet stores and was exposed first hand to the abuse and neglect many animals face in retail outlets. I worked my way up to management in a year’s time and my experiences grew. I managed three separate store chains all together, and also went on to be a Bradley Caldwell sales representative. Through all my work I never felt full filled enough. I had a hard time selling animals to people I knew wouldn’t be good owners. So I moved onto the medical field. I started as a kennel worker in the largest vet hospital in CT. The same hospital where Winslow trained as a technician. I soon became a veterinary assistant, and was called upon for help with exotics. I soon saw the need for rescue. I started Rusty’s Reptiles, and simply started supplying educational shows to scout and school groups. The word soon spread and folks were calling for help on their own pets. My fascination grew from rescue into conservation.

Through both Dragons & Dinosaurs and Rusty’s Reptiles Winslow and I were best friends. We met in 1992 and our relationship blossomed from there. We were there for each other’s hardships, from my emancipation process, to his illnesses progressing, and the passing of Katie in early 2001. But we were also together for all the good times, the birth of Griffin, who is the center of our world. And the joining of Dragons & Dinosaurs and Rusty’s Reptiles to become the largest rescue in the state.

Winslow works full time with the rescue. He is the main support system for the animals. He is their main source for feeding, cleaning and enclosures. Once an animal goes through our quarantine system (which consists of vet treatment and at least one month of isolation) Winslow builds a species specific enclosure.

All of the animals are given vet treatment, upon arrival and routine exams. This is not only to help keep that specific animal healthy but also to ensure that no diseases or parasites have a chance to spread through our shelter.

I do as much animal care as I can between working full time and supporting the public relations aspect of the rescue. I also keep track of all the paperwork including finances, rescue and adoption files, protocol and procedures, and animal cruelty cases. There is allot of work to be done on both sides of the rescue. But in the end we both know the animals come first. We know our limits and our resources. We make sure to never become overloaded. And we always know to take time out for the family.

This year Rusty Reptiles has done intake on approx. 125 animals, with around 80 animals adopted out, we have had a good year. Some animals are kept behind for use in our educational shows. And sadly some animals don’t make it due to health issues. Our intake varies widely depending on the case. Some rescues are done individually, and some in-groups.

Financing the rescue is all out of pocket. The only money we get for the rescue is through our educational shows. And through our adoptions, depending on the case. Two thirds of our income goes directly into the rescue. This is our life, our dreams and our goals. We both find it well worth the effort.

I don’t think either of us would change it for the world.

Sincerely

Rusty Gilman



Rusty Reptiles Rescue, Conservation and Educational Program
Specializing in Reptiles, Amphibians, and Arachnids.
Rusty & Winslow Gilman
(860) 432-7925
rustysreptiles@yahoo.com
Check out our photos:
http://photos.yahoo.com/rustysreptiles

[BallPythonBabe448]

Bravo!

[Marla]

Thanks Rusty! Very informative.

[Adam_Wysocki]

That's awesome Rusty! .... Does your rescue have exempt status with the IRS?

-adam

[sophie42204]

Awesome, thanks Rusty!

[gen]

Thank you so much for writing that Rusty, and for all of the hard work you do for herps!

[jotay]

[DrEwTiMe]

[CTReptileRescue]