Shaddow's Helping Paws Rescue

06/02/2026

Looking for something good this weekend in Manchester Vt stop in for a delicious treat while supporting a great cause.

06/01/2026

MONTPELIER — Few birding experiences rival hearing the haunting call of the loon or seeing them glide by in protected coves on a lake. However, for the birds’ protection, Vermont

06/01/2026

While out SHP staff came across this amazing bird of prey Ospreys are so amazing and enjoy watching.

05/31/2026

Cowboy is making himself at home resting up before training starts. He has been working on walking on a leash, and being social. He is doing better everyday.

05/30/2026

Stop in for some great food and a great cause let's send Cancer on its farewell tour with Relay for Life
Team Alicia's Guardians. Rather order online just use this code XWWMYYJ

05.31.2026, 4:00pm - 8:00pm

05/29/2026

**I WASN’T LEFT BEHIND BY MY MOTHER.**
**I FELL THROUGH A ROAD SHE COULD NOT FOLLOW.**

You heard me before you saw me.

A tiny sound under the street.

Peep.
Peep.
Peep.

Maybe you looked down and saw only a storm drain.

Metal bars.
Dark water.
A hole in the road.

But below it, I was trying to keep up.

I am a mallard duckling.

I had only just learned my mother’s voice.
I had only just learned to follow the warm body in front of me.
I did not understand grates.
I did not understand streets.
I did not know the ground could open beneath my feet.

My mother could walk over the drain.

I could not.

My body slipped between the bars.

Then the world changed.

Her feet were above me.
Her voice was above me.
My brothers and sisters were moving away without me.

And I was below the road, calling from a place too deep for my legs and too dark for my mother to enter.

Please do not assume I was abandoned.

Look for my mother nearby.
Keep dogs and people back.
Do not climb into the drain yourself.
Do not pour anything inside.
Call animal control, local wildlife rescue, the fire department, or the non-emergency police line.

If I am rescued and my mother is still close, I may be able to rejoin her.
If I am cold, injured, wet, weak, or she is gone, I need licensed wildlife help.

I was not lost.

I was following my mother across a road that was built with holes small enough for me to disappear.

**Reality check:** Mallard and other dabbling duck broods often leave the nest soon after hatching and follow the mother toward water. Ducklings can fall through storm-drain grates, and U.S. rescues often involve animal control, firefighters, zoo staff, or wildlife responders lifting grates and reuniting ducklings with the mother when safe. Injured or weakened waterfowl should be kept warm, dark, and quiet while professional help is contacted.

**Sources:** U.S. Geological Survey — duckling nest departure study; Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium — ducklings rescued from storm drain; Tufts Wildlife Clinic — sick or injured waterfowl guidance.

05/29/2026

All great turtle reminders