Rutger returns to her nonprofit

Editor's note: Back to the Wild, a Castalia-based nonprofit founded in 1990, returns injured and sick animals back into their natural habitats through a medically approved rehabilitation process. People can learn more or donate by visiting facebook.com/backtothewildohio. MARGARETTA TWP. — For eight years, Mona Rutger was absent and confined to a hospital bed in her home due to an illness that wreaked havoc on her body but not her fiery spirit as Back to the Wild continued operating and taking in more than 2,500 sick and orphaned native Ohio wildlife a year. Now, against all odds and with a miraculous recovery, she has returned to her life's mission and unwavering passion: rehabilitating wildlife and educating and fostering an appreciation for the natural world in children and adults of all ages. On any given day, you can see her zipping by with a smile on her face while mowing the lawn or enthusiastically sharing her love of wildlife by doing tours and greeting the public. One thing is for sure: She is back in full force. In the years before 1990, Back to the Wild was a dream. When Bill and Mona Rutger purchased the property on Bardshar Road that consisted of several acres to build their home and family, it was a barren and muddy cropland. Mona immediately recognized the potential and started planning for the future. The compassionate "turtle lady" quickly became the "every wild animal lady," and the rest is history. She made that dream become a reality, and Back to the Wild became what it is today: one of Ohio's most respected rehabilitation centers with the help of several generous donors over the years. We invite you to schedule a tour by calling us at 419-684-9539 and visiting us at the center to see our newly redone gorgeous landscaping, resident ambassador animals and meet our friendly and knowledgeable staff — and, maybe, even meet Mona herself. Tours are run daily by appointment from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. We look forward to seeing you soon. As always, without you, there is no us for them. Hearing from Mona herself Mona Rutger penned an open letter to those who support and/or want to know more about Back to the Wild: As a child, I spent any (free) time I could possibly have with all the farm animals: cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, barn cats and more. My favorite place was the creek and woods located down a long lane behind the farm and our house. That's where I became hopelessly lost in nature. The birds, insects, trees, wildflowers, woods, creek and fields are where I needed to be. They literally called to me. I had to know what everything was and why it was there. To this day, I am an avid bird watcher and am more thrilled to see them free in the wild than in my hands or here in a cage up close but injured. They don't belong in a cage. I love joining or leading groups on bird watching, wildflower walks, tree identification and more. When my husband, Bill, and I married in 1970, we lived in town in Sandusky for four years where I designed my backyard into a natural habitat to house turtles of all kinds. I had always loved turtles and took in many unwanted ones that were in need of better nutrition, natural sunlight, etc. The neighborhood kids loved learning about them and helping to feed them and even helped me clean their pools and habitats. I soon became known as the "turtle lady" to the kids, their parents and teachers — and more and more turtles began arriving for me to care for. By 1974, we were starving for country living and found our dream home in the country just 5 miles from where I grew up. It was a bare crop field with a woodlot and no house on it at all. This wonderful spot in Castalia would not only become our home but the home of Back To The Wild and all its wild creatures, too. We lived on the property the first 16 years, raising our son and daughter, before the center was even a thought in my mind — enough time to plant over 2,500 trees, bushes and plantings to create a natural wildlife sanctuary, providing much-needed habitat for any creatures who might come. It was a perfect setting by then: to become the future of Back To The Wild. My husband has been a saint from Day 1 and truly the wind beneath my wings. He not only tolerated and supported my passion and intense drive to help wildlife that has been hurt due to human carelessness, he joined forces — and, together, Back To The Wild became a reality. There's no way I could have done this alone. Countless volunteers have also benefited the center from the beginning. They have been the lifeblood of the center, filling every niche imaginable. The most difficult part of caring for an injured wild animal and during its recovery is to understand that they need to be kept wild. It's very difficult for many people not to think of them as pets or domestic animals who do thrive on our love. Wild animals not only do not need that, (but) their chances of a successful release back to the wild are ruined if we talk to them, pet them, habituate them to human activity and more. It's very hard to remember to love them enough to keep them wild. Some volunteers are dismayed to learn they won't be interacting and playing with wildlings. But they soon get it and want to do what's best for the animals in our care so they can return to the wild where they belong. We couldn't do without these volunteers' incredible and selfless help. The support of our community has been overwhelming and has touched my heart deeply, including the Register staff. Knowing you all believe in our work and mission means everything. I am beyond grateful that my health has been restored enough to allow me to return to the center in many capacities. I'm in remission and hope and pray each day I stay here. I've been given a gift that is priceless . I'll never stop living this dream of caring for injured wildlife and educating children and adults at every age. The children are my inspiration. They are our future. And I love knowing I can help them make better choices in caring for the planet, having compassion for living creatures and discovering the wonders of our natural world.