Rob’s Rescues

This month, I interviewed Jackie Wilcox of Lucky’s Place Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, based in Woodstock. Learn more about past and present residents and how you can help at www.luckys-place.org.

Tell us about Lucky’s Place.

This dog’s name is Outlaw. He is a large, 13-year-old gray dog. He was turned over to the shelter due to his owner moving. Outlaw walked very calmly on the leash. He is very sweet and well-behaved, and he will listen to you. Outlaw loves learning things and tries to please you. He is very old and needs a home to live out his days.

Years ago, my husband and I adopted a Dalmatian, Lucky, who loved all animals except other dogs. She was very interested in small wildlife and particularly loved a toad that would wait at the door for her to come outside and interact. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. They had a special bond. On our walks, I always told Lucky we were going to save animals, and she is my inspiration behind Lucky’s Place — where wildlife matters. I get a lot of injured squirrels and hit-by-car possums. I rehab them and get them back into the wild.

How did you get started?

I fell in love with a possum that kept visiting my front porch. I started talking to rehabbers and went from there. I have been licensed for small animal rehabilitation since 2020.

What animals do you help?

Mostly possums, squirrels, groundhogs and fawns. They are orphaned or injured — typically hit by a car or attacked by dogs and cats.

What is your favorite animal?

Possums are my favorite. They are very misunderstood creatures.

What should people know about wildlife?

Wildlife has its place in the ecosystem. Each species has a place. Don’t be afraid of wildlife. Foxes and possums are not going to charge you. Coyotes are not going to chase you. Possums and squirrels do not have rabies. If you see them out during the day, they are not rabid. They are just looking for food for their families.

How can the community help?

This cat’s name is Liya. She is 3 years old and was a stray. She is a very sweet cat who loves attention. Liya definitely will lay with you on the couch, and she is not a cat that complains loudly about things. She would very much love a home of her own.

What story do you love to tell?

A guy found a possum a dog had attacked. He thought it was dead and put it in a bag in the trash. Two days later, he noticed the bag moving. There were babies in the pouch. I rehabbed them, and when they were old enough, they went back to the wild.

Follow Lucky’s Place — Where Wildlife Matters on Facebook or visit the website. Transporters always are needed and can volunteer through the Georgia Wildlife Network. I always am grateful for donations and volunteers.