What started as an ordinary walk in the woods turned into a rescue Brandon will never forget.
Earlier this month, Brandon and her dog, Howard, were out on their usual walk near home in Canada when Howard suddenly focused on something off the trail. Curious, Brandon paused to see what had caught his attention.
At first, she saw a large raven take off from the ground and thought that was all there was to it. But then she noticed what looked like a dark lump nearby. When she moved closer, the shape shifted.
It was another raven — alive, but clearly hurt and unable to fly.
Brandon said seeing the bird in that condition was heartbreaking. Unsure what to do, she began speaking softly to him, and the raven looked up at her as if responding.
Wanting to help, she called Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary for guidance. Staff there told her to carefully pick up the bird and bring him in for treatment.
Though nervous, Brandon gently gathered the raven into her arms. To her surprise, he did not struggle at all. Instead, he relaxed against her, almost as if he understood she was trying to help.
She later described the experience as incredible, saying she had never imagined what it would feel like to cradle a raven close while he looked up at her so trustingly.
With help from her son, Brandon drove the injured bird to the sanctuary, where staff were ready and began caring for him immediately.
Examination showed that the raven had injuries to his head, wing, and leg, likely caused by an attack from another bird. Without treatment, those injuries could have become life-threatening, but Brandon had found him in time.
Over the weeks since, the raven has continued to recover well. Brandon says she is amazed by the care he has received and feels grateful to have played even a small role in helping him survive.
The sanctuary expects the raven will need a bit more time before he is ready to return to the wild. When that day comes, Brandon plans to be there too.
The staff asked whether she would like to bring him back to the place where he was found and release him herself — and she did not hesitate to say yes.