Whimsy once received an email from an anonymous person asking how a single mom, who homeschools her children AND is a full time student, could possibly have the time to devote to, and operate a home-based small animal rescue. The answer: come on over and we'll show you! We never heard from that person again, but we decided to put together this video to share just how we weave this endeavor into our home education lifestyle.

Recluses we are not! We are also deeply involved with the local public high school where we have a mutually beneficial relationship. We work with the students there to teach them some unique vocational skills, and they help keep our store stocked with chinchilla chew toys. Recently, two differentclasses we job-coach took a field trip to our home to visit the chinchilla rescue! It was so much fun! :)

We at the Menagerie have been keeping busy!

What started as a simple homeschool project has become nearly a full fledged business. We receive several emails and phone calls each week asking about chins for adoption, supplies, questions about chinchillas, and inquiries to surrender. It's really been remarkable the learning opportunities our love for the critters has afforded our humble family. We especially love the new friendships we've gleaned with all who we've meet this special way.

On Monday, we went back to the local high school to work with the students with cognitive disabilities to make more chinchilla toys. We were all thrilled that the students rose to the challenge of making our suspension bridges and swings!

Which reminds me... at this time, I'd like to honor our volunteer, Clarissa.  This plucky little girl is quick to jump in and help! We look forward to her visits to the Menagerie where she helps us clean cages, prepare items for the store, hand out hay and supplement, dust baths for the chins, fill water and food bowls and socialize the baby chinchillas.  Thank you for your time and energy,  Clarissa!