About the Staff

Since 1985, Cindy and Chuck Traisi have been resident managers of the Fund for Animals Wildlife Center, fulfilling Cindy's lifelong dream of working with animals.

Tips & Tidbits is a collection of articles and stories written by Cindy and/or Chuck. Because They Matter is a collection of 31 short stories written by Cindy about the wild animals who have come into the wildlife hospital. Some stories are funny, some sad, but all will tug at your heartstrings. A MUST READ for every animal lover! Contact the center at wildliferehab@www.fundforanimals.org if you'd like a copy.

Here is an exerpt from Because They Matter:

"My husband, Chuck, and I are resident managers of a large wildlife rehabilitation center in Ramona, California, northeast of San Diego in the mountains. The center is owned by the Fund for Animals, Inc., founded by Cleveland Amory — no stranger to people who read good books or to those who love animals — who is our boss.

For more than ten years, we have cared for ill, injured or orphaned native wildlife. We have made ourselves available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, for emergencies involving wildlife. We have cared for them and treated their injuries or illnesses with great diligence. We have set them free with unimaginable joy in their hearts and ours.We have also watched the light leave their eyes in death. The stories in this book reflect only a few of the thousands of animals that have come to us. Some of these stories are happy and some are sad, but all are meant to give insight into a world that too few of us are able to witness.

How Chuck and I came to follow this road not often taken is a long story. Why we are here — and hopefully always will be — is easy: Because They Matter..."

— Cindy Traisi