Our Story
A Legacy of Compassion
Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. exists because one person believed that every wild animal deserved a second chance.
In 2001, Dee Howe founded Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation with a simple but powerful mission: provide compassionate care for injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife while educating the public about peacefully coexisting with the wild neighbors around us.
Dee was more than a wildlife rehabilitator. She was a fierce advocate for animals, a trusted mentor, and someone who inspired others through both her knowledge and her kindness. She had a special place in her heart for raccoons, but her compassion extended to every animal that crossed her path.
Over the years, Dee helped save countless wild lives while touching the hearts of the people around her. Her dedication built the foundation of the organization we continue today.
Although Dee is no longer with us, her spirit remains woven into everything we do—from every orphaned squirrel that receives a second chance to every raccoon released back into the wild.
Her legacy continues with every life we save.
Continuing Dee's Mission
Today, Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation is led by Kathy Gaynor, who carries Dee's vision forward with the same unwavering commitment to wildlife.
Under Kathy's leadership, thousands of animals have received expert rehabilitation and compassionate care. Her dedication has earned the respect of fellow rehabilitators across Massachusetts and beyond.
In 2025, Kathy was honored with the Wildlife Rehabilitator of the Year Award by the Wildlife Rehabilitators' Association of Massachusetts (WRAM)—an award made even more meaningful because it came from the people who know the work best: her peers.
Reflecting on the honor, Kathy shared:
"I had no idea I had even been nominated until I saw my name on the screen. To learn that seven of my fellow rehabilitators had nominated me was overwhelming. Hearing Charlotte Briggs' presentation and their kind words about my work brought me to tears. I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. For once in my life, I was speechless."
While Kathy is quick to credit the many volunteers, veterinarians, transporters, and supporters who make this work possible, this recognition reflects decades of unwavering dedication to Massachusetts wildlife.
A Community Effort
Wildlife rehabilitation is never a one-person job.
Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation has been fortunate to work alongside an incredible community of veterinarians, volunteers, donors, transporters, and fellow rehabilitators who make this mission possible every single day.
One person who has made an extraordinary difference is the late Dr. Robert Shurtleff of Eastfield Hospital for Animals. Through his compassion and expertise, he helped countless injured animals receive the medical care they desperately need.
In recognition of his years of support, Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation proudly nominated Dr. Shurtleff for the WRAM Veterinary Appreciation Award, which he received in 2023.
As Kathy shared:
"We could not do what we do without the amazing support of Dr. Bob and Eastfield Hospital for Animals. We are incredibly thankful for everything they have done for our organization and the wildlife we care for."
The People Behind the Mission
Every animal that arrives at Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation is cared for by compassionate people working together toward a common goal, and the includes the many volunteers who donate their time.
Our volunteers bottle-feed orphaned babies, prepare specialized diets, clean enclosures, transport injured wildlife, answer hotline calls, assist with fundraising events, and lend a hand wherever it's needed. Many balance full-time jobs, families, and their own responsibilities, yet still make time to help wildlife in need.
Behind every successful release is a network of dedicated individuals whose kindness often goes unseen.
We are also deeply grateful to the veterinarians, licensed rehabilitators, transport volunteers, wildlife professionals, and generous donors who make this work possible. Every person who contributes—whether through time, expertise, or financial support—plays an essential role in giving wild animals a second chance.
Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation has always been built on compassion, community, and collaboration. Together, we continue the mission Dee Howe began more than two decades ago, helping one animal—and one family—at a time.
