Not long ago, I shared a simple photo of a bunny I had gently petted—a moment of quiet connection with nature. To my surprise, a woman with a wildlife license, who profits from keeping animals caged, reported me. Even though Facebook sided with me, the online harassment from her and her followers was exhausting. I ended up deleting the post and blocking them. It was frustrating, but in the end, none of it really mattered—because what mattered was helping the animals, not pleasing the people.

That same spirit of care is what led me to Goldie, an injured Golden Eagle. He had been hit by a car while trying to eat a dead bunny on the road. When Breezie and I found him, he couldn’t move well, and though I knew he could harm me, I approached with gentle hands and a calm voice. I picked him up carefully, comforted him, and moved him to safety. In that moment, fear was replaced by compassion.

I contacted a wildlife sanctuary, but they told me I had to transport Goldie myself and cover the high costs. I had no experience with eagles, but I couldn’t leave him. In the intense Utah heat, I stayed by his side for more than four hours—offering food, water, and quiet reassurance. It was exhausting, but he needed someone, and I refused to give up on him.

Then something incredible happened—Goldie gathered his strength, flapped his wings, and soared into the sky with a powerful cry of freedom. It was a moment of pure joy. Watching him fly reminded me why I do what I do. Despite the criticism, the stress, and the obstacles, my love for animals always wins. Every creature deserves compassion, and Goldie’s flight was a beautiful reminder of that truth.