Who We Are | Venderick’s Healing Paw

Our organization

Venderick's Healing Paw is a 501(c)(3) non-profit wildlife rehabilitation rescue based in Killingly, Connecticut. Dedicated to the care and protection of native small mammals, we regularly intake chipmunks, flying squirrels, gray squirrels, cottontails, and the occasional opossum or groundhog, with a primary specialization in squirrel rehabilitation. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife with the ultimate goal of returning them to their natural habitats.

Day to day, our work involves providing round-the-clock specialized care including fluid and nutritional therapy, enrichment, medical management with veterinary support, and rehabilitation tailored to each species' natural behaviors and needs. We manage this around-the-clock care alongside full-time work schedules, driven purely by dedication to our native wildlife. Beyond hands-on patient care, we are equally committed to public education, advocating for humane coexistence, and preserving local ecosystems.

Wildlife rehabilitation is a completely voluntary commitment. While we are licensed through the state, operations are funded entirely out of pocket with no state or federal funding or reimbursements of any kind. When wild animals are injured, sick, or orphaned, a rehabilitator is often their only chance at survival. While the work is time-consuming, exhausting, and expensive, watching these animals grow, heal, thrive, and return to the wild makes every effort worth it. Any and all donations are deeply appreciated and make this life-saving work possible.

Meet the Rehabbers

Brittany and Ryan smiling together in Venderick's Healing Paw shirts on a wooded trail

Brittany wearing glasses and purple gloves, syringe-feeding a baby squirrel in her hand

Brittany Hart

Founder & Licensed State Wildlife Rehabilitator

Brittany is the founder and primary state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator at Venderick’s Healing Paw. Balancing a full-time career in healthcare alongside her passion for animal welfare, she oversees the daily care, nutrition, intake, and medical management of the native Connecticut wildlife.

From specialized hand-rearing protocols to providing intensive care for injured grey squirrels, flying squirrels, chipmunks, cottontails, and opossums, Brittany ensures every patient receives species-appropriate treatment tailored to their recovery. When she isn’t managing intakes or planning the next enclosure build, she is actively involved with community outreach and driving fundraising initiatives to expand the rescue’s capacities. As the heart of Venderick’s Healing Paw, her boundless compassion and dedication shows in everything she does.

Brittany kneeling on a leaf-covered woodland floor in a dark winter coat, holding a barred owl in gloved hands before its release

Brittany smiling while holding a hawk in gloved hands in snowy woods before its release

Ryan looking down at his camera while a squirrel stands on the grass at his feet beside a wildlife crossing sign

Ryan Hart

Co-Founder & Licensed State Wildlife Rehabilitator

Ryan works hand-in-hand with Brittany to keep Venderick’s Healing Paw running smoothly around the clock. Bringing a strong hands-on approach to the rescue, Ryan oversees enclosure design and construction, builds custom nesting boxes, and provides vital enrichment to ensure every animal in care has a safe, natural space to rehabilitate.

Beyond specialized housing, Ryan assists directly with animal care when needed, goes out on field rescue calls, and helps with daily meal prep. His unwavering dedication makes the rescue’s mission possible every step of the way.

Ryan standing inside the raised wooden frame of a new enclosure with his arms outstretched, two helpers at either side

A lasting legacy

In Memory of Venderick

I had always planned on becoming a wildlife rehabilitator eventually. In my head, it was a dream for retirement. But after losing my cat, Venderick, suddenly and tragically, my whole perspective shifted. Life showed me how brief and fragile it really is, and I realized I couldn't keep putting off my passion. Why wait? Start now.

Venderick's story began right outside my front door. He and his two siblings were born under my front stoop, abandoned by their mother at just three weeks old and battling a severe respiratory infection. Though we tragically lost one kitten, my husband and I bottle-fed and raised the other two. From day one, Venderick and I shared a bond unlike any I'd experienced before. He was truly my little buddy and whole heart.

When he passed suddenly at six years old from an undetected heart condition and blood clot, I was heartbroken that he couldn't be saved. Choosing to honor his life became my mission: if I couldn't save Venderick, I would dedicate myself to saving others.

Venderick as a bottle-fed kitten resting on a red blanket — Venderick — the heart behind our name.

Venderick as a grown tabby cat curled on a soft blanket — Venderick — the heart behind our name.

I've always opened my heart and home to the unwanted, the abandoned, the misfits, and the lost souls who happen to find me. Rescuing has always been in my DNA. But Venderick was the ultimate spark that pushed me to dive headfirst into wildlife rehabilitation today rather than waiting for tomorrow, and he remains the true heart behind our rescue's name.

Care guided by compassion, sound practice, and respect for wildlife.