Barbara “Missy” Runyan’s dedication for helping animals was unmatched. Her husband, Dave LoVerde, says that it led her to found a rehabilitation center for wild animals, Friends of the Feathered and Furry.
“This was her dream, and because of the community and the donations that came in, they allowed us to make her dream come true for her," LoVerde said. "We want to carry on the legacy because she worked so hard to get it.”
What You Need To Know
- Barbara "Missy" Runyan, a wild animal rehabilitator, founded Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center
- The Center rehabilitated wounded wild animals before releasing them back into the wild
- After Runyan's passing in early October, her husband, along with volunteers, promise to keep the center running in her honor
In early October, Runyan died at age 51. The blow has been overwhelming for LoVerde, but he will make sure the center, his wife’s passion, remains a place to help animals.
“It was always about the animals; it was never about her," LoVerde said. "This is what she always wanted, and we’re going to keep going with the help of the community and the donations. We’re gonna be OK. We’re gonna keep the dream alive.”
The center rehabilitates a variety of wild animals, from owls to eagles, and even bears. They receive injured or orphaned animals, help them heal, and then reintroduce them into the wild, with the help of some hard-working volunteers like Salvatore Dellachiesa. Dellachiesa says he was inspired by the work Missy was doing, and it made him desperately want to work her alongside her. Two years ago, he got his chance.
“About a year of pressing her, mildly, you know? Harassing Missy, ‘Hey, when can I come up there, when can I come up there,’ ” Dellachiesa said with a laugh.
He’s been at the center since, helping to deliver animals there and then bringing them back to health. And that includes the dirty work. But Dellachiesa says he’s grateful that Missy took a chance on him, giving him the opportunity to volunteer.
“She was definitely an inspiration and I’m looking forward to keeping the legacy going, Dellachiesa said. “I think she deserves that, she blazed a path and I think it’s time to finish the trail.”
LoVerde wants his wife to be remembered by the words she lived by: Let wild be wild.
“Animals in the wild do not want to be your friends. They don’t want to be fed, they’ve been here way before us, and they’ll be here way after us,” LoVerde said. "They’re gonna do just fine; they don’t need our help. That was her biggest message. And I think that’s probably what she wants to be remembered by.”
