I operate a domestic pet rescue and get at least a dozen calls a week about Wildlife injuries and other concerns that are way out of my range of experience. I refer them on to Walden's Puddle who have always been a superior source of advice and help. read more

I was referred to Walden's Puddle by another animal rehab. I had found and rescued a hawk on the side of the road... I left two vmails for this location and drove by in the morning (I work in Nashville and have to be in to work by 0815)... there was a significant delay in call back, which resulted in me taking the rescued hawk to my work. I received a text asking me if I wanted to make an appt., but they could only make appts between the hours of 0900 -3:30pm. I tried to explain that I was at work and unable to make it back prior to the closing time of 3:30pm, but I wanted to make sure the hawk was taken care of. I told the person texting me that I was trying to make arrangements. I did take an appt time, but had to play by ear, as my husband had to travel from Bowling Green, to BNA and back to Joelton. He ended up being early and received such unfriendly treatment, he would have donated, but decided against it. He asked if updates could be given on the rescued animals and was abruptly told "no, thanks". We will definitely be looking for other rehabs, if and when we rescue anything else in the future. read more

Walden's Puddle - Hawk - Animal Shelters Near Me

A couple years ago I found 3 baby bunnies in my yard. I called all over trying to find a place to take them. I was suggested Walden's Puddle and tried getting a hold of them for a few days with no answer. I contacted them on their instagram and someone answered and told me to bring the bunnies in. So I drove over an hour and once I got there the lady that was there was super rude. Told me that they couldn't take the bunnies. I told her whoever I was talking to on instagram said to bring them in. She just huffed and puffed and angrily took them. I'm not sure what happened to the bunnies, but I really hope they weren't euthanized because they didn't want them.... definitely will never take another animal there. read more

I contacted them about taking in a baby rabbit I had been caring for for the last 4 days (very young rabbit only a few days old) and they were very friendly over text messages. Well when I got there the lady at the desk was very rude and cold to me, she disagreed and argued with everything I told her. She made it seem like the rabbit was going to die due to my care which was not having the proper food (which she let us know only rehab centers could get), not intubating the baby and much more. I had kept it alive in my care and it was eating KMR, urinating clear and passing waste, it had been moving more and growing. I was looking forward to learning more about the center and making a donation but the interaction with the staff was so insulting I couldn't wait to leave. I do appreciate them taking care of animals that need help but they need to work on their people skills. read more

We called about a orphaned baby raccoon we found and immediately they sent us their address and gave us a helpful advice, as soon as we arrived they took him in and took care of him. This place truly cares for orphaned animals! read more

We found a turtle with a cracked shell. We called Walden's Puddle and they told us to bring it in the very next day. This place is beautiful. The staff are very friendly. They told us that after they keep an eye on him for a few days they can release him for us within a mile of where we found him. We left him there feeling happy and relieved, knowing that he will be very well taken care of. They accept donations but never ask for them. This place is awesome. We gave a donation and we will do it again. You can definitely feel confident bringing animals here. Please donate also because it really does go to a great cause! read more

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Called for an injured bird. They are the only rehabilitators for 45 miles. They never even returned the phone call. That was a week ago.

Food for thought: Walden's puddle took in a baby bird we found in our yard. I'm grateful they responded to my call and took the bird in. However, the woman at the admissions desk was so unfriendly and cold. And, she said the policy is that WP will not offer you updates on the animals you bring in. You drop them off, and that's it. You'll never know what happened to the animal you rescued and sought help for. It's a very cold and heartless policy - much like the vibe I got from the woman at the desk. It would trmendously help WP get more donations and community support if they're engagement with the community were more respectful and warm and inclusive - appreciating the citizen's feelings of concern for the animal they rescued and communicating with them the outcome of the animal's care - even if it just via email. Just a thought. It is ironic that WP's mission is to care for living creatures, but their engagement with human beings is so cold and heartless. Just something to consider. I wish WP lots of growth and support in the years ahead. read more

This is the cutest and sweetest place! When my cat brought a very VERY young baby mouse to our door, I knew I couldn't take care of it long term. I did some research on wildlife centers nearby, and I called Walden's Puddle to schedule an appointment to drop the mouse by. I did the best I could for the night, then brought him to Walden's Puddle the next day. Everyone was so excited to see the little mouse, and I feel very confident that he is in very good hands. I don't know if he'll be able to be released back into the wild since he will probably need to be raised completely by people, but no matter what the little guy needs I know WP will provide for him! :) read more

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How do i even begin? A couple months back I found an abandoned young bird out side my townhouse. I found it, because the dog almost tried to eat it. It was young, had some feather growth, but not near enough to fly, nor care for itself. I didn't find the bird until after 6:20pm, and called every place I could, several places referring me to Walden's Puddle, so gave them a call, no answer, and left a message. And continued watching the bird from a window until the sun went down and it was completely dark. At this point I took the bird in, fed it some mashed up dog food and put it in a safe warm place for the night. I attempted to call them back the next morning after i had made sure the bird was still in good condition, and had not died in the night. Still no answer on the phone, and no one had called me back. No, i was unaware when I started the drive out to the place, that it was almost an hour from my house, and that their physical address was not listed. I lucked out and found some local people at the gas station in Joelton that gave me some directions. Once I finally found the place with my little guy in his shoebox home, I was not greeted with any sign of warmth, nor appreciation. I was greeted by a very disheveled and angry person who was mad that i was there without an appointment, and that the bird should have been left where he was until someone called me. At this point it's 10am, and i left my house around 7:30am, calling several times along the way, FYI. I explained if i had left it, any number of dogs that live and get walked in Lenox Village would have eaten the bird, and being a rescue, I assumed it would be able to help in an emergency like this. She told me that the bird was too young, and that either i could take it back with me (I'm already late for work at this point), or they would have to euthanize it. I told her and the vet tech that has now come into the conversation that i cannot take the bird back with me. Now the next thing they did made me mad. I say, I'm sorry, I can't take the bird back, and they both look horrified and upset that I won't take the bird away and rather leave it to be euthanized. I called them out on this attempted guilt trip saying, I brought the bird to YOU, because YOU have the means to care for wildlife. I live in an urbanized subdivision that has NO way of taking care of this animal. So at this point I left. I have no clue what happened to this bird. I was mad and heartbroken, but i could not take a bird back with me to my office. Also, I will never call this organization again, nor give them any financial support, when I am sure there are other places that are more caring, and understanding of each situation. read more

I left a voicemail about a wild rabbit that I had found dragging itself outside of my front yard, its back legs were paralyzed, and it had a deep open wound on the stomach. I was messaged soon after and was given advice as well as the preferred drop off time. I got stuck in traffic & was late, however, the rep didn't mind & took the rabbit in for deeper examination. Overall comforting experience, clean facility, & by the looks of it, their other rescues are given great care! read more

This is incredible resource in Middle TN. We found a 1 week old baby horned owl that fell out of his nest. The mother owl was so attentive but we didn't know what to do. Our daughter found Walden's Puddle & we were referred to their list of volunteers. Bettina & Tim "re-nested" our baby owl over 2 days & they were so great! You never know that you need a non-profit until you really do. Thank you all for volunteering. read more

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Hey folks, do call back as inquire about your rescue. A dear friend of mine found a sick young pigeon in Nashville. The poor baby had a canker infection which is common. She has rehabbed before, in another state and was comfortable caring for the youngster until it was time to do a soft release. Her goal was that the pigeon be released with others and took her to Walden's Puddle. When she called to ind out how she was doing, my friend was told the pigeon was euthanized because it had an old break, in one of the ankles that had healed and left the foot crocked. While the foot was crooked, pigeons are extremely resilient and do well with only one foot. I have been rehabbing pigeons in another state for 30 years and euthanasia was uncalled for. My friend was stunned and feels very guilty although she had no way of knowing what would happen. Like I said, do inquire about your rescue. read more

This place only takes care of animals when it's convenient for them, they told me today if they are given a baby with its eyes closed they euthanize it. Last time I was there, there were small baby animals that were all on the ground outside. If something isn't in perfect health then don't bring it here or it will die. read more

Its a wildlife rehabilitation center. They take care of orphaned or injured animals. They have positions for volunteers and interns. They're not that visible but its a good number to keep on hand in case you come across hurt wildlife and you're an animal lover like myself... I've used them once and it was an easy experience. read more

If you find an orphaned baby animal, or injured wildlife, just keep it warm and call Walden's Puddle! They rehabilitate hundreds of animals a year in their beautiful secluded "wildlife hospital" in Joelton. I found a newborn squirrel, called them, they called me back right away and gave me instructions. An hour later they had the baby squirrel in an incubator. This is the best place to call if you find a animal in the Nashville area and you aren't sure what to do. read more

I found a little robin injured in the road and had no idea where to take it and then I discovered this place. I sure am glad I did. They were so caring and appreciative that I brought it to them. I had my kids with me so it was just an all around amazing experience. They printed out a certificate for my oldest son to say that we saved the life of a robin. It was just a wonderful experience. They were friendly and the atmosphere was very nice and professional. I love this place and would love to go back to volunteer or somehow keep my kids exposed to the great things they're doing there. :) read more

Several years ago I found a young screech owl entangled in a barb wire fence. The owl was probably moments away from death, it's wing was broken and nearly severed, it was obvious that it would need amputation. I carefully freed the owl from the fence. I knew of Walden's Puddle because I had a friend who had volunteered there for awhile. I called them and they agreed to take the owl and to have a vet look at it. I drove nearly 50 miles to take them the poor creature on a Sunday afternoon, made a $50.00 donation when I got there and left the owl in their charge. They told me that the vet would be there Monday a.m. to look a the owl. On Tuesday I called to see how the owl was doing, just simply out of curiosity and for my own piece of mind. I was told; "We usually don't give out that information..." Needless to say, I was quite irritated, and disappointed...I had tought they were a a great organization doing good work. As it turns out they were just a pack of self righteous egotist who don't even regard the people, such as myself, who respect their work and donate, as worthy of knowing the outcome of any particular case. I have not nor will I ever use or recommend Wlden's Puddle again, there are several other organizations such as this around Middle TN. read more