There are people you like, people you love, and those very special that you adore. Jan Shadick definitely falls into the category of people I adore.

I will never forget meeting Jan. I was living in Saskatoon and had inquired about volunteering for Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation. I was invited to stop by, so I did.

Jan took one look at me, scrunched up her nose and asked, “Do you need me to go get you some work clothes?”

“These are my work clothes,” I replied.

She didn’t look convinced and I imagine she didn’t think I would last long or be back. But I did come back. In fact, I would spend many early mornings caring for ducklings by cleaning their space, swimming them, and feeding them. I would help out with skunks, crows, and songbirds.

During these mornings, it was my great pleasure to work alongside Jan. That is why I was delighted to see that Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation will be featured in a six-part series called Staying Wild, airing on Citytv starting Monday, March 20 at 10 p.m. Each week the show re-broadcasts on Fridays at 10:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

This TV journey began for Jan when the rehab centre took in 687 bats. She knew it was a big event and had reached out to the media to document this. Jackie Kripki of Little Ox Film Company and George Tsourgrianis of Overtime Communications were able to take footage from this and have it shared with Citytv, who were impressed and wanted to see more.

In April 2022, Jan heard that a series showing the work done at a wildlife rehab had been approved. She credits Jackie’s amazing dedication and persistence for making it happen. She is also amazed at how the producers are able to take the work they do and make it look good.

Jan marvels at how they were able to gather some of the best in Saskatchewan to assemble the team that would create this show, including executive producer Ell McEachern and co-producer Hannah Hermann of 3 Story Pictures.

Jan says her priority during this experience was that their work and the quality of care they offer the animals were never compromised, The animals always had to come first. The crew only had one shot. To their credit, she says they stepped up and pulled it off.

Jan has not seen the show, but will stay up Monday to check it out. The whole process has been a big learning experience for her about the film industry in the province.

As I finished my chat with her Jan, she has lots of reminders as we head into spring. She wants folks to remember that spring is baby season, so please deal with local wildlife appropriately.

Be aware of what is on your property — nests with babies can be hidden in overgrown bushes or tall grasses. Poison kills far more than the intended target species.

Finally, Jan says there are checks and balances in nature. Sometimes, it’s when people mess with those checks and balances that we create problems.

You can check out Staying Wild on Citytv starting this week. You can follow Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation on Facebook for more information about how to be good neighbours to local wildlife.

If you find injured, orphaned or abandoned animals, it is encouraged to reach out to Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan at 306-242- 7177 before approaching the animal. They can help guide you on the best ways to handle each situation.

• Denise Leduc