Wednesday’s Story
Wednesday was a private pet before coming to Carolina Tiger Rescue but was surrendered to Carolina Tiger after continually biting her owner. Wednesday was declawed by her owners and developed arthritis in her nubby fingers as a result. Wednesday was our oldest animal. She was a quiet kinkajou who enjoyed her sleep. She, however, had quite the feisty side and could be very dangerous if provoked. Wednesday was unfortunately declawed by her former owner, in an attempt to make her “safer”, but Wednesday packed a lot of attitude into her small body and, when she continued to be too much to handle, she was surrendered by her owner to Carolina Tiger Rescue. Wednesday enjoyed her peaceful life at Carolina Tiger, where she is left alone unless it’s time for dinner.
Wednesday’s Passing
August 14, 2023
There have been moments in my many years at Carolina Tiger Rescue that have stood out. Some of them formed incredible memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Others have left scars that that I will wear on my heart as a reminder that nothing in life lasts forever. Sadly, today I bring you the latter.
Wednesday Kinkajou has been a part of Carolina Tiger for 30 years. She has lived through the tenure of so many staff and volunteers. She saw this organization grow and change and redefine itself. Thankfully she has enjoyed an incredibly long and happy life, being well loved for so many years. Unfortunately, over the past couple of months, she had been slowing down and not as enthusiastic about eating. We got her under for a physical and didn’t find anything overly concerning. In the end, it seemed like she just couldn’t compensate any longer and we had to make the best decision for her and let her pass peacefully.
I don’t believe there is anyone here that didn’t know Wednesday. Sometimes people may not know some of the smaller animals as they can be quiet and not always as flashy as the big guys. But not even her tiny eight-pound size would allow Wednesday to blend into the background. Her engaging personality made her a fan favorite and earned her some amazingly dedicated fans. She was often bribed with yummy treats and attention from our volunteers and staff.
For the 24 years I have been with Carolina Tiger Rescue, Wednesday kinkajou has been a part of my life. When I first met Wednesday, she was a feisty, slightly unpredictable young(ish) kinkajou. She had a bit of a temper and never really let you forget that she had very high standards of what she expected from you. When not pleased, she wouldn’t hesitate to let you know. But she also knew how to turn on the charm. I know of no one that wouldn’t give her anything she wanted. Special fruits? No problem. A certain type of blanket? You bet. Some extra time just to hang out together? Absolutely. I was honored to help care for her and watch her transition from spunky middle-aged kinkajou into a pampered – still spunky – old lady.
In many ways, Wednesday has been the unofficial mascot of Carolina Tiger Rescue. She was a shining example of what it means to not make a good pet and yet was able to steal so many hearts. The weight of this loss is in no way proportional to Wednesday’s size. While my heart may be broken, it was also made just a bit bigger by having the privilege of caring for Wednesday. We will continue to honor her memory by continuing to offer animals in need a place to call home for the next 30 years and beyond.
With a heavy heart,
Kathryn Bertok
Assistant Director
