The Heart Behind Shallow Ridge Exotics

Hi, I’m Mandy, the founder of Shallow Ridge Exotics. I was born and raised in Texas, and my education has taken me through animal science, biology, and criminal law. For many years, I worked in law while continuing to learn about animals and their needs. During that time, I also had the opportunity to study avian care in Colorado, which opened my eyes even further to the incredible world of birds and exotic animals. But long before Shallow Ridge Exotics ever existed, there was simply me and my love for animals. As a child, I grew up around horses, and somehow I always seemed to find the animals that needed a little extra love and care. I brought home just about anything that needed help. Thankfully, my parents were patient and generous enough to allow that love for animals and nature to grow.

I have always believed that animals make some of the most wonderful friends we can have, but only if we take the time to truly listen to them. Animals don't always communicate with a sound or a voice. Sometimes they communicate through their actions, their body language, their behavior, and even the little things they do that most people might overlook. The more I learned, the more I realized just how amazing animals truly are and how often their needs can be misunderstood. Over the years, friends, friends of friends, and others began reaching out to me when they came across an animal that needed help, needed a new home, or simply needed someone willing to step in. I found myself helping whenever I could. What started as something I did on the side slowly became something much bigger than I ever imagined. Eventually, I realized that this wasn't simply something I enjoyed doing. It was something I felt called to do. My faith has always been an important part of how I see the world, and I believe that animals are part of God's creation and deserve kindness, compassion, and respect. I know I cannot save every animal that needs help, and that can be one of the hardest parts of rescue. But if there is an animal I can help, or even a way I can help find a solution, I want to try. That belief is what eventually grew into Shallow Ridge Exotics. Shallow Ridge Exotics is a small rescue centered primarily around avian animals and Sulcata tortoises, while also making room for special or severe cases when we are able to safely provide the care they need. Every animal that comes through our doors has a different history, different needs, and a different story. There is no perfect formula for rescue. Sometimes helping an animal means medical care. Sometimes it means patience and rehabilitation. Sometimes it means finding the right home. And sometimes, it simply means giving an animal a safe place to rest and be cared for when they have nowhere else to go. I don't believe I have all the answers, and I certainly don't believe I can fix everything. What I do have is a willingness to learn, to listen, and to keep trying.

Shallow Ridge Exotics was built from a lifelong love for animals, but it has grown because of the animals themselves. Every animal has taught me something, and some have changed me in ways I never expected. My hope is that Shallow Ridge Exotics can be a place where animals are seen for who they are not simply as pets, but as living beings with individual personalities, needs, emotions, and stories.

I am incredibly grateful for every person who has supported this journey and for every animal who has trusted me enough to become part of it. This rescue began with a dream, but the animals are the reason it continues. And as long as I can help, I will keep trying.