At my Bible study group, we pondered the question: "What decision have you made in your life that seemed small at the time but has had a major impact on your life?" For me, that decision was bringing home a joey named Sammie Jo.

As a hostess at a five-star B&B in Albany, I thought having a joey would charm our international guests. Little did I know the depth of care and commitment required for such a precious life. On 18 September 2014, after asking a colleague—a professional roo shooter (didn’t even understand that at the time)—to save a joey for me, I walked into my office to find a large box with a joey inside. It was Sammie Jo. I became that dreaded MOP (Member Of Public).

Weighing just 2.7 kg, Sammie Jo underwent a vet checkup before coming home with me, along with bottles, teats, and formula. My journey with her began with little knowledge, but immense love and the help of my cousin, Google, and the Mount Barker Vet Clinic. I still cringe when I look at the first photos we took of Sammie Jo. Poor baby girl.

Sammie Jo quickly became a beloved member of our family. She stayed close to home, though she eventually began to explore the wild. One day, she returned with a severe foot injury. After an x-ray revealed she had stepped on glass, we treated her, and she healed well. Yet, her wild spirit remained strong.

Her wild adventures led to many sleepless nights and frantic searches. The first morning she didn't come home I was a mess, I traipsed through acres of farmland, over electric fences, through mud, creeks and ponds till I finally found her. She looked at me as if to say, what's wrong Mummy I am just being a wild roo and exploring. I looked at her and said time to go home baby girl. I looked around and had no idea where I was. (days before mobile phones and google map for me) I told Sammie Jo she needed to take me home which she did. The last time she went missing, Josie—another joey we cared for—guided me to her. Sammie Jo was injured and suffering from myopathy due to stress. We believe she had been chased by a dog and been stuck in a fence. I cared for her tirelessly, but it became clear she needed more than I could provide.

Throughout her journey, Sammie Jo became a serious big sister to Josie. She took her role to heart, always watching over Josie and guiding her in the ways of the wild. Their bond was undeniable, with Sammie Jo leading by example and showing Josie how to embrace her natural instincts.

Sammie Jo was relocated to Dreamers Dream Wildlife Centre, where she was nursed back to health and subsequently released.

As my daughter drove Sammie Jo and me to Dreamers Dream my heart was shattered. I held her close, feeling her gentle heartbeat against my chest, knowing I had to say goodbye to the joey who had become my world. The drive to the sanctuary was filled with silent tears and a heavy heart, as I replayed every precious memory of our time together. Leaving her behind felt like losing a part of myself, a wound that would take time to heal. Did it ever heal?

Though I missed her dearly, knowing she was happy and free brought comfort.

This small decision to bring home Sammie Jo profoundly changed my life. Now living in Tenterden, operating Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary and caring for wildlife full-time, I've learned so much, especially what not to do. I still miss Sammie Jo every day and hope she is safe and happy. The hardest part of being a carer is not knowing if they are okay, but I am grateful for the journey we shared and the lessons learned

Meet Sammie Jo

Meet Cherish