An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

by Jeff Guidry

“A hauntingly beautiful story of rescue and rehabilitation….[A] gorgeous tale of redemption.”
—Susan Richards, New York Times bestselling author of Chosen by a Horse “I could not put this book down.”
—Stacey O'Brien, New York Times bestselling author of Wesley the Owl In the tradition of A Lion Called Christian and Alex and Me comes An Eagle Named Freedom, Jeff Guidry’s remarkable story of how he rehabilitated a severely damaged bald eagle back to health—and how the majestic bird later inspired the author to triumph over cancer. Animal lovers and readers fascinated by the spiritual ties between animals and humans will not soon forget this beautiful, inspiring true tale of an extraordinary friendship.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Nature, Birds, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2010

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful story about the human-animal bond and the healing power of nature.

3.5 stars

[Don Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Eagle Named Freedom is the self told story of Jeff Guidry who works at a wildlife rehabilitation facility outside Seattle. While working there he encounters Freedom, a bald Eagle chick with a broken wing. She is unreleasable and Mr. Guidry forms a bond with her. Mr. Guidry develops lymphoma and his intense bond with Freedom is a source of inspiration to him during his recovery. This is the heart of the book and Mr. Guidry fleshes it out with some stories of other animals he interacts with at the rehab facility, most notably a bear cub that he raises and that is subsequently released back intpo the wild. [return]The work done in wildlife facilities is at once profound and prosaic. The stories of the animals and the workers who toil tirelessly and largely without fanfare certainly deserve to be told. This book will be a winner among those that like uplifting tales about animals, and about individuals struggling with and triumphing over serious illness. Who doesn't like such uplifting fare? As a veterinarian who works extensively with wildlife I was certainly able to relate personally to the tales of how working with such animals can be a humbling and deeply touching, almost transcendental experience. [return]Perhaps because of my personal experience there were the predictable passages that rankled, for example the use of the term stent when referring to an IV catheter, but by and large Mr. Guidry's tales of the wildlife rehabilitation field rang true, and for me this is where the book is at its strongest. I would have preferred for the book to have told more of the story of the wildlife sanctuary and the challenges of running such a facility. Mr. Guidry touches lightly on such issues since his focus is principally on Freedom the eagle, and to a lesser extent his own personal battle with cancer. Even here Mr. Guidry travels over this terrain quickly. He is a first time writer and his prose is straight forward. The book is a quick and easy read. The passages where Mr. Guidry describes his illness, receiving the diagnosis and then later awaiting news of whether treatment has been successful or not have a quiet power to them. Indeed how could they not, and I would be the first to acknowledge the uplifting and inspirational qualities of this story. Mr. Guidry has little desire to visit these experiences at length, however and quickly moves his tale back to Freedom. [return]I am fortunate to have worked with and to have held a bald eagle. The latent power of such an animal, even when sick is truly amazing, and the majesty of such a creature, the awe one feels when interacting with it is difficult to convey without lapsing into purple prose, which at times Mr. Guidry does. This tendency is exacerbated by a pervading tone of new age mysticism. I myself am not one to really get into discussions of eagles as creatures of the spirit world and so on. Mr. Guidry has no such qualms. Given that during his illness Mr. Guidry used a visualization technique of Freedom swooping throughout his body and attacking his cancer and flying it away, and that he credits this imagery in part with his success in battling the disease such imagery is indeed a central part of the book. [return]Mr. Guidry's passion for animals and their welfare is evident throughout the book, nowhere more so than when he discusses his anger at an individual who owned a cougar cub that ended up being "rescued" by the wildlife center. "I wanted to beat the crap out of that guy. I wanted to watch him die" Mr. Guidry writes. Ironically Mr. Guidry goes on to describe his interactions with the Cougar, and the ego gratification that he and others get from their interactions with the cougar. He doesn't pause to note that the things he gained from his interactions with the cougar are the exact same things the original owner was probably seeking. There is a risk of those who work in wildlife facilities developing a sense that only they should be allowed to be around exotic animals and that other people aren't knowledgeable enough and shouldn't ever be allowed to interact with exotic animals. Since ignorance is indeed exceedingly common this attitude is understandable, but it borders on a hypocrisy that is unfortunate at best. I can't tell if Mr. Guidry is guilty of this sort of misplaced self-righteousness, but a more subtle and nuanced book would have discussed these issues more adeptly. Mr. Guidry discusses them not at all.[return]One issue Mr. Guidry does discuss quite well is the difficulty in releasing rehabilitated animals. A successful release is the holy grail of wildlife work. As wonderful as such moments are they are also excruciating for those who have to watch an animal they have raised and cared for on a daily basis walk or fly away, not knowing what fate will befall the creature. The sad reality of wildlife work is that if you're not getting your heart broken you're probably not doing it right. [return]As a veterinarian, I was bothered by a couple of passages that caught my eye. In one section Mr. Guidry relates how he administered anesthesia to an animal while another worker conducted a medical procedure. It is all too common for non-veterinarians in animal shelter settings to lose a sense of perspective and to begin crossing the line of what should and should not reasonably be done by lay people. Generally, when such lines are crossed the people are well intentioned, and have absolutely no idea of the risks to the animals and to themselves that are occurring. Even more concerning to me was a passage where Mr. Guidry relates the tale of an animal's death. " We knew she was dying, so we didn't need the help of a veterinarian. All we could do was make her comfortable." he intones and then two paragraphs later, " She died in my arms. We were doing CPR on her." This probably will go right over the heads of most readers but is deeply disturbing to me. When an animal is clearly dying is often precisely when a veterinarian is needed. And if making the animal comfortable was the sole goal then why in heaven's name was CPR being performed? Still, these are the sorts of criticisms that will matter more to me as a veterinarian than they will to most readers who I imagine will overlook such issues with an indulgent eye towards the obvious care for animals that pervades Mr. Guidry's book. [return]I feel slightly churlish being critical of this book since it is at heart simply trying to be an uplifting and inspiring tale that I have no doubt will be precisely these things to most people. I confess to a guilty pleasure in reading the sorts of mildly insipid emails that discuss the friendships formed between a hippopotamus and a turtle in a third world zoo, or the emails that detail the deer that visits the kitty cat daily. By I don't feel a need to read a book about such incidents. For the most part I'm good with an email. Interestingly, this story of Mr. Guidry, his wildlife center, and Freedom the owl almost certainly served as inspiration for another book I read and enjoyed, "Jackie's Wild Seattle" by Will Hobbs. That book is a kids or young teen's book about a couple of children that spend the summer with their uncle who works at a wildlife center in Seattle . The uncle has cancer, and a close relationship with an eagle. I'd highly recommend Jackie's Wild Seattle to anyone. And for those that love watching the Animal Planet channel, and the Hallmark channel I'd recommend . " An eagle named Freedom." For others it will be a moderately enjoyable quick read. Personally, I would like to see Mr. Guidry write a second book in which he describes in much more detail the day to day occurrences at the wildlife center. I suspect he has more stories to tell, and I can't help but feel that the quite power of such stories will come through more if he wasn't consciously trying to tell a story of inspiration.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous story that reads a bit like Marley and me, but Freedom (the eagle) does not die at the end!

It's sometimes funny -- the antics of this eagle and other animals at Sarvey Wildlife Care Center are a riot -- it's also sometimes sad -- the abuse some of these animals have suffered, the challenges faced by the people and animals in this book, but most importantly, it's inspiring -- the friendship and trust between Freedom and Jeff Guidry is unbelievable.

It reminds me of the bond created between me and my friend, Pam's dog, Abby, after Pam first got her. I had her on the floor of the passenger seat between my legs -- she had never ridden in a car before and really did not know Pam & I. I kept petting her and telling her it was going to be okay -- we formed a bond that day and it is still there 13 years later.

Note: Keep the kleen-ex close by.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very moving nonfiction. I must admit I wept while reading this book about a friendship between an eagle and a wildlife volunteer. They both saved each other. I recommend it!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Eagle Named Freedom is a true story about a man's remarkable relationship with an eagle; but more than that, it is a glorious story about life, the will to live, and living in a meaningful manner. The narrator, Jeff, becomes interested in wildlife and eagles in particular, and begins working at a sanctuary for "wild ones" that have been injured. He is able to form relationships with some special wild animals - a mountain lion, bears, a squirrel, and raptors including Freedom, the eagle. Freedom is brought in to the refuge in a very weak state, and Jeff helps her regain her will to live. She in turn teaches him about fighting for life when he is diagnosed with cancer. The story is beautifully written, bittersweet, touching, funny and thought provoking. It is captivating -- I read it in one long evening because I couldn't put the book down. It is a gorgeous story and I hope that it will stay with me, reminding me to be a better caretaker of this beautiful world & its wild ones.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to on CD. A wonderful book!

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I’m so glad I learned about the Sarvey center and all their dedication to wildlife. Thanks for sharing your story, Jeff!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment Jeff saw the emaciated baby eagle with broken wings, his life was changed. For weeks he and the staff at Sarvey Wildlife Care Center tended to the injured bird, they named Freedom and she miraculously recovered and Jeff became her devoted caretaker. Jeff was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and between sessions of debilitating chemotherapy, Jeff went back to Sarvey and began taking Freedom for walks that soothed his spirit and gave him the strength to fight. When he learned he was cancer free, his first stop was Sarvey to walk with Freedom. The bird seemed to understand the significance of the day and for the first time she wrapped both her wings around Jeff. A tender tale of hope, love, trust and life, this moving true story is an affirmation of the spiritual connection that humans and animals share.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story about a rescued eagle that was unable to fly requiring a permanent home in the wildlife rescue. Because it would never be released the author, one of the volunteers, bonded with it and shared his story that went worldwide so he wrote this book. It was a charming book with a powerful message to humans – we must respect and live with all the wild ones. That they have important messages to share. The least we can do is listen. The story is well written and proceeds chronologically and easily. The author shares his personal story of surviving cancer and the interdependence of the eagle and him. It wasn’t a page turner and I wasn’t compelled to keep reading, but it was a good read.

[Paula M Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary account of a man and an eagle

Wow what an inspirational insight into the world of an animal shelter/sanctuary as well as a life and a love story for the precious animals we as humans are privileged to share. Jeff's experiences solidify the need for nature conservation and many times a "hands off" approach to wild animals. His author's notes state this succinctly. So many subjects are covered in Jeff's writing: volunteerism, a need to connect with animals, how animals can restore our soul, care and feeding, all that is involved in running a shelter, victory of a release into the wild, friendships, veterinary medicine and most of all a deep connection and pure love that happens when we become involved. A must read for all.

[Barb Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Anyone who can see an animal's soul, like Jeff did, is a special person indeed. Jeff's journey with Freedom fascinated me! Great writing style. Very interesting. I just wish the author would have gone more in depth with the story. Example: He volunteered to help at the rescue center and we heard that on day one he was cleaning cages. Then suddenly it sounds like he comes in to bond with Freedom, and that's all. He did help the bear cub and Sasha too, but it sounds like he's only there for Freedom. And I doubt if that's true! But that's how I read it. Other than that - it was a great read. Recommended

[loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this true story of a very special friendship. Also I appreciated the editors care of not having the author write such a polished piece that Jeff’s heart and authenticity would be blunted. It is a spiritual story as well because of the way everyone interacts with ‘the wild ones’. The reader is educated as he is drawn into this compelling story and soon realizes that all the rescues are special and the workers and volunteers who care for them are unique and dedicated. I read the book on my kindle but have ordered a few copies to give as gifts and to keep in my own library.

[Hiker56 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story, but the book wasn't particularly well-written and seemed a bit author-focused. It was heavily interspersed with questionable conclusions about what the eagle was thinking and feeling (claiming to see trust in the bird’s eyes, for example.)
I enjoyed some of the information on eagles and learning of the rehab facility; kudos to the author for his devotion to rehab work!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this entertaining and informative book for my bird club book club. I didn't learn much about eagles, but I enjoyed learning about the author's experiences as a volunteer in a wildlife rescue agency. While working there, Guidry faced serious illness and described his experiences in coping with knowledge of the disease and in dealing with the treatment. This part of the book rang a lot of bells with me, having faced serious illness now over two decades ago.

[Wendy LaBounty]

Not a type of book I usually read, I will be forever thankful I did. Brought together through the eagle's rescue, this is a story of the challenges each faces, separately and together, and the support and love each gives the other. Jeff's experiences with Sarvey Wildlife Care Center are incredible. Of his relationship with Freedom, it is hard to say which one benefitted more, man or bird. This book will be with me for a long, long time.

[Jeff Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my normal type of book to read, but I was drawn to the story of how a human and an animal can comfort each other and offer hope. I enjoyed this writing very much, and I was touched by the sentiments he conveyed. It was easy and pleasurable reading. It left me thinking more about the wild animals around me.

[Elizabeth Hayhoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this audiobook from the library. Narration is good. Very interesting book. I read a review of Jackie’s Wild Seattle and found out that it was written about Jeff Guidry, sure enough a lot of the fiction account in Jackie’s Wild Seattle were based on Jeffs life which he told in this book. This book is so interesting and touching.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Guidry, a volunteer at Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, tends to a baby eagle with broken wings. With care the eagle survives, though it can never be released as it could not fly. The relationship between Jeff and Freedom becomes very close and their story is something interesting, funny and delightful.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the animals stories, the author - with his pagan beliefs, cussing, stated desire to shoot or beat to a pulp people he had never meant and stand there and watch them die, and his clearly caring more about animals than people, even the people he loved - not so much. I would not recommend this one.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational and inspiring. Focuses on wild animal rescue and rehabilitation with the goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild. The author develops a close bond with an eagle whose injuries will not allow it to return to the wild. Details Jeff's journey fighting cancer.

People and animals in the book are wonderful.

[Dorinda Schill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful read

I absolutely loved this book. It made me laugh and cry so many times. I’m amazed at how the author went through so much with his health, yet he put the wildlife, especially Freedom, first I. His thoughts and prayers.

[Ginger Essink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt read

This was a perfect afternoon/evening read. A wonderful story about the relationship of an eagle and a man, and since he wrote the book you know he lives. A book to read when you need a book that's a warm hug.

[Lizw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to give the story a five, and the writing a three, but this was a sheer delight to read, especially for someone who has love the birds her whole life.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So astounding, and some things so moving, I Googled the heck outta Freedom!
My Full Review

[Joanne M. Boettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my interest

Was very interesting and an easy read. Enjoyed reading about Freedom and the other wild animals who all have a spot in my heart. Good book!

[Jo-Lyne Ryker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eagle Nation

This was one of the most interesting books I've ever read. Man and Bald Eagle come together to save one another's life.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This speaks to my animal loving, connections to animals is super important side. I drank it up.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful heart warming story!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the friendship Jeff had with many injured animals as well as Freedom. The author does a great job of describing the situations, you can imagine being there. Very inspirational.

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting story. Not great writing, but okay. It held my attention. Glad I read it.