Almquist Family Saves Exotic Animals, ABC Saves Almquist Family’s House

In the high desert of Phelan, California, the Almquist Family created the non-profit Forever Wild sanctuary whose mission is to rescue exotic animals (bobcats, cougars, leopards, tigers, servals, snakes, parrots — you name it) that have been abandoned, abused, neglected or illegally obtained. As with most missions of mercy, their generosity and time spent caring and rehabbing these animals has left them with a house that resembles the animals: abused and neglected. According to the Hesperia Star, the family lives in a doublewide trailer without heat or air-conditioning, has leaking pipes, gaping holes in the doors and is partially held together with duct tape. Here’s the home details page of the Almquist Family.

Likewise, ABC made a commitment to finding families who give back to the community and are in need of a better home. This is a perfect match for ABC’s Extreme Makeover:Home Edition show. This episode will air tonight at 8/7 central (check your local TV listings and get your tissues ready). I’m having a hard time trying to find photos of the makeover, so you’d better tune in to see. I do know that solar panels are being used courtesy of Akeena Solar:

This Sunday’s episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” features many green and sustainable building elements, the centerpiece being a 24-panel, 5 kW Andalay solar system. Long after the building crews have left, the donated system worth nearly $40,000 will continue to give back to the Almquist family and the community, drastically reducing their electricity bills and decreasing carbon emissions by 10,000 pounds — or the equivalent of planting more than 115 trees.

Need home improvement ideas? Visit Dueling Digs, a “hot or not” game for design ideas. Hmm, maybe we need a a solar panel category.