The shrill squawks of cockatiels drift out of Wendy Cable's animal-filled basement as she completes the daily afternoon feeding of her many foster animals.

Cable, the full-time director and manager of the Tiny Treasure Bunny Haven, which is housed in her Bellefonte basement, currently shelters 10 rabbits, seven rats, a guinea pig and three very vocal cockatiels available for adoption.

Cable is also a full-time employee at Burger King, usually working the evening shifts after a day of watching her two children, both of whom are still in diapers, and tending to her zoo of small critters.

"The most we ever had at one time ... was 44 rabbits, 32 rats, 17 hamsters, 15 guinea pigs and some birds, I think about six," said Cable. "I didn't realize I was [allergic] until after I started, and there was no going back then."

The Tiny Treasures Bunny Haven offers students a great opportunity to get involved with animals, said Nancy Dreschel, adviser to the Students for the Responsible Use of Animals Club and professor of Animal Sciences. "It's great to get students to have some hands-on experience working with animals," she said.

Tiny Treasures is run by three volunteers, including Hannah Diebold (freshman- animal and dairy sciences), a student boarding her rabbits at Tiny Treasures to keep them closer while she's at school.

"I didn't want my rabbits to stay at home, so I keep them at the shelter," Diebold said.

Even with limited help, Cable said she would not trade her project for the world. "There are plenty of shelters for cats and dogs, but little critters need help too," she said. "Some people golf to relax. This is my golf."

Cable said although she loves the animals in the shelter, her primary mission is to ensure other families adopt them. "I can provide the best for them until they find their home forever," she said. "I can't keep all of them, and I know that."

Cable said the help she receives from the community enables her to keep the shelter open and operational.

Tractor supply companies and other local businesses also have helped with discounts and donations of hay. Once she even had her basement completely remodeled.

As well as housing small animals, Tiny Treasures also takes part in educational programs. Cable said she hopes to speak at the Bellefonte Area High School soon and possibly set up a stand once a week at a pet store to talk to people.

She also attends the "Wild About Animals" event held annually at the Penn State Agricultural Arena, an event designed to raise awareness and support for animals -- a crucial part of Cable's mission.

"A lot of people think that rabbits can be left outside and fed once a week," she said. "They have as much personality as cats and dogs. They need attention and love and aren't good Easter gifts for little kids."

Although far from an easy task, Cable keeps a bright outlook and a sense of humor. "If there's something you want badly enough, you'll find a way to make it work," she said. "It's a labor of love. I love it, but maybe that's just the sleep deprivation talking."