A few weeks ago, I attended a large gathering of friends for a day of chatting, eating, liberal use of favorite beverages, and music. We were gifted with perfect weather and a soft breeze that carried the tantalizing scent of smokey barbecue.
Two canines made an appearance at the party. Several of us sneaked them succulent morsels of food along with plenty of petting. Alas, poor Indy had to stay home. He wasn't happy about it.
(Canine comments censored by blog administrator)
In the midst of the day's revelry, a friend called me over to see a miniature party guest, who had been snuggling in a warm shirt pocket. Now...hold on to your collars...this is what I saw:
A baby squirrel!
How did my friend get him/her? Apparently when folks from the Forestry Department cut down trees, they sometimes find these tiny critters nesting inside. Rather than leaving them to die, foster families are called upon to bottle feed the babies and care for them until they're ready to be released back into the wild. We took turns holding this little one. It seemed calm and completely unafraid.
Forestry workers must have a heart as big as the trees they cut. Kudos to them for taking the time to look out for babies...no matter the species.
You may wonder why I was so enthralled. I've had my share of problems with squirrels in the past. They gnaw holes in my house, gobble up all the bird seed, and annoy me in general, so you'd think this discovery wouldn't particularly move me. But as I held the baby and stroked it's soft fur, I quickly went all mushy inside.
Seriously...who can resist a face like this?
18 comments:
you have no idea how happy your blog just made me! I love squirrels nearly as much as I love cats! That face was too precious! I admire the forestry people as well for looking out for the little ones...warms my heart! Huge hugs to the foster parents too!
Awww. What a cutie. Makes me wonder about all the critters affected by the downed trees and damage from the tornado on Friday.
No, we couldn't...what a cutie! We don't have too many of those around here and we don't have much problem with them.
He is super cute!!!
Your pal, Pip
Baby squirrels are adorable. I''ve raised a several. It's too bad they grow up to be such homewrecking garden digging terrorists! Yup. there's no doubt that a few that I raised returned to haunt me.
That comment from the giantspeckled Cheee Wah Wah Is RIGHT ON!! My mom raised a squirrel >>> ONCE <<< When the time came to release "Skeeter" they took him to the woods... and he beat them back to the car. THEN they took him to the game warden to turn loose.. Same thingy happend to HIM.. so HE brought "Skeeter" back to my mom and said Keep him fur another week and try again... Same thingy all over... PLUS.. skeeter Unstuffed ONE COUCH and used the stuffing to OVER STUFF another couch.
NOPE.. don't fall fur that CUTE LOOK... they aren't what they seem to be. hehehe
We love the baby tree rat
Benny & Lily
Stella and I love to watch the squirrels in the park!
This was precious. My friend is fostering a baby squirrel. My bet is, she won't part with him when it is time. I have a coworker who thinks they are tree rats. But who wouldn't love a baby animal?
Awww! I grew up in a neighborhood where we hand-fed the squirrels. They were a bit pesty sometimes but worth it for their entertaining antics. That adorable face is a blessing for sure!
AAwwwaa!!! I want him now. I wouldn't be able to give him up after fostering him. Thats why I do not foster ANYTHING! Plus the fact my husband would be out the door. Thanks for sharing. 8>)
I agree that squirrels can really be a pest, but they are so cute, especially when they are itty bitty!
Mom here, Roo's trying to eat the puter.
Mom says...Awwwwwwwwww! Cute lil thing :D
Gotta go. Can't hold Roo back much longer. Thanks for sharing! :D
Roo's Mom
Aww thats one cute baby squirry.
That is some good thought by the forstry people to save the baby squirrels.
We raised 2 when we found a nest. Waited for their mom for a day, but she dint come. After 2 weeks of care and access to outside trees, the naughty one ran and found his life in the trees.. the other one would come back after a day or 2 or 3. We had to go far and leave him there. some good memories with ripped up curtains:)
Richa @ Find me a Happy Pet
He's adorable. I'd be mushy, too.
There was a squirrel who used to be very clever at getting to the bird feeder. No matter what my hubby did, the squirrel figured out a work around. He was so smart we named him Albert Einsquirrel!
That face is pretty darn cute.
My aunt had a pet squirrel that didn't like my dad (we think b/c of his beard), so it would jump on his head and bite his nose.
Oh how cute. I love squirrels. We had a lot of hand fed squirrels around our house when I was growing up.
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