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?
