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WolfDancer024
05-12-2011, 07:10 PM
Hello everyone! I'm new to the list, but am not new to the world of squirrels or other fuzzy mammals. I'm located out West and am the proud "mom" of a Fox Squirrel lovingly named Chuck (or Chuck Duck, Chucker Ducker, Chuckers, etc.) Once I'm at home, I'll look into adding pictures of my buddy.

I found Chuck on Labor Day weekend 2010 after he took a 20+ ft tumble from his nest at 1-2 weeks of age (what a survivor!). We put him in a basket and waited for mom to come and get him, but she never did...we don't know if she was even alive. I took Chuck home and immediately became his surrogate mom, and was up every 3 hours for the next few weeks feeding and caring for the little guy. The first 24 hours were rough as he was having hypoglycemic seizures, it was so sad to see this tiny little helpless creature arch in pain and squeak like nothing I have ever heard before. Luckily, the internet is VERY helpful and I did everything recommended and he pulled through like the champ that he is. I of course fell head over heels for him, but my ultimate goal was to rehab and release him.

Sadly, Chuck's upper incisors didn't come in until just a few months ago, making it impossible to release him. His lower incisors remained trimmed the entire time (lucky for us) but now we are on the search for a squirrel friendly vet within 8-10 hrs driving distance that can help us learn to trim Chuck's teeth as I am terrified for them to become overgrown. We live in an "illegal" state and the thought of anyone taking him from me and killing him makes me cry, I have tears in my eyes as I type this. I have been trying to teach him that being wrapped up like a “squirrel burrito” isn’t that bad of a thing, but he isn’t too thrilled about it and would rather wrestle the towel….not to mention I’m afraid to hurt him or wrap him too tightly.

Chuck actually helped me through a VERY difficult time in Oct/Nov. In October, my 11 yr old Chihuahua was pulled through our fence and killed by our neighbor’s dog, and then 3 weeks later my 19.5 year old cat (who was happy and healthy until he lost his Chihuahua friend) passed away. Also, 6 months prior to all of that another of our very elderly cats(Mr. Skraggs) passed away in my arms (2 weeks after I had emergency back surgery). Losing Chuck after losing those 3 beloved animals would kill me (2010 was a bad year, the only highlight was my husband and I go married in August, which was quickly overshadowed). If I didn't have Chuck after my Chihuahua (Raven) and big kitty (Sly) passed on, I don't know what would have happened to me.

Soooo, long story short if anyone can provide me information for any squirrel friendly vets near Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, etc., that will NOT take my fur-baby from me, would be so helpful. I’m willing to do anything for this little guy, he has become my life and sometimes he is the only one who can make my bad days good. There is just something about his furry little face and lip smacks that I just can’t live without (or the cuddles I get from him). I know he is not domesticated, but he is tame and is one of the most amazing creatures I have ever had the joy of knowing. Thank you everyone!!!

:thankyou

Gina
05-12-2011, 07:35 PM
:Welcome
Chuck sounds awesome, can't wait to see his pictures. Sounds like fate brought you two together. It amazes me how such a small soul can have such a huge impact. I totally understand the love you have for him as I am owned by a squirrel too:rotfl

I am sure others will be on soon to find someone who can help you with his teeth.

SammysMom
05-12-2011, 08:10 PM
Having had terrible vet issues here in CT this week the thought comes to mind that you might want to also look for an experienced rehabber who could teach you to trim teeth. Being in an illegal state and knowing that you might not get the medical help you need is very scary. The rehabbers and members here are amazing sources of information and guidance. He sounds so sweet! :Welcome

WolfDancer024
05-12-2011, 09:59 PM
Am I crazy to assume a rehabber would take him from me? I know in our state, if a squirrel can not be rehabbed and released, it must be euthanized (or so I'm told). I know of some of the rehabbers here, but have been too afraid to ask them fpr help. I actually took another wild, adult male to a rehab a few months ago. The poor guy was soaked to the bone and covered in ice when I found him, sadly, they were not able to help "Bob Butters" and had to humanly euthanize him. It broke my heart, but I know it was for the best...I'm just afraid the same would happen to my Chucker.

SammysMom
05-12-2011, 10:08 PM
Do your research and ask your questions here before going to anyone. I have the same fears that you have but we are miles away from each other. You will find people you can trust here. I am sort of muddling through myself. Just remember to be suspicious...lol I am considering getting my rehab license. I know I can trust myself...:D

Mrs Skul
05-13-2011, 02:33 AM
:wave123 WolfDancer
Where in Colorado are you? :thinking I use to live East of Denver. I know A few Vets That might treat your little one.
I will try calling them tomorrow. If you will PM your phone number or EMail it to me. I will let you know what I find out.
"I need to know how far you are from the Vets.
Christal


PS
Just be very careful. I turned a baby over to a Licensed Rehabber.
15 min after we left, they call and left a message.
They said baby died of pneumonia. :eek: It was healthy. I had the baby Antelope for over a month.
My Vet lived next door, and checked on her often. Lets see who we can find to help you.
""I know these people euthanized this baby. :Cry""

Mrs Skul
05-13-2011, 02:46 AM
Am I crazy to assume a rehabber would take him from me? I know in our state, if a squirrel can not be rehabbed and released, it must be euthanized (or so I'm told). I know of some of the rehabbers here, but have been too afraid to ask them for help. I actually took another wild, adult male to a rehab a few months ago. The poor guy was soaked to the bone and covered in ice when I found him, sadly, they were not able to help "Bob Butters" and had to humanly euthanize him. It broke my heart, but I know it was for the best...I'm just afraid the same would happen to my Chucker.

No you are not crazy to think like that. Some will say let me take him and trim his teeth. You will never get him back or they will bring him back Dead. :Cry It has happened to people I knew years ago in Colo. I am calling a few friends tomorrow.
They will be very trustworthy. :thumbsup one of them work for a vet and she has treated every thing. :D

WolfDancer024
05-13-2011, 12:34 PM
I just have to say thank you for the warm welcome and the support. I have been a “lurker” on the list since shortly after I found Chuck, but was always too afraid to join. I must say that I am so very happy that I finally did join. I told my husband about the list and he was a bit apprehensive, until I made him read the rules and regs. of the group and had him read a few of the threads that offered support and advice, regardless of where the poster lived. :)

I’m North of Denver and am willing to drive wherever needed if it means I’ll be put in touch with a vet that I can trust. It’s hard enough finding a good vet for the dogs and cats, but finding a trustworthy exotic vet for an “illegal” critter is even harder, if not impossible!

I still can’t understand why the law states that I can have a Wallaroo, Red Kangaroo, etc…but my Chucker is illegal. :dono

I am so very appreciative of the support and advice. It’s so nice knowing I’m not the only one who is completely mad for their squirrel! Thank you and I look forward to posting and discussing everything squirrel!

CritterMom
05-13-2011, 01:02 PM
We are quite literally nuts here!

The nice thing about this board is you can get input from people of all levels of experience and from all over the world. That means that "secret" squirrel-friendly vets can be located, and it also means that others who have run into similar issues can weigh in regarding care, etc. Rehabbers who routinely euthanize could not last very long around here - we would crush them with our sheer disapproval!

Get the info from Mrs. Skull - she and her hubby are crazy flying squirrel folk who also have tree squirrel experience (we all got to watch Rocki, a female gray they released years ago, raise her baby with them this year). I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure Mrs. Skull would give one of her babies a kidney if they needed it. You can trust them!

Mrs Skul
05-13-2011, 10:46 PM
:wave123 WolfDancer
CritterMom I would if I could! :D
I left MSG. Hope My friend calls me back. I will try this weekend. Hang tight. :thumbsup

WolfDancer024
05-18-2011, 01:05 PM
Thank you Mrs Skul. I look forward to hopefully hearing some good news! :thankyou

I'm still trying to get pictures posted. I thought I was successful last night, but my photos are too big so I need to resize them. I think photos fro the real camera VS the phone camera will resize just fine. I hate computers sometimes...:thinking

Well, after posting I see my Avatar DID stick, even though I got an error. Well, yay, at least there is one picture of my Chuck!

Mrs Skul
05-18-2011, 08:22 PM
I still have not heard back from my friend. She might be on vacation. :eek:
I will let you know something as soon as I find out. :thumbsup3

WolfDancer024
05-19-2011, 03:58 PM
Thank you Mrs Skul. Chuck and I will be patiently waiting...well, I'll be patiently waiting at least. :D