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
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