Hi, I'm Patti in Florida

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hello Squirley friends. I finally decided to come out of the shadows as I have been lurking on TSB daily for 2 months. I have read every new post over that time and also many of the archived threads. After reading so many past Intro posts including the "now experienced squirley people" I finally feel safe to "come out" because most TSB'ers squirrel love started just like mine when a precious baby dropped into our life. My life is changed forever! Unfortunately, my story doesn't have a happy outcome because my baby didn't make it because his mommie made a bad newbie mistake. I had Rocky for 2 and 1/2 weeks. It was a tumultuous 17 days as I fed him round the clock, had a vet remove 2 bots, had him confiscated, had him returned and loved him with all my heart. At 6 and 1/2 weeks I still had him in his shoebox home because he slept most of the time. One night, after feeding, he climbed out of the box and went exploring. At the next feeding he was missing. I found my baby cold and stiff on the cold hard floor. I panicked and in my attempt to warm him up as soon as possible I fed him his warm formula. I know NOW that it was a big mistake---never feed a cold baby. After feeding him I held him cupped in my hands until the faint shaking in his body stopped. Three hours later, when my mom came over to pick him up (she cared for him while I was at work) my sweet Rocky had passed away. I cried for 2 days and don't ever remember grieving this much over an animal. Even now tears are running down my face. I have beat myself up so much over this. After Rocky passed I found TSB and I have been lurking ever since. So you can see why it has taken me some time to "come out" of the shadows because I don't have one of those funny cute stories. I don't even have a squirrel!

With all that said, I KNOW I can do better next time!!! I have purchased 2 really nice nest boxes (I built a 3rd myself) and all the rehab supplies that you would need to start. I live on 2.5 acres and my mom has 44 acres adjacent to mine. I would love to fill those woods with furry friends. I have looked into the licensing process in Florida but I'm not sure about that. I am very familiar with the process of getting help for a sick baby at a vets office (in FL). If it's a "PET" they will treat, if it's a "REHAB" they will confiscate!!
I know there are many rehabbers in central FL but I also know that they can be overwhelmed sometimes during storm season. Maybe I could help!

Also, one last thing-- the people on TSB crack me up. I haven't laughed this much ever, over some of the stuff that I read here. Jackie in Tampa cracks me up!! What a hoot! On the flip side-- I have sat at my desk in FL and cried as other posters lost the battle as their babies life slipped away.

I had no choice but to come here because I can't talk about squirrels much more at work because they are beginning to talk about me. They think they are losing me. That's OK with me because I like squirrels better than some people I know!

Oh! I do have one question... as I sit here I have no food in the freezer because it is full of acorns! Isn't that odd considering that I don't have a squirrel. Is this condition treatable? Is it contagious and is it fatal???

[CritterMom]

Welcome, Patty! No, it isn't fatal, but it is chronic - you will never get over it. Best to surrender now, though it sounds as though that has already happened.

You can get a post grad course in emergency care and what to do when if you read the archived emergency threads. They can be heartbreaking, but they can teach, too.

Your are in a relatively squirrel-friendly state, and I am sure some of the F.A.R.T.S. can answer specific questions regarding Florida. It sounds as though you have an ideal place there, and a lot of suburban people need safe places to release. Stick around - you may get very popular!:D

I'm sorry about your baby. I'm glad you are taking that experience and making something positive out of it.

[starfairy]

:Welcome You sound like you may be one of us "nuts" over squirrels..:D I am so sorry about Rocky. Sometimes they are not meant to stay on this earth, but brought to you to love and care for until they pass. He did his job as sad as it sounds but now you are HOOKED. We can always use more help here in Florida. That just means more squirrels can be saved. :thumbsup

[island rehabber]

:Welcome to TSB, Patti. I remember granting you full membership access this morning, and I'm glad I did -- you're definitely One of Us.
I am sorry about your little one; premature escapes are not uncommon, unfortunately, when dealing with baby squirrels. People forget that arboreal squirrels are born in trees, are raised in trees, and will live in trees. For that reason, they have claws at birth and can actually grip with them -- anyone who has raised neonates (pinkies) marvels at that tiny grip. For that reason they always must be in a CLOSED container, regardless of age. I have had 3-day old pinkies -- can't hear, can't see -- climb out of containers when I wasn't looking. I'm so sorry it happened to you. :(

We do have wonderful members in Florida and I'll bet they could use your help. Glad you've outed yourself, and remember: this place is addictive. Resistance is futile :rotfl.

[lilidukes]

Welcome to TSB:wave123 I too am sorry about what happened to your Rocky:grouphug So you know sometimes if something isn't "right" these babies will crawl away from their heat source and as much as we try to get them and keep them warm they still pass.

Sounds like you are getting ready to turn your life over to these fuzz butts. This condition consumes your life. :bowdown Best of luck:tilt

Start studying about meds now too!

And by the way Jackie doesn't have human food either she lives off of candy bars she eats in her sleep.(REALLY):rotfl

[stosh2010]

WELCOME to TSB....

Sorry about your Rocky...Your 17 days of care and love were everything an abandoned squirrel could ever dream of.
I had a baby for 16 days last June-- Princess MIRA ( see link below) It was a real TSB group effort to try and save her...but ALAS...MIRA faded fast...and passed. She was waiting at the bridge to greet ROCKY for sure.

PS ---be sure to visit and say hello to Rama Rota..he is the KING..and a Funny Dude...( his thread is also a TRAVEL LOG for Costa Rica...)

[Jackie in Tampa]

http://www.sheknows.com/graphics/emoticons/pickme.gif pick me pick me...I always need help....http://www.sheknows.com/graphics/emoticons/pickme.gif


me too, I am so sorry to hear about your little Rocky.
Most of us here know exactly what you felt and are feeling...hugs.
:poke glad you came outta the closet:thumbsup

To be licensed in Florida to rehab, there are a few methods...but being new, you'll have to take the test..in Lakeland,:D it's free:D !
Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision and ask to have a pamplet sent to you to study for The Rehabbers course.
It's mostly on birds so I have been told. Do it...we need you!:Love_Icon
Another way is to have volunteered at a center or vet that is licensed...
gaining 1000 hrs experience. You can also be sub permitted, but can only take wildlife from permit holder.
Do it!
You are welcome to come meet my yard buddies and kids:thumbsup
don't wear white..or shorts!
What happens at Central, stays at Central!:thumbsup
:Welcome :wave123 welcome to tsb!

[Jackie in Tampa]

Welcome to TSB:wave123 I too am sorry about what happened to your Rocky:grouphug So you know sometimes if something isn't "right" these babies will crawl away from their heat source and as much as we try to get them and keep them warm they still pass.

Sounds like you are getting ready to turn your life over to these fuzz butts. This condition consumes your life. :bowdown Best of luck:tilt

Start studying about meds now too!

And by the way Jackie doesn't have human food either she lives off of candy bars she eats in her sleep.(REALLY):rotfl
i gotta a milkyway in my hand right this second,:rotfl
you spyin on me!!!!????!!!:wave123

[Rescue04]

raising squirrels is always a learning experience. none of us knew what we were doing when we first started. good think you live in a squirrel friendly state!! i have so many babies and recently took in two flying squirrels....talk about falling in love. those flyers are sneaky little things. stole my heart with no warning....welcome!! there is so much info on here and plenty of babies that need help. one will make its way to you!! that i am sure!!

[Chickenlegs]

Welcome welcome welcome!!! Life with squirrels is SUCH a blessing--with slight curse overtones. Anybody here feels pity for the un-squirreled.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Thanks for all the TSB welcomes!!!
Makes me feel all "warm and fuzzy" inside, kinda like a squirrel.

Jackie I would love to met the gang at Central. I got it--no shorts. I got it--no white---maybe something in brown or tan. Do you need acorns? My stash is getting in the way of my bag of ice. I don't have much food but I have to have my sweeeet iced tea.

[mpetys]

Hi Patti. Welcome. I am so glad you came out of lurkdom. Yes, you have been bitten, you have squirrelitis. :D

The fact that you have been doing your homework is impressive and something try to recommend to people new to TSB. There is a wealth of information, always something new to learn. I still have so many threads that I want to read from the beginning!

I predict that next summer you will have half a dozen babies, at least! I can't believe I am saying this, but right now I have 20 with 2 more supposed to be arriving tomorrow. I just picked one up yesterday and had two delivered this evening.

You are not too far from me. I am 2 miles north of I-4 on Hwy 301. I work with a group of rehabbers and we are always looking for help!

[Rhapsody]

HI _ :wave123
and WELCOME to TSB -- WE are GLAD to have YOU!! :D