I think I need help/home

[bcelisa]

I've tried so hard :( i just don't know if i can continue :( with 5 kids, 6 now, adopted from foster care, 2 dogs, who have now discovered Dexter and a bird, and more issues everyday, I think I am overwhelmed. I feel like such a quitter :( I'm crying over this now. I mean I took on the responsibility but I guess now I'm over my head and I'm having a hard time with it. I know I've only had him since he was 3 weeks old, but he does like me and needs me, but I he needs to go to the wild right? I don't know how to do that :( and he won't remember that right? I did do everything I could and I did the right thing right? I've just gotten over run and I'm starting to panic :( :dono

[island rehabber]

bcelisa, if you truly need someone to take your little squirrel now is the time to find that person, while the baby's still young. You have a lot of things going on there in your life, and truly - a baby squirrel does best when raised by an experienced person. We have wonderful members in Florida -- TSB angels, can anybody step in and help here?

[mpetys]

Where in Florida are you located? I would be happy to help you out. You can take a look at my thread on my release cage: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27563

You sound like you have your hands full. Please don't think of it as quitting, think of it as knowing when you have to make different decisions and you are going about this the right way.

If I can help you, I will be more than happy to. Several other members have brought me squirrels that they have raised when they don't want to release in their neighborhoods.

[stosh2010]

Knowing that you need help--is a sign of understanding and wisdom --and will ultimately be constructive for your little squirrel.
There is a HUGE Florida TSB family to help.

What section of FLA are you in ???
( Central, south west, north east etc.???) This will help the members decide who might be able to assist you more rapidly.

[djarenspace9]

I can help too.
Have babies in all stages so I'm sure he could fit in with one of my crews :D
Not sure where you are, I'm in Sanford.

[bcelisa]

yes I know... and since I only have one, I know its even harder. I've always had animals, they call me mother nature :D i've had any and every animal, well except a squirrel.. and while I know that I could do it and I know that he is happy and healthy and loves his little life right now, I'm not sure if it is the right time for me :( the little girl from foster care has proven to be much more then I was anticipating and my other animals are special needs too so.... I'm honored that little Dex found me and taught me an appreciation for something that I didn't know anything about. My children as well, we see little Dex's everywhere now :)) we have learned a lot from him and I'm glad the kids had the opportunity. I wish i didn't feel like i was letting him down or giving up on him :dono

[bcelisa]

WOW, as i was writing my last post i saw the responses.. thank you for making me feel ok about this, i'm crying and feel so silly.. i'm just not one to give up on people or animals so its hard and i have a wonderful neighborhood full of happy little squirrels but maybe if he has a buddy he would love that too...

I'm in Winter Haven Florida. its about 40 minutes from Orlando. The only hard part is that I have kids getting out of 3 different schools and all at different times :dono but I will do what i can..

i shouldn't feel bad right? he will be happier right? thank you

[mpetys]

yes I know... and since I only have one, I know its even harder. I've always had animals, they call me mother nature :D i've had any and every animal, well except a squirrel.. and while I know that I could do it and I know that he is happy and healthy and loves his little life right now, I'm not sure if it is the right time for me :( the little girl from foster care has proven to be much more then I was anticipating and my other animals are special needs too so.... I'm honored that little Dex found me and taught me an appreciation for something that I didn't know anything about. My children as well, we see little Dex's everywhere now :)) we have learned a lot from him and I'm glad the kids had the opportunity. I wish i didn't feel like i was letting him down or giving up on him :dono

If you do place him with a rehabber, please do not walk away from this feeling that you are letting him down or giving up on him. You are not. You are doing what is best for him and best for you and your family, at this time. I am in awe of you. All those kids! You have a very busy life and it sounds like a wonderful life. Look at it this way. As sad as passing him on to to someone else will be, what another wonderful lesson for your children. Please don't look at it as giving up or letting him down. Don't let your children see this as that. Let them see it for what it is. I see it as a wonderful life lesson. I bet whoever you place him with would be happy to provide updates and pictures. Maybe post them here where your kids could watch him grow and see him as he is released. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

It sounds like djarenspace is gonna be closest to you! She is great!

[bcelisa]

mpetys.. thank you, that made me cry, again, thank you, your words mean a lot. I'm a very loving and emotional(?) I guess, person and I really do want whats best for him as hard as it is... i love the little guy :)))

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I could take him also, I only have one and am home all day

[bcelisa]

OKAY... well let me know.. I trust all of you here :) and I wouldn't think of going somewhere other then here. AND we still get to see him :)))))))))))

[bcelisa]

oh and I'm home all day too.. he is used to that :) and maybe they could be buddies :)) I'm tearing up thinking about it

[mpetys]

Oh goodness, I shouldn't speak for Djarenspace. I am not in front of a map (on cell phone) and I don't know how close Winter Haven is to Sanford. I was thinking Djarenspace was in Orlando. Whatever is decided, I am sure we could get help with transporting if needed. Just don't worry. :grouphug

[djarenspace9]

Well, I had to look it up, but Winter Haven is about 1 hr 20 mins from me according to Google Maps.
It's about 50 minutes to Brandon.

Either way, I guess it will be up to mommy to decide :D

This is a good decision you are making for him, and one many squammy's have to make for the best interest of their squirrels.
He will benefit from socializing and becoming squirrely!

:tilt

[bcelisa]

either you or Laurie, i'm not sure where she lives :) I guess whoever is closer and it would be easiest for :) I do whatever I can :):thankyou

[Busysqrl]

bcelisa - they are SO cute when they are young but they are a handful to raise and a LOT to know if you've never done a squirrel before. Being able to be released with a buddy is a distinct advantage, so giving your baby to someone who can pair him up with a buddy of a simiar age is a very loving thing to do. You're giving your baby his best chance at survival when it comes to release time. I know the decision is SO hard, squirrels really grab your heart when you raise them and syringe feed them, but I applaud you for doing what is best for your baby even though it hurts to give him up. Good for you and God bless you for caring so much about this sweet little squirrel :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Because djarenspace has several that will be released in the spring it is better that she take him, so he isn't released alone.
Winter haven isnt that far from Sanford, hour tops, but I guess that depends on who is driving:D

[mpetys]

Well, I had to look it up, but Winter Haven is about 1 hr 20 mins from me according to Google Maps.
It's about 50 minutes to Brandon.

Either way, I guess it will be up to mommy to decide :D

This is a good decision you are making for him, and one many squammy's have to make for the best interest of their squirrels.
He will benefit from socializing and becoming squirrely!

:tilt

Hey djarenspace. I learn something every day! I need to study a map and see where all these towns are. I have been to Sanford several times but wasn't sure where Winter Haven is. Is that were Legoland is? I am going to just scoot into the background. If anyone needs me, let me know. :D

[djarenspace9]

No worries, we all learn something new every day.
Today for example I learned that Sweet Simon's Mommy drives so fast
she defies the Google recommended drive time to Winter Haven. :D

And she lives 30 minutes north of me!!!! :rotfl

:jump :jump :jump :jump

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

out of my way

[astra]

Today for example I learned that Sweet Simon's Mommy drives so fast
she defies the Google recommended drive time to Winter Haven. :D

Sweet Simon's Mom - you must be careful! You are much too needed by sweet Simon and the rest of your family and here and all future babies!
Should not be risking your life!:nono :grouphug :nono

[djarenspace9]

We are working out the details for tomorrow and Dex will be joining my winter babies for fun and good times at Casa Djarenspace :D

[cuteascnb]

hope everything works out...!:grouphug

[SammysMom]

F.A.R.T is at it again!!! You guys rock!!!:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[island rehabber]

We are working out the details for tomorrow and Dex will be joining my winter babies for fun and good times at Casa Djarenspace :D

:wott:wahoothat's great! Dex will have the time of his life, learning to be a squirrel!! :thumbsup

bcelisa, YOU are the real hero here, doing the right thing for your squirrel baby, even though it hurts. :bowdown :grouphug :bowdown

[astra]

bcelisa, YOU are the real hero here, doing the right thing for your squirrel baby, even though it hurts. :bowdown :grouphug :bowdown
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:bowdown :grouphug :bowdown

[bcelisa]

I just wanted to say thank you for all tthe kind words. One of the girls has cried so much today :( that makes me sad for her but explained that sometimes we have to do what's best for the animal, and in this case he does need a friend. I know he will be happy and without us he would have had no chance at all. So I'm proud he gets a second chance at life :))

[Jackie in Tampa]

We are working out the details for tomorrow and Dex will be joining my winter babies for fun and good times at Casa Djarenspace :D
I told you , you need Sq Central Karen...
it's perfect for you!!

I am so stoked that dex is going to karen!!:alright.gif

Bless you bcelisa for knowing what Dex needed...:Love_Icon :bowdown :Love_Icon

[mpetys]

We are working out the details for tomorrow and Dex will be joining my winter babies for fun and good times at Casa Djarenspace :D

I have heard about Casa Djarenspace (didn't know it had a name!) and it sounds like a wonderful place for Dexter to learn to be a squirrel. bcelisa, your baby will be in good hands!

[mpetys]

I just wanted to say thank you for all tthe kind words. One of the girls has cried so much today :( that makes me sad for her but explained that sometimes we have to do what's best for the animal, and in this case he does need a friend. I know he will be happy and without us he would have had no chance at all. So I'm proud he gets a second chance at life :))

Just a thought, but there is a thread that I think would be great for your kids. It is the story of Meemor, the little red squirrel of the Yukon. Basically, Fireweed found this baby, apparently abandoned and took him in. Lots of beautiful pictures and videos. We watched him grow up. Fireweed and her husband provided a beautiful inside space for Meemor. Then we watched his release. Beautiful videos. Sad that he was able to leave but happy that he was getting his freedom. Then Meemor returned! At one point he was injured and taken back into the house to spend the winter recover and went through a second release.

You could probably divide it up like a chapter book. It is a long beautiful thread but it shows the beauty of sending a squirrel on his way to live his life as a wild squirrel. Here is the link if you want to take a look: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22885&highlight=meemor

[bcelisa]

That's so sweet of you to think of us and the kids. . . . I will Definitely check that out. I wold love for them to actually see and understand what happens! THANK YOU!! Dexter is with Karen! She was so sweet :) she had a cage set up for him with three different nuts! He was soooo happy with those nuts, haha. I do miss him, I look for him when I go in my room :( and I'll even miss how he keeps me awake at night. . . and I was folding laundry and a bunch of his fleece was in there. . . . But I know he'll be great :thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

bcelisa:grouphug :bowdown :thankyou

Karen:bowdown:thankyou :bowdown

:poke were gonna need pics:D