Missing my Boy

[trueblue]

Hi everyone ,

So just about two years ago - a nest of baby squirrels fell from their tree; when a hawk attacked the nest. I saw him fly out. It was very cold out; and we followed the instructions to reunite the squirrels. It worked with all but one.
Mom didnt take him back.

So he was hand raised, and did wonderful. In time he went back outdoors and was very happy. He would always come to our deck and porch and eat nuts and avacodo, and even puppy milk. He would come onto the sunny glass porch and play with his toys and with me. I adored him.

This year, shortly before his 2nd birthday- he seemed to be feeling restless; not wanting to play as much, always friendly and still coming to get his snacks, but wouldnt stay as long. Anyway, one day - he disappeared.
I wasnt too concerned at first, because once he wandered away and was gone for 18 days; then back he was.

But now.... he has been gone for almost 2 months. And I dont think he is coming back. We have lots of squirrels around. Still offer them nuts. And if he was even in the area; I think I would see him following some of these routines.

I did read however that it was mating season for squirrels in dec/ jan.
Maybe this had something to do with his leaving; as he is an adult now.

I just miss him so much. I cannot even say. I had no idea squirrels were so WONDERFUL.

I guess what Im asking - looking for hope - has anyone had a squirrel leave in the winter and then return after a couple of months, or spring?

I just hope he is out there in the trees; and not that something happened to him. That thought just breaks my heart. He was totally healthy , fat, and active - capable of taking care of himself.....

I just miss him
Thats my story. I love a squirrel .

[island rehabber]

:Welcome to TSB, trueblue. You've found the right nuthouse for sure :D
Many of us here have had squirrels who were released, or left home for months and we never saw them....but they returned. Milo'sMom had her Milo return after many months....Kelly brady's Paco.....there are so many who have had this happen. Don't despair. :)

[IrishHarps]

You have a wonderful story! Welcome to the fold :D

[trueblue]

Thank you -

When squirrel arrived, I began looking at your forum, but I never posted in all this time. Not until now when I just miss him so much

He loved it outside; he loved the trees - I know that is where's bs needed to be. And he lived out for over a year; I watched him gather leaves for his nest, get kicked out of nests, chase squirrels. Bury nuts... Oh you name it. He would come when I called him quite often- make his way through the trees to the deck. Or if I went walking, we have quite bit of land; I'd spot him in a tree and he'd come to a branch to see me and jump on my shoulder.

I look for him everyday. Ive talked to so many squirrels out there they must think I'm nuts ! Lol. But no sign of him

There's been lots times he was gone for a day or two. Once it was like 18 days. I'll just keep praying and looking.

And reading your forum.
Amazing what I learned from my little guy... Just a gift.
And not a lot of us are given that opportunity.
Or maybe we don't take it and appreciate it

Thanks!

[astra]

And reading your forum.
Amazing what I learned from my little guy... Just a gift.
And not a lot of us are given that opportunity.
Or maybe we don't take it and appreciate it

Thanks!
so true....
it's a very special blessing to know the love of a squirrel and trust of a wild animal...
Very often squirrels disappear and then reappear... it happens all the time.
Sometimes, they disappear for good, not because something happened, but because, like people, they feel they need to move on.
It's especially typical of boys - boys tend to relocate much more often than girls. I remember reading that it might have to do with avoiding inbreeding - squirrels do not mate with their relatives. Your little boy spent a whole year by you, so he might have decided that it was time to go.
But sometimes they come back even after being away for a very long time.

either way, he is living the life he is meant to live: in the trees, enjoying his freedom, the sun, being a squirrel. And that was your gift to him.

Please stay around . People like you are so needed.
And you will learn so much about these amazing animals.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[trueblue]

Walking around looking at all the fresh tracks made by squirrels today.

I was thinking that maybe he did leave because of mating season.
I had been troubled a while before he left; because sometimes I'd see him gazing across the way to the woods across from us. Like he was longing to go there. But we have our own bit of woods, so I tried to rationally explain I was sure the grass was not greener over there. lol - but true actually.
Funny the discussions you can have with a squirrel !

So I pray his footsteps are somewhere over that way; maybe he just found himself a girlfriend and a really cool tree house ?

But selfishly, I still hopes he comes back home .

Despite missing him; I just feel incredibly fortunate that he came into my life.
And I know I did right by him; and I know his going missing had nothing to do with my failure as a mom. After he transitioned out - he ruled the trees.

Everytime he would prepare to leave after a visit with me; on our sunporch for
example... It was like he would look at me and say Ok, I'm ready to go back
to the trees... And I'd say I know ... Your a squirrel, it's what you must do.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I love how you word yourself here.
You do know his feelings and you also express your own well.
We are of different worlds so when we are able to intertwine those worlds it is an experience unlike any other .
To be able to touch and feel the trust of a wild animal is beyond words.
It is an emotion like no other.
You express and explain it well.
I hope you see your baby again soon.

[astra]

Despite missing him; I just feel incredibly fortunate that he came into my life.
And I know I did right by him; and I know his going missing had nothing to do with my failure as a mom. After he transitioned out - he ruled the trees.

Everytime he would prepare to leave after a visit with me; on our sunporch for
example... It was like he would look at me and say Ok, I'm ready to go back
to the trees... And I'd say I know ... Your a squirrel, it's what you must do.
I love the way you described it... do you write?... if not, you should!
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[trueblue]

I love how you word yourself here.You do know his feelings and you also express your own well.
We are of different worlds so when we are able to intertwine those worlds it is an experience unlike any other .
To be able to touch and feel the trust of a wild animal is beyond words.
It is an emotion like no other.
You express and explain it well.
I hope you see your baby again soon.

Thank you for the lovely compliment.
Ive always had a love of animals; both tame and wild. I don't think you can truly appreciate an animal of any kind without having respect for the world it comes from. And your right it is an amazing gift when they trust us enough to let us into their world. You can force an animal to be held captive; but you can't force them to love you; we have to earn that.

I watched your video ~ I take it that is Sweet Simon~
He is so cute and happy; looks like you 'earned' his love !
Cherish him.

I won't give up hope on seeing my 'True' squirrel again...
I'm praying I'll be one of the lucky ones who's baby returns. Don't really know of anything else I can do.

[trueblue]

I love the way you described it... do you write?... if not, you should!
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Haha - no, I guess my squirrel just inspires me. I could write a book on him I think. In a way I guess I've always been reflective that one day I'd have to accept his choice to leave. I just wish I knew he was ok, but that's impossible.

Thank you for the warm welcome
Squirrels Rule!

[astra]

Squirrels Rule!
:thumbsup :grouphug

[Garden71]

Don't worry he is probably watching you look for him. They like to tease. There is a squirrel that my wife and I call "Friendly." Last year with the big blizzard that we had the day after Christmas in NY we didn't see him for at least 2 months with all the snow. Long behold one day my wife walks out of the house and there he is...waiting for her at the bottom of the steps. He waited for he to sit down and ran up the stairs and jumped into her lap and took his 2 peanuts looked up at her to say “thank you” and off across the street.:jump
First pic.:Love_Icon
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg578/Garden71/10.jpg

He will be back....:thumbsup

Attached is 2 pic of another time he disappeared for about 2 weeks.

http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg578/Garden71/IMG_0738-1.jpg:sanp3

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Thank you for the lovely compliment.
Ive always had a love of animals; both tame and wild. I don't think you can truly appreciate an animal of any kind without having respect for the world it comes from. And your right it is an amazing gift when they trust us enough to let us into their world. You can force an animal to be held captive; but you can't force them to love you; we have to earn that.

I watched your video ~ I take it that is Sweet Simon~
He is so cute and happy; looks like you 'earned' his love !
Cherish him.

I won't give up hope on seeing my 'True' squirrel again...
I'm praying I'll be one of the lucky ones who's baby returns. Don't really know of anything else I can do.
we are still working on it LOL, he bit me just yesterday for the first time in about 2 months, I had been sick and didn't play with him as much for those 2 days, he made me pay. LOL
but yes I Cherish him even if he doesn't let me hold him.

[trueblue]

Garden71

Thank you for sharing the pics; I need to post some of my boy soon.
I've been reading stories today on here about people who's squirrels came home. All the things people did and felt while their squirrel was missing
Got me pegged to a T ...
And this no one mentioned; but I loves the how sweet my True Squirrwl smelled. Ok I admit it - I'm now smelling his stuffed toys cause I miss him so much.
I know that often when bs would go out into the trees and would be missing for a few days... When I'd find him in a tree, he'd come down to see me - but he acted much more wild. Like hey' is that a Peanut - give it to me now!
But then he'd show up at the deck or enter our sunporch; usually left the outside door open during the day for him. Would just keep our inner doorwall shut; and he'd show up - playing with toys, or looking in house waiting for me.
So it's hard to believe if he's there he would just stop all that.

And everyday I look for him; squirrels aren't out a lot now because of the weather only certain hrs it seems; once I thought for sure it was him but after few days - found out it wad a girl ! Oops.

Do you still see your friendly squirrel?
It does make me feel better knowing some come back after months away.
It's just the world is so big; squirrels are so small.

Thank u for sharing your story.

[Garden71]

Garden71

Thank you for sharing the pics; I need to post some of my boy soon.
I've been reading stories today on here about people who's squirrels came home. All the things people did and felt while their squirrel was missing
Got me pegged to a T ...
And this no one mentioned; but I loves the how sweet my True Squirrwl smelled. Ok I admit it - I'm now smelling his stuffed toys cause I miss him so much.
I know that often when bs would go out into the trees and would be missing for a few days... When I'd find him in a tree, he'd come down to see me - but he acted much more wild. Like hey' is that a Peanut - give it to me now!
But then he'd show up at the deck or enter our sunporch; usually left the outside door open during the day for him. Would just keep our inner doorwall shut; and he'd show up - playing with toys, or looking in house waiting for me.
So it's hard to believe if he's there he would just stop all that.

And everyday I look for him; squirrels aren't out a lot now because of the weather only certain hrs it seems; once I thought for sure it was him but after few days - found out it wad a girl ! Oops.

Do you still see your friendly squirrel?
It does make me feel better knowing some come back after months away.
It's just the world is so big; squirrels are so small.

Thank u for sharing your story.

I have not seen him in a few days but still always on the look out for him.:jump

[Sarabi]

Who knows he may pop in someday with his family......:grouphug

[trueblue]

I would love for him to show up one day with his family.

Which brings up a question: do squirrels live in families in that way?
I've read they don't share nests usually unless it's cold out etc
But definitely I see the same squirrels together in the same area of our trees..
But I haven't really read up on their family dynamics

I also need to get pic of one of our wild squirrels; I've watches him for months; he has gained weight and looks good except be has no hair on his tail. Just a sprig or two . He was born last year I think as I recall he was tiny then...
This morning went out on deck and a squirrel was right on the railing; for a moment my heart stopped- but it wasn't him. Think it was the girl squirrel I've mistaken before. Would have been the best Valentines present.

[Sarabi]

The females do moreso than the males, but he may bring home his GF and show you that he is okay....and then again he may not. I do hope you see him again :grouphug :grouphug mjs

[trueblue]

Sarahi,

Oh the baby picture you attached to your note - so adorable.
My boy was about that size when found. In fact maybe you can guesstimate how old he was? His eyes were closed and they didn't open for a good 2 weeks I bet. I'd have to look at my notes to recall exactly.
He had very fine hair on his body. And he just ate and slept for the longest time. Oh those were the days!

And I'd love for him to bring his girlfriend by; if I could just see him & know nothing happened to him out there.
Must be some lesson I'm supposed to be learning from this but right now I'm just thinking it is unfair !

[trueblue]

Last night I read the story of Grayson. Oh how I cried.
But it's amazing the support if the SB ....
I cried for Grayson and his mom.... Gor my True squirrel not knowing where he is; sending a prayer that if he needs me be too will find his way home; because what better a gift could a squirrel give- to show their undying love than to come home and seek comfort.

And then I read this from Judy - squirrelmuffin

"Some little ones come into this world under bad circumstances. Although, for whatever reason, they have no future in this world, it is not yet their time to leave it. So God places them with someone with an abundance of love, compassion, and gentleness - someone that can hold His creatures in their hands until it is time for them to pass into His. So always remember that you were chosen for this task for a reason - God knew that you were the one person that could fill this particular squirrel's needs in this world until it was time for him to go Home. You have done your job well. Mourn the briefness of his life, but rejoice in the time you had with God's wonderful creature, and the faith that God had in you when He entrusted it's short life to you."

So touching; I'm so sad but at least I know I'm not alone

[trueblue]

Went out walking again this morning; no sign of my True.

Lots of other squirrels out and about including the one with no fur on his tail. I guess I'm sorta drawn to this one; at least I can pick him out of a treebranch line up.

I was watching these two squirrels chasing each other, and then I saw this big brown animal sneaking up behind them; had to do a double take - it wasn't really a sneaky animal; it was a groundhog who had gathered up a big mouthful of leaves and was headed back to his den.

I smiled. Just another day in the life of the wilds.

God Bless Each and Everyone ...and those of us who love them'

[island rehabber]

You might be seeing him you know, and not even realize it. They change once they are out in the wild. They molt, and their new fur looks completely different; they put on the winter weight and suddenly have no necks :D. Unless they have a very distinctive coloring or scar or big white blotch someplace I defy anybody to tell me they can tell one squirrel from another from afar.... :)

[Garden71]

Don't lose hope....:thumbsup
My wife has been looking for her buddy Friendly for over 3 weeks. We were looking out in the back and I think it's him but she says no but I think he's in the back of the building instead of in the front. He usually waits for her on the side of the front steps and when my wife leaves for work he waits for my wife to sit down and he jumps up in her lap takes two nuts and off he goes.:flash3 I am thinking he might fell a little safer in the back of my condo opposed to the front where it's allot busier.

Don't worry he’ll show up... He didn't forget about you.:nono

[Garden71]

Trueblue

Just like I said my wife has been on the look out for Friendly and yesterday he showed up!!!!! He was out front eating the black oil sunflower seeds I left out when I went to work. At first he didn't want anything but the seeds. So she sat there and a few minutes later he came ruuning up to her took his two peanuts and off he went.
I hope your little one shows up soon.:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

:thumbsup That's so great, Garden71!
They will do this....especially the males. It's called "dispersal", and supposedly it is an instinct that encourages male squirrels to go find their own territory. In the new territory there will be females who are not his sisters, cousins or aunts. Unlike cats, squirrels actually have morals when it comes to this kind of thing. :D

[trueblue]

Trueblue

Just like I said my wife has been on the look out for Friendly and yesterday he showed up!!!!! He was out front eating the black oil sunflower seeds I left out when I went to work. At first he didn't want anything but the seeds. So she sat there and a few minutes later he came ruuning up to her took his two peanuts and off he went.
I hope your little one shows up soon.:thumbsup

I'm so happy he showed up! It's such a relief when you find them.
My guy used to go for a couple days and then when he would show up I'd be so happy. Even if I just saw him out back in a tree- didn't really need his attention, just knowing he was ok was enough.

Your squirrel isn't too greedy is he? Only 2 nuts -haha
Enjoy your Friendly.... I've realized what a special gift, special honor it is to enjoy their company...worth all the little scratches and torn clothes.

[trueblue]

:thumbsup That's so great, Garden71!
They will do this....especially the males. It's called "dispersal", and supposedly it is an instinct that encourages male squirrels to go find their own territory. In the new territory there will be females who are not his sisters, cousins or aunts. Unlike cats, squirrels actually have morals when it comes to this kind of thing. :D


Squirrels have morals.... I love it; of course they do! They are such amazing animals...if I hadnt met True then I never would have known the depths of of their incredibleness.....if thats a word - haha

Ive been thinking about what you said earlier about their molting and their fur changing. Ive always been able to distinguish him; one look at his face and I could just tell. Plus he was always a little more shall we say plump than the other guys; probably from his avacado and puppy milk...
So the thought of him being there and my not being able to even tell him apart from the others; that makes me really sad... not tell my little boy?

Im seeing lots of squirrels out; but I think he must have went across to the other woods; unless something did happen to him. I walked those woods weekend last; called him, thought he might hear my voice and come running home - yeah right. That didnt work.

Yesterday had about 6 squirrels running all over back of yard close to house. They looked young, and I think their mom was with them. They were jumping branches wildly; and chasing each other. I thought someone was going to plummet... but no - eventually they went back to pine trees close by. I think that is where this group has been living. It was quite a site. We are having unusually warm weather this winter; I think squirrels were taking advantage of it yesterday.

Everyday Im looking for him; I just see him in my mind on the deck or in the tree - and its so disappointing when he isnt there. But I just have to keep reminding myself that he needed to be in the trees, and the joy he experienced being a true squirrel.. I guess even if something did happen to him; he lived the way a squirrel should; free

But Im still his mom - and Im not giving up. And if he brings some girl home - she had better be really special - or Im not giving them my blessing ! LOL

[island rehabber]

But Im still his mom - and Im not giving up. And if he brings some girl home - she had better be really special - or Im not giving them my blessing ! LOL

:rotfl
I know it sounds crazy or sad to say that you might not recognize him after awhile, but believe me it happens. If you ever read my threads on my rehab babies each season you'll know that I love them beyond imagination and I see every single one as a unique little personality. However, once I've released them back to nature I can sometimes recognize them but more often I can't. That runty little 15-weeker turns into the no-neck bruiser gangsta of the woods :strong.....a skinny tail baby spends a month outdoors and grows a gorgeous poufy tail.....you get the idea. :D

[Ladyshires]

Squirrels have morals... it's the politicians we need to worry about.:rotfl

[trueblue]

So even though My little boy was actually almost 2 years old; do you think that's still the case with appearece? I'm sure it would be with the molting fur, and maybe he lost weight, etc. He was a handsome boy; I've got to figure out how to add some pics next - so everyone can see him.

[Garden71]

Squirrels have morals... it's the politicians we need to worry about.:rotfl



:goodpost :thumbsup LMAO!!!!!!:thumbsup :goodpost :rofl4

[trueblue]

Just think how peaceful life would be if we lived like squirrels....apart from the high standard of morals; we would be up early; happy to start our day, eat healthy, work diligent at our endeavors (gathering/building for our future), we would live and let live, but also maintain a healthy sense of competition and comradery, we would take long lunches, afternoon naps, enjoy the world around us,*laugh at those who call us nutty because we know we've found the way; smell sweet fragrances and smile a big smile; then we would head back to our cozy homes as the sun starts to fade, snuggle into our comfy beds: peace would rush over us, and we would drift off to sleep dreaming of the morning dew and fresh blossoms....

AKA What a Life

[island rehabber]

:goodpost I honestly believe that's what draws so many of us to them....the idea that somehow the squirrels have something very important to teach us. :)

[margaret!]

I just found this forum and can't even begin to tell you all how happy I am. I'm not the only nut out there!
I had the privilege of raising a sweet baby squirrel from the age of about 2-3 weeks old. He came to me (my sister and I really) in August of 2010. He was just a tiny little thing. Eyes still closed and just a fine coat of hair. We quickly researched everything we could. We even ordered special formula online. He took to the bottle right away and immediately stole my heart. Middle of the night feedings when i had to be up for work at 5am and all. I was even lucky enough to be the one feeding him when he first opened his eyes. What a magical moment. Soon thereafter, Dexter, as he was named, became a spirited little celebrity. Our evenings quickly became filled with tightrope walking and crazy amounts of poop everywhere! They never stop pooping!!!! He too loved avocado the best. And the occasional raw cashew (hard to find). He loved to chew on fresh fig twigs and sleep in my Christmas socks. When the time came to transition him to his outdoor suit, he took to it quite well. Nothing like 5am January, in your bathrobe, on the back porch feeding a teenage squirrel a better breakfast than you've had in weeks! When the day came for him to give the real world a try, he crawled down my now completely destroyed bathrobe and stepped out onto the porch and away he went. I cried, but knew it was going to happen. My notes said (i had a "handbook" i had created from many hours of online reading) that he would leave and return after about 3 day....... 3 days on the dot he returned. Hungry and happy. He came and went everyday and continued to sleep in his snugly box filled with my old sweaters. As the weather improved, Dexter would be gone for longer and longer stretches. Sometimes a week. This past winter, shortly before Christmas, Dexter stopped coming around. We think about him everyday. Absolutely everyday. I know he's out there. Smart and happy. The best brazil nut cracker in town. I bet he's even seen us from afar. I hope to see him this summer, But I understand if he's made his home somewhere else. The love I have for him is indescribable and never wavers. My friends and family were all touched by him and his spirit. I feel so lucky to be able to have shared my hear with such an amazing little man.

[trueblue]

Margaret,

Our stories are about parallel - wow.

Finding him before his eyes were open, up all night feeding,
Avacado... The shredded clothes, shopping just for the Squirrel,
Outside on the deck in pjs following his schedule.... And my guy has been gone since early Dec too. But I'm missing him so much. I think part of it is because I lost my mom in November and then my little boy True weeks later; and I had hope for weeks he would just come home as usual. But now I have hope I will still see him again, but I worry I won't; that something happened to him....why can't he at least phone home !

[margaret!]

kids! he'll come home with a bunch of laundry to do and in need of some TLC in no time. I try and trust that he is the expert and knows what to do.
M.

[Skul]

This brought a smile.
It's hard sometimes to describe what it's like to care and release a loved critter.
You've done what many can not.
All I can say is Thank You.
You did well.


I just found this forum and can't even begin to tell you all how happy I am. I'm not the only nut out there!
I had the privilege of raising a sweet baby squirrel from the age of about 2-3 weeks old. He came to me (my sister and I really) in August of 2010. He was just a tiny little thing. Eyes still closed and just a fine coat of hair. We quickly researched everything we could. We even ordered special formula online. He took to the bottle right away and immediately stole my heart. Middle of the night feedings when i had to be up for work at 5am and all. I was even lucky enough to be the one feeding him when he first opened his eyes. What a magical moment. Soon thereafter, Dexter, as he was named, became a spirited little celebrity. Our evenings quickly became filled with tightrope walking and crazy amounts of poop everywhere! They never stop pooping!!!! He too loved avocado the best. And the occasional raw cashew (hard to find). He loved to chew on fresh fig twigs and sleep in my Christmas socks. When the time came to transition him to his outdoor suit, he took to it quite well. Nothing like 5am January, in your bathrobe, on the back porch feeding a teenage squirrel a better breakfast than you've had in weeks! When the day came for him to give the real world a try, he crawled down my now completely destroyed bathrobe and stepped out onto the porch and away he went. I cried, but knew it was going to happen. My notes said (i had a "handbook" i had created from many hours of online reading) that he would leave and return after about 3 day....... 3 days on the dot he returned. Hungry and happy. He came and went everyday and continued to sleep in his snugly box filled with my old sweaters. As the weather improved, Dexter would be gone for longer and longer stretches. Sometimes a week. This past winter, shortly before Christmas, Dexter stopped coming around. We think about him everyday. Absolutely everyday. I know he's out there. Smart and happy. The best brazil nut cracker in town. I bet he's even seen us from afar. I hope to see him this summer, But I understand if he's made his home somewhere else. The love I have for him is indescribable and never wavers. My friends and family were all touched by him and his spirit. I feel so lucky to be able to have shared my hear with such an amazing little man.

[Garden71]

Just think how peaceful life would be if we lived like squirrels....apart from the high standard of morals; we would be up early; happy to start our day, eat healthy, work diligent at our endeavors (gathering/building for our future), we would live and let live, but also maintain a healthy sense of competition and comradery, we would take long lunches, afternoon naps, enjoy the world around us,*laugh at those who call us nutty because we know we've found the way; smell sweet fragrances and smile a big smile; then we would head back to our cozy homes as the sun starts to fade, snuggle into our comfy beds: peace would rush over us, and we would drift off to sleep dreaming of the morning dew and fresh blossoms....

AKA What a Life

:goodpost BEAUTIFUL:goodpost

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Have my first babies that will be released by me!! 2 little girls.
I have found babies before, but gave them to someone else to release.
I am going to do it myself this time, I know more and feel confident, but scared as to the torment I will go through when they take of.

[trueblue]

Have my first babies that will be released by me!! 2 little girls.
I have found babies before, but gave them to someone else to release.
I am going to do it myself this time, I know more and feel confident, but scared as to the torment I will go through when they take of.

Yes it's bittersweet.

Are you releasing them at your home?

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Yes Lots of woods !!
Will post pictures tomorrow.

[bobby taylor]

I know how you feel, we have been there many times through the years. Wild animals are so neat and to befriend one is like a dream come true. I am one to get overly attached to them while my wife on the other hand thinks they had rather be free and running through the trees and enjoying the real squirrel life. For me, I wonder how many look into our windows while at the feeders and think how cool it must be to live inside a house with plenty of food, security, nice people that would be happy to have a live in buddy. Now living in these trees is not all so cool with hawks chasing you all day and if its not that then its one of your buddies wanting to fight and bite off your ear and steal your lady friend. Then at night the coons are trying to pull you out of your little house and if you are lucky enough to get away from the coon then old bro owl is on your butt. I have mixed feelings about their freedom and their captivity. Man what a choice......I think I would rather live in a nice climate controlled house with good people and lots of nuts. This is just my opinion. I sure hope your little buddy comes back home real soon. They are such good companions, only the ones that have had one will ever know their love. Keep us posted.

Bobby

[trueblue]

Yes Lots of woods !!
Will post pictures tomorrow.

Looks like a beautiful place for squirrels. I'm glad you can release them at home; I don't know how people handle it emotionally otherwise.

No sign of my boy; we were not in tornado area luckily; and have most mild winter I've ever seen. Grateful for that since my squirrely-pop has been missing. He came to our glass porch when it stormed lots of times.
Another reason why I can't imagine he just up and changes his mind about hanging round close to home.

When are you releasing your babies?

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

my babies are only 4 weeks old so not for awhile their thread is in my signature.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

:wave123

[Gina]

:wave123
The not knowing is the hardest thing to deal with. I know. Like you, I came into squirrels by chance and found myself immersed into a whole new world. Who could have guessed how deeply a person could bond with a squirrel. All of our lives we see them, maybe even comment on their cuteness. But until you have been loved back...you just can't know. When Wayne decided to explore the bigger world I went in search for him to no avail. He did come back but it was by pure chance and luck that I was able to contain him. In just 2 weeks he had changed in appearance and in smell. I did not realize until then that I could recognize them by smell. I have to wonder if I have picked up some squirrely skills from being around them.
After having Wayne & Garth for 2 years I decided to try my hand at rehabbing. I released 8 squirrels last year. I was an emotional mess when I released the first two, Gabby and Peanut. I would call for them each day and worry like crazy until I spotted them. It was in October so I worried even more if they would survive a cold front. Shortly thereafter I released 5 more. I was in a terrible accident just 2 days later and hospitalized for nearly 2 weeks. On my first day home I saw three of them on the porch and cried with relief for them and worry for the others. Fast forward to now and I still see most of my releases on a regular basis. It is very hard to recognize who unless they are very close and it is more by thier actions that I can identify them. Anna is always close by and will follow me around when I am feeding the chickens. Peanut does this little dancing, rolling around thing - he is a clown. Cooper is like a cat burgler and just pops up. Gabby will not come to me any more but watches me and will come down to eat when I leave the area - I am pretty sure she has babies of her own now! Raji, who I am very happy and surprised to continue to spot, slinks onto the porch to grab some snacks and never comes close. Bea and Gracie moved into my neighbors workshop/garage. I had not seen them for over a month and was sure something horrible happened to them. My neighbor (where we board our horses) said he had a really friendly squirrel hanging out in his garage who made a nest up high in the rolled up door (he never pulls it down). When I called to her, two faces peeked out. They have dragged an incredible amount of hay up there and have a fabulous nest. I am sure it is Gracie and Bea and now I bring nuts to them when I visit the horses. They have made themselves at home there and are comfortable with Mike (owner) and keep him company when he is working on things in the shop. I have not seen Libby for over 2 months now and feel just like you do about True. I hope she is nesting somewhere and is warm, happy and comfortable. I hope to see Libby again just to know she is ok. And I hope you see True.

[Chickenlegs]

Awwwww--won't help the breathless waiting until your boy comes home for a visit but hopefully the words of the been-there-done-that folks here will give you hope and comfort. TSB has lots of hearts that are missing loved ones--loved ones with furry tails and sweet faces. My Kibbles was the first sweet pinkie baby who grew up and captured my heart. She decided a kept life wasn't for her. It wasn't a decision I wanted to honor but I had to let my darling go. I loved her THAT much. The morning she left for good was the day after her first birthday. She climbed on my shoulder, took a walnut, gave me a kissey and off she went. I think she visited last summer--a full grown beauty checking by to say hi.

[trueblue]

I know how you feel, we have been there many times through the years. Wild animals are so neat and to befriend one is like a dream come true. I am one to get overly attached to them while my wife on the other hand thinks they had rather be free and running through the trees and enjoying the real squirrel life. For me, I wonder how many look into our windows while at the feeders and think how cool it must be to live inside a house with plenty of food, security, nice people that would be happy to have a live in buddy. Now living in these trees is not all so cool with hawks chasing you all day and if its not that then its one of your buddies wanting to fight and bite off your ear and steal your lady friend. Then at night the coons are trying to pull you out of your little house and if you are lucky enough to get away from the coon then old bro owl is on your butt. I have mixed feelings about their freedom and their captivity. Man what a choice......I think I would rather live in a nice climate controlled house with good people and lots of nuts. This is just my opinion. I sure hope your little buddy comes back home real soon.
They are such good companions, only the ones that have had one will ever know their love. Keep us posted.

Bobby

Hi Bobby,

You are right I've often thought and actually said to my guy: why would you want to go out there in that scary world when you can stay with me, and be safe and cozy, eat well, be loved, and play with your toys.
And he would would just say to me: because I love the trees; they call to me. They are so much fun mommy why can't you go with me.
And sadly I would say I cannot climb the trees...but I will be here waiting for you. So now I'm getting teary eyed....

I posted this earlier in the thread... I hope it's more like this :
Just think how peaceful life would be if we lived like squirrels....apart from the high standard of morals; we would be up early; happy to start our day, eat healthy, work diligent at our endeavors (gathering/building for our future), we would live and let live, but also maintain a healthy sense of competition and comradery, we would take long lunches, afternoon naps, enjoy the world around us,*laugh at those who call us nutty because we know we've found the way; smell sweet fragrances and smile a big smile; then we would head back to our cozy homes as the sun starts to fade, snuggle into our comfy beds: peace would rush over us, and we would drift off to sleep dreaming of the morning dew and fresh blossoms....

AKA What a Life