I need to find a home for my squirrel, Cherry. (Permanent / non-release home)

[Kysska]

My heart is breaking having to say this... but I need to find a new home for my squirrel Cherry. My family is struggling financially and I do not have the funds to give her the proper care that she needs. With my poor health, she also deserves more attention than I can give to her.

We've raised her since she was a baby and she is very nearly 2 years old now. She's been raised as a pet (near cats and dogs) and is not suitable for release. I need her to go to a home that is ready to make the 8+ year commitment of keeping her as a pet. I would prefer she go to someone with experience for this reason. She's very healthy and full of energy. She loves to play and hop around and get attention. I want her to go to a home that can give her more than I can, so I would like someone that has either a squirrel-proof room or house so that she can run around and get more exercise. I don't want her to be in a cage all day everyday.

I would like to find her a home that's relatively close-by if possible (central Florida), so that if things do not work out for whatever reason she can be returned to me easily. She will come with all of her fleece blankets, water bottle, hammock, sack, and chew toys. Her cage is also available if we can arrange transportation (it's approximately 4ft tall, 3ft long, and 2 ft wide). All free of charge.

Thank you for your time and please let me know if you find someone who would be a good match for Cherry.
-Zoey

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P.S. Also need some advice. I've never had to rehome a squirrel before. But she is very much bonded with me... More than anyone else in the house. Does anyone have any experience with how she might handle being rehomed and bonding with a new family? Is there anything I can do to make the process easier for her? :(

[California Squirrel Lover]

Zoey, I'm so sorry for all your hardships, this must be really difficult for you. Your sweet girl Cherry is a doll and I'm sure someone will offer some help or advice. :grouphug:grouphug

[Kysska]

Thank you for your sympathies. :) This is the single hardest thing I've ever had to do but I have to think about what's best for Cherry..

[island rehabber]

Kysska, may I have your permission to cross-post this on my Facebook page? There are a number of Florida rehabbers and former TSB members who may be able to help but they won't see it here. :)

[Kysska]

Yes of course, that would be fine. I'll just need you to keep me updated :)

[California Squirrel Lover]

:( :grouphug:Love_Icon Zoey & Cherry :Love_Icon:grouphug

[Kysska]

Here's a few more pictures of her, if it helps :)

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And here is the cage I mentioned in the post.

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[sandycheeks]

She looks absolutely gorgeous. So sorry that you have to find a new home for your baby. I can't imagine how hard this must be. :grouphug

[TubeDriver]

I hope someone steps up soon to take care of Cherry, she looks like a sweetheart of a squirrel! :)

[AJMommy]

I wouldn't mind taking her but I am in PA. Good luck. When I raised squirrels in the past, they were very bonded with me of course, but people who spent a lot of time around them were also befriended. I would suggest whoever adopts her spend a lot of time, like a few hours a week for several weeks. Until she will readily go to them. That should be a good transition. Just my opinion.

[MollyBear361]

What a beautiful girl. I am sure you will find her a loving home here....:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[czarina]

I would love to take her, but I am in southern Louisiana. I can guarantee her a delightful life, I've actually quit my job,( as a nurse ), to stay home with Churtle, because he doesn't like to be alone!
I know, a little nutty, but he really doesn't like it when I leave. And besides, I have plenty to do at home, so its actually my pleasure that I am able to stay home with him.


I can provide vet care, if needed, and you could certainly call my vet for a personal reference.
I realize that you are looking for closer placement, but just in case, I thought I would let you know that I would welcome her with open arms. I can only imagine how difficult this is for you, but somehow, things will work out for you and your family. You just have to hang in there, and things will have a way of resolving themselves.

[TubeDriver]

Sounds like we need a squirrel train!:grin2



I would love to take her, but I am in southern Louisiana. I can guarantee her a delightful life, I've actually quit my job,( as a nurse ), to stay home with Churtle, because he doesn't like to be alone!
I know, a little nutty, but he really doesn't like it when I leave. And besides, I have plenty to do at home, so its actually my pleasure that I am able to stay home with him.


I can provide vet care, if needed, and you could certainly call my vet for a personal reference.
I realize that you are looking for closer placement, but just in case, I thought I would let you know that I would welcome her with open arms. I can only imagine how difficult this is for you, but somehow, things will work out for you and your family. You just have to hang in there, and things will have a way of resolving themselves.

[Kysska]

I realize that you are looking for closer placement, but just in case, I thought I would let you know that I would welcome her with open arms.

I mentioned this in a PM but just going to share it here to make is easier for everyone. :)

I want to hold out a little longer for trying to find a near-by home for Cherry. It's still a scary thought for me. But I am considering the possibility of having to move her out of state and discussing it with my family.

[Anne]

Zoey, your Cherry would be welcome here with me. I am at least in state. Just need a while to get my squirrel room in order. :grouphug:grouphug:Love_Icon

[bobby taylor]

I just saw this post and wondered if Ann got Cherry? She would be a great squirrel Momie.

[Kysska]

I just saw this post and wondered if Ann got Cherry? She would be a great squirrel Momie.

Not yet, but we'd like for Cherry to go to her. Anne just needs time to finish her squirrel room and such, then we need to find a way to get Cherry (and hopefully her cage, which won't fit into our car) to her :)

[anniedancer]

Oh, I hope this works out. I would LOVE to take her. I am in SE Florida....but my landlady would pitch a fit, and I have two cats. Drat! I would dearly love to be a Squirrelley Mom.
Annie

[California Squirrel Lover]

Not yet, but we'd like for Cherry to go to her. Anne just needs time to finish her squirrel room and such, then we need to find a way to get Cherry (and hopefully her cage, which won't fit into our car) to her :)

I'm so happy you've found help for Cherry :grouphug:grouphug

[Kysska]

Haven't heard from Anne in over a week :thinking Hope everything is okay.

[Duckman]

I wish I was closer because she would love it here with the others. I hope this works out. Please keep us updated on how it is going! :grouphug:Love_Icon:thumbsup

Anne! Call Cherry!!! (and Zoey too!) :poke:tap:imp:tap:poke

[lukaslolamaus]

Cherry:Love_Icon is a cutie! Hoping all works out for the best:grouphug

[crazy4squirrels]

What is the status of Cherry?? Does she have a new forever home?

[magna]

Not sure if Anne got back with you, I know she has been busy with a couple of injured greys and some babies. I will text her today and get her to check with you.

[Kysska]

Not sure if Anne got back with you, I know she has been busy with a couple of injured greys and some babies. I will text her today and get her to check with you.

Still haven't heard from her yet sadly; she must be busy. Thank you for trying to get in touch with her though.

I tried calling her too, but for whatever reason her phone number just does not connect whenever I try to call it. I get the "This number cannot be completed as dialed, please hang up and try again" error.


What is the status of Cherry?? Does she have a new forever home?

Cherry is still with me for now.

[Shewhosweptforest]

:Love_Icon kysska :Love_Icon Just letting you know I'm sending lots of love and support to you and Cherry :grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

:Love_Icon kysska :Love_Icon Just letting you know I'm sending lots of love and support to you and Cherry :grouphug

As am I!!!!!!!
I am proud of you for realizing your squirrel needs more
than you can give him. Heck people discard their beloved animals
daily, (the ones they purposely chose to bring into their lives), and they
never look back.:Love_Icon
You are looking to rehome to just the right person, good for you!

[Mommaluvy]

Good post ^^

[UDoWhat]

I too, like many others, am sending love and support to you and your sweet Cherry. :Love_Icon

[mommasbaby]

Did you ever find a home for cherry??Hope everything worked out for you!!

[California Squirrel Lover]

I've been thinking of you and Cherry. Sending out prayers everything works out for the best. I really think it will, I'm thinking something will happen soon. Hang in there. :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[TubeDriver]

Bumping for a squirrel and her hoomin who need some help!:thumbsup

[firerunner]

We are in lakeland maybe we can help. If you want to message me..:)

[California Squirrel Lover]

:grin3 :thumbsup :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Kysska]

We are in lakeland maybe we can help. If you want to message me..:)

Alright I'll send you a message right now. :)

[niapet]

Where are you and Cherry located? If we are close enough, and she can get along with Imp, we might be willing to take her. Also, if we are close enough, you would always be welcome to visit her =)

[Kysska]

-
Unfortunately things didn't work out with firerunner and her friend, so we're still looking for a good home.


Where are you and Cherry located? If we are close enough, and she can get along with Imp, we might be willing to take her. Also, if we are close enough, you would always be welcome to visit her =)

We're in Lithia, Florida.

[California Squirrel Lover]

oh, I'm so sorry it didn't work out, but I just KNOW there is the right home for her out there, and it WILL work out. I do believe that. :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

:tinfoil:tinfoil Come on, we need a new home for Cherry!!! :tinfoil:tinfoil

[Kysska]

Thank you for the kind words, I'm in it for the long haul. Hopefully a good home comes along eventually.

[Kysska]

I was wondering if anyone had some more ideas about finding Cherry a good home. Are there other recommended / trustworthy boards, for example, that I could post to?:dono

Also wanted to know if people could weigh in on the possibility of having to rehome her out-of-state, if one in FL doesn't pop up. :shakehead My family and I are extremely against the idea, but I wanted to get opinions (and maybe even hear from someone that has experience rehoming squirrels long distance) before I completely rule it out.

[California Squirrel Lover]

:bump

:grouphug

[DarkLies212]

Keeping Cherry in my thoughts :Love_Icon

[Kysska]

:bump:

[Kysska]

:bump

[California Squirrel Lover]

I'm sorry it's taking a while to find a home for Cherry. You two are in my thoughts and prayers. I still think it's going to happen for you. :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Here's another forum and they have many Florida members.
Perhaps you will have better luck over there. :dono

http://squirrel-nation.com/

[Kysska]

Thank you for the kind thoughts! and also for the website, I might have to give it a try soon.

[FourWands]

I wish I could help with Cherry. If only you were closer.

Good Luck!

[California Squirrel Lover]

I wonder if transport could be arranged, if someone further away from you is found?? :dono :grouphug:grouphug

[Kysska]

I bet we'd be able to find a squirrel train or something.. we just aren't quite ready to consider rehoming her so far away yet. I'll keep it on my mind though :poke

[farrelli]

There's a lady in VT looking for a sq. Perhaps train? Her thread is called "Home needs squirrel" or something.

[LittleNoah]

I'm about an hour away from you and I'm currently raising a 6wk year old squirrel. Although I've only raised one little squirrel so far, I study in Biology/Animal Behavior (to be a rehabber) and have experience clicker training dogs/ferrets and I've had cats.
I know it isn't much experience, but I figured I would offer if it might help out. I have a large car that would be able to fit the cage if needed. I could take her in temporarily if that helps at all. The baby squirrel is the only animal in my house right now. Perhaps it would be easier for you to let someone take her until you feel you can take her in again?

My biggest hesitation to taking her in permanently is the bonding. I worry that she might not bond with a new "mommy" or family. I'd imagine that'd be hard for her. I also feel it would be unfair for me to say much if a licensed rehabber may be able to take her in. I don't feel I have a right to.

Poor Cherry. I hope it all works out! If I can help in any additional way please let me know. :hug

[FourWands]

I wish I could help with Cherry. If only you were closer. Good Luck!



There's a lady in VT looking for a sq. Perhaps train? Her thread is called "Home needs squirrel" or something.


Kysska - that's me that Farrelli was talking about. If you would be willing to do a train, I will be happy to give her a home!

[Kysska]

I'm about an hour away from you and I'm currently raising a 6wk year old squirrel. Although I've only raised one little squirrel so far, I study in Biology/Animal Behavior (to be a rehabber) and have experience clicker training dogs/ferrets and I've had cats.
I know it isn't much experience, but I figured I would offer if it might help out. I have a large car that would be able to fit the cage if needed. I could take her in temporarily if that helps at all. The baby squirrel is the only animal in my house right now. Perhaps it would be easier for you to let someone take her until you feel you can take her in again?

My biggest hesitation to taking her in permanently is the bonding. I worry that she might not bond with a new "mommy" or family. I'd imagine that'd be hard for her. I also feel it would be unfair for me to say much if a licensed rehabber may be able to take her in. I don't feel I have a right to.

Poor Cherry. I hope it all works out! If I can help in any additional way please let me know. :hug

I'm going to send you a PM in a moment with some more information and questions if that's alright :)

[LittleNoah]

I'm going to send you a PM in a moment with some more information and questions if that's alright :)

Sure thing!

[California Squirrel Lover]

:grin3 :grouphug:grouphug

[Chelledan]

I was wondering if you have found a new home for Cherry yet? I am not very active on the board as far as posting goes, however I do get on here quite a bit and read all he stories. I should tell my story one day, but I just haven't taken the time to do so, rather spend that time playing with my little girl.

The reason I am posting today is that I noticed this thread has been going on for quite some time, and I am Amazed that I haven't read that Cherry has a new home yet. Have I read past something here, or is she still needing a new home?

[Kysska]

Yes it seems that Cherry is still looking for a home. It's a huge commitment taking on an active adult squirrel so I completely understand why some people have backed down. Cherry's a handful so I want to make sure she goes to someone who understands and won't end up regretting their decision to adopt her. Plus I've been looking for people who are close-by mainly in case something doesn't work out. But I might have to expand my range soon, since I'm running out of Central Floridians! :gigg

[Chelledan]

I am so surprised that Cherry hasn't found a new home yet. I myself am a ways away. I live in Georgia and I currently have my little girl, she will be 5 this next February, and my wife and I have raised her from a newborn baby. I would need to discuss bringing a new squirrel home with my wife if you were willing to let her move farther away. She would need to be on board with this first, but I am willing to discuss this with her if this far would be ok. Wether she was rehomed somewhere close in Florida, or farther away like the offer from southern Louisiana, the most important thing is what's best for Cherry. It does take much love, dedication and commitment to raise a squirrel properly. I hope she finds herself in the Best home wherever that may be.

I also would be willing to help out and assist with a squirrel train, to help get her anywhere that you chose is the Best home for her. Let say the offer from southern Louisiana, if we can get enough people between you and southern Louisiana, or anywhere that is best for Cherry, we can all pull together and get her there. This will take some planning, but can be done. And I am willing to drive a ways and help in getting her to a good home.

Also, is there a way she can stay in her loving home where she is now? I don't know the whole story or situation here, but if we could get a donation account going and enough squirrel lovers here to donate, maybe we can help the situation enough to where she can stay in her current home. I am not sure if there are any rules on the board about donating and helping others in this way, but if there is no rules against this and we can get something going, I am willing to donate to help a non releasable stay in a loving home. I hope someone else will weigh in on this.

Dan

[SammysMom]

What an amazing post full of the love of squirrels... :bowdownDan:bowdown
I am so surprised that Cherry hasn't found a new home yet. I myself am a ways away. I live in Georgia and I currently have my little girl, she will be 5 this next February, and my wife and I have raised her from a newborn baby. I would need to discuss bringing a new squirrel home with my wife if you were willing to let her move farther away. She would need to be on board with this first, but I am willing to discuss this with her if this far would be ok. Wether she was rehomed somewhere close in Florida, or farther away like the offer from southern Louisiana, the most important thing is what's best for Cherry. It does take much love, dedication and commitment to raise a squirrel properly. I hope she finds herself in the Best home wherever that may be.

I also would be willing to help out and assist with a squirrel train, to help get her anywhere that you chose is the Best home for her. Let say the offer from southern Louisiana, if we can get enough people between you and southern Louisiana, or anywhere that is best for Cherry, we can all pull together and get her there. This will take some planning, but can be done. And I am willing to drive a ways and help in getting her to a good home.

Also, is there a way she can stay in her loving home where she is now? I don't know the whole story or situation here, but if we could get a donation account going and enough squirrel lovers here to donate, maybe we can help the situation enough to where she can stay in her current home. I am not sure if there are any rules on the board about donating and helping others in this way, but if there is no rules against this and we can get something going, I am willing to donate to help a non releasable stay in a loving home. I hope someone else will weigh in on this.

Dan

[Chelledan]

Thank You SammysMom, those who have been owned by a squirrel can feel nothing but love.:Love_Icon

[Kysska]

*snip*

Thank your for your kind and heartfelt post, it really warms my heart that there's so many wonderful squirrel people on this board.:grouphug

Unfortunately I don't think staying with us would be the best for Cherry. With my health issues I don't have the energy to give her the out of cage time that she needs to be happy. And my other family members are exhausted after work. (Not to mention we do have a lot of cats and 2 dogs) sad as I am to admit, I'm not the best option for Cherry's happiness :( The best thing I can think of to do for her is to find someone ready and willing to give her all the love and attention that I can't, and just pray that she is able to detach from me and bond with them in time...

I'm hesitantly getting used to the idea that we may have to relocate Cherry farther away than I would like. But I still have to talk to my family and convince them that it's the best thing for her (they're both attached to Cherry as well, her sweet little face wins anyone over!) So if this ends up being the case, squirrel train offers will definitely be appreciated.

[California Squirrel Lover]

I'm still hoping and praying for a good outcome. :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Kysska]

(Not sure if I should make a new post for this since it's a big update, but I'll just add it as a reply for now)

Alright, I talked to my family and we decided to go ahead and allow Cherry to be rehomed out-of-state :hidechair I know I had gotten multiple offers from people not in Florida, so if you are still interested feel free to reply here or send me a PM saying so.

Please, only offer if it is legal in your state to have a squirrel.

Because of the difficulty in returning her to me if something doesn't work out I'm going to have to require that potential adopters have experience living with squirrels. Thank you for understanding :thumbsup

----

Now I'm going to copy and paste some information and questions I sent to one of my previous offers since they are relevant here.

Some info about living with Cherry: Since Cherry is relatively young (little over 2 years) and is healthy she has tons and tons of energy. Whenever she's out of the cage she loves to run around the house like a madwoman. And as I'm sure you know squirrels are very curious and love to chew of absolutely everything - so things like electronics, cords, furniture, and even the walls and the roof may get chewed up! Just want to make sure that's something you're aware of. Also she needs fresh salad and 2 Henry's Healthy Blocks (or equivalent squirrel block) a day.

Some questions:
1. Would you be able to provide her at least 1 hour of out-of-cage time every day?

2. She has never really been around strangers so I do not know how she will act towards you. If she ends up being "bitey" is that something you can handle? (I can offer a little insight: Around my mom she doesn't mind her presence, but she does attack my moms hands, and only her hands. If my mom keeps her hands tucked into her jacket there's no issues)

3. Similarly, her claws are razorsharp and you will end up getting scratched unintentionally. (She loves to run along the floor towards people and run up their body to their shoulders, for example. Or she might jump onto you from a shelf, etc. and accidentally scratch when she lands. Is that something you can handle as well?

4. She tends to not like other animals. She growls at the dogs if they get too close to her cage and, once when I didn't realize a cat was still in the room before letting her out, she jumped on the cat and attacked it (No one was hurt, thank god) but it's something to consider if you have pets, or intend to get some in the future. (It definitely can be done though, just requires extra planning.)

5. She's female and unspayed, so if you have unaltered male squirrels living with you they will need to be kept separate, or else babies :eek

---

Anyway that's all I can think of for right now, so if you have any more questions or concerns at all please feel free to ask!

[SammysMom]

It is really only legal in Florida to have them as pets.

[Kysska]

Really? I thought there were a few others. I guess I would need adopters to be licensed rehabbers then? or are even they unable to keep one as a "pet"?

[SammysMom]

It is also in So. Carolina I believe.

[Kysska]

Weird, I thought more states would allow it, at least with a license (I've seen documentaries about people having tigers and such as pets for pete's sake) :thinking I'm surprised no one mentioned it sooner... Might have to continue looking for Floridians.

[VTech1]

It used to be legal to have them as pets in Arkansas.

[SammysMom]

I think AR is one of those gray areas, but I am not sure about that one. :dono

[Mommaluvy]

Weird, I thought more states would allow it, at least with a license (I've seen documentaries about people having tigers and such as pets for pete's sake) :thinking I'm surprised no one mentioned it sooner... Might have to continue looking for Floridians.

Bizzare logic. Yes. I can buy a venomous reptile in my city but i can not have a pet squirrel.

I can also get a permit to rehab squirrel .. But i can not have 6 laying hens unless I own 5 acres.

Sorry to thread jack

Ohioans can get educators permits to have NR. But they have to be intact and show no sign of NR. So as far as i know it would not work for a 3 legged one. But i suppose if it had sezuires it would pass. Or at least that is how i understood the regs to read.

[Kysska]

Well, that's a shame, I'm honestly surprised to hear that Florida is the only state where you can keep a NR squirrel as a pet. Guess I'll have to stick to a Florida rehoming then. Hopefully one pops up soon.

[Kysska]

Here's another forum and they have many Florida members.
Perhaps you will have better luck over there. :dono

http://squirrel-nation.com/

It looks like we found Cherry a home with one of the members over there in South Carolina! :hug Still trying to work out the details (such as transportation of Cherry and her cage to SC) but otherwise it seems to be a good fit :)

[TubeDriver]

:bliss Great news!

[MollyBear361]

:serene

[Chelledan]

Sorry I haven't responded earlier, I am so glad you have found cherry a new home. I must say you are a Very Special person to make sure Cherry is happy and goes to the proper home.

We're you able to figure out the transportation to get Cherry to her new home safely?

[Kysska]

We found someone near me that will be traveling up to Georgia soon and offered Cherry a spot on the trip :grin2 We don't have anyone to take her from Georgia to her permanent home in South Carolina (about a 5 hour drive) but the new mom said she would make the long trip to pick her up if nothing else :Love_Icon

[California Squirrel Lover]

:thumbsup :grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug:Lo ve_Icon :thumbsup

[Kysska]

An Update for those that have been interested: Cherry successfully arrived at her new home in south carolina last night. :w00t

[SammysMom]

I have a terrific update from Uni. She is Cherry's new mama and Cherry loves her already. Zoey, you made a good choice for your sweet girl. She is giving kisses to her new mama already!:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[TubeDriver]

Great update! Cherry is with a great squirrel person, she will have a great life in her new home!:w00t

[Kysska]

She's been doing so incredibly well, I'm ecstatic that she's adjusting and bonding with Uni. :hug I definitely lucked out and got her an amazing new home where she can be happy. :Love_Icon

[JLM27]

I'm happy for you and Cherry. I hope you can start feeling better.

[Shewhosweptforest]

I'm so happy for you kysska :Love_Icon I know Cherry's happiness and well being have always been your top priority....even though it meant giving her up...which I know was very, very hard :hug Cherry ended up with someone who will love her as much as you...and that's all we can ever hope for :grouphug I knew if anyone could win her over, it would be Uni :Love_Icon

A happy ending :serene

[Charley Chuckles]

That was a fast and wonderful squirrel train :w00t and Cherry settled right in with her new mommy :grouphug
Kysska I know it was hard to let her go, but you will always be able to see her via pics/video :Love_Icon Like I told you my Simon settled in wonderfully, however he loved everyone :grouphug My Conker now is a sweet boy and he did so great too :thumbsup
I am just so glad this all worked out :hug