New to this all, can't stop crying!

[furbabies]

Hi folks of the squirrel board,

I've come across your board in desperation, really. A couple days ago, I saved a baby squirrel (mom was dead nearby, eyes weren't even open) and brought her to a rehabber nearby. No problem. The next day, we find her brother, also right near dead mom, eyes just opened. This one I couldn't get to a rehabber right away (the one who took his sister was at her absolute limit), so I made him a cozy little box-home and took care of him for a little over 24 hours.

Turns out, rehydrating a tiny furry baby with a 1 cc syringe and helping it poop/pee around the clock for even such a short amount of time created a really strong bond for me. He would fall asleep in my arms after feedings, or want to crawl into my shirt, and was generally very sweet and cuddly.

When I dropped him off at his new rehab-home, it was very quick and as I drove away I started bawling. It's been two days and whenever I'm not distracted, I think of the little guy (I even gave him a name which probably wasn't a good idea in retrospect since it only strengthened the bond) and start crying.

How do you guys do it? I know for certain that bringing him to someone more experienced was the right thing for him, but still I can't stop crying several times a day over this! How do you hand a baby off and move forward without being overcome with sadness?

I know this isn't exactly 'helping squirrels' related, but I couldn't think of anywhere else to go and my parents and boyfriend just think it's ridiculous that I'm so upset. I agree that it's silly that I'm reacting like this, but I can't help it! Hoping you all will have some words of wisdom.

[stepnstone]

Hi folks of the squirrel board,
I've come across your board in desperation, really. A couple days ago, I saved a baby squirrel (mom was dead nearby, eyes weren't even open) and brought her to a rehabber nearby. No problem. The next day, we find her brother, also right near dead mom, eyes just opened. This one I couldn't get to a rehabber right away (the one who took his sister was at her absolute limit), so I made him a cozy little box-home and took care of him for a little over 24 hours.

Turns out, rehydrating a tiny furry baby with a 1 cc syringe and helping it poop/pee around the clock for even such a short amount of time created a really strong bond for me. He would fall asleep in my arms after feedings, or want to crawl into my shirt, and was generally very sweet and cuddly.

When I dropped him off at his new rehab-home, it was very quick and as I drove away I started bawling. It's been two days and whenever I'm not distracted, I think of the little guy (I even gave him a name which probably wasn't a good idea in retrospect since it only strengthened the bond) and start crying.

How do you guys do it? I know for certain that bringing him to someone more experienced was the right thing for him, but still I can't stop crying several times a day over this! How do you hand a baby off and move forward without being overcome with sadness?

I know this isn't exactly 'helping squirrels' related, but I couldn't think of anywhere else to go and my parents and boyfriend just think it's ridiculous that I'm so upset. I agree that it's silly that I'm reacting like this, but I can't help it! Hoping you all will have some words of wisdom.

First, thank you for getting these babies to experienced help to give them the best chance for their survival. :grouphug

They do touch one in such a way that your life will be forever changed, that is the magic of these little creatures of nature.
How we do it is with unselfish compassion, we strive to give back to them their intended lives. Back to nature, free in the trees.
To accomplish that one has to let go and it is bitter sweet. You helped save a life, embrace that. It is glorious!

[island rehabber]

:goodpost

furbabies, first I want to thank you, too, for doing the absolute right thing for these little ones. They were badly compromised, with their mom dead for who knows how long, and it takes an experienced rehabber to bring them back around from dehydration and/or emaciation. That said, maybe rescuing these precious beings struck a chord in you, and you'd like to know more about wildlife rehabilitation. It's how all of us got started. Check out the licensing process in your state; see if you have the time and extra (yeah, right!) money, and see if maybe it is something you'd be interested in doing. There is always, always a need. You sound like someone who would put the animal's needs before your own, and who truly loves little creatures. You could be one of us. :grin2 Either way, thank you so much for being there for them!

[stosh2010]

Things to remember-
The babies
aren't hungry
or covered in bugs
or cold
or scared-------------
All: THANKS TO YOU.

[BCChins]

Wondering if maybe the rehabber you took them too would mentor you and let you see if this is something you would like to do in the future. Then you can get your rehabbing license to do it.
:dono

[Rhapsody]

(((HUGS)))) :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon
When one first starts rehabbing the moment of release can be left with feelings of bitter sweet sorrow when your baby is no longer in your arms and care... but over time release becomes easier as we know what is being done is for the best welfare of the squirrel. ♡

[TubeDriver]

Squirrel magic is potent to hearts that are open to it. You may never look at animals or all life in quite the same way now. Thank you for getting your little baby squirrel the help she needed.:clap:w00t

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I agree with what everyone says. As hard as it was, you did the right thing. I'd ask the rehabber about volunteering with them. Then you could learn more about rehabbing and see your little tyke grow up. If you are interested in taking babies in, then you could talk to them about that.

Wildlife rehab is the most amazing thing in the world. Most people don't get it, but to those that do, there is nothing else in this world as fulfilling as taking a tiny little tyke that you know wouldn't have survived without you and seeing them run free. There is a ton of heart ache along the way and many of our little guys don't survive, but you do your best and give them your all, including all of your heart, and you find the strength to keep going because you can't imagine not rehabbing.

[Coralreefer]

Welcome to the club Furbabies!

It was three Super Bowl Sunday's ago my wife and I came across a single baby squirrel laying in a pile of leaves that started what has become an obsession for us.

It's not like I never liked squirrels. I always fed them if they were in yards where we lived. You just have no idea how unique these little guys are until you have personal contact with them when they are little. Once you've had that connection with a squirrel you are pretty much ruined. :grin2

I can guarantee you every single person here knows exactly how you feel.
I mean were on a Squirrel message board for God's sake. Posting on Squirrel message boards was never part of my plan for the future.
Some of my friends would would have material to rip on me for years if they knew just how obsessed I am with squirrels at this point. :rotfl
So yes we understand just how much your time with that little squirrel probably touched you.

You absolutely did the right thing getting them to a professional for help.
There are specifics that need to be followed for these babies to grow up healthy. If you follow those specifics they'll be fine. If you don't they can crash very quickly. You want to talk about sad? Let one die in your care because you didn't know what you were doing. That's really sad.

Now if you have become hooked on these little guys what I'd suggest is to befriend that rehabber you took them to. Rehabbers always could use help during mating seasons and most are willing to train helpers. You could get to a point where they may feel comfortable passing a couple babies to you to care for while they grow. It's hard work and time consuming but VERY rewarding.

That would be your next step if you have truly caught the Squirrel bug. :grin2