This Weeks Creature Feature … The Foundling Squirrel
Bay Weekly has acquired a furry friend, an orphaned baby squirrel. He (or she?) first caught our attention when he was stretched across the screen of our front window. We heard his cries through the open windows. Once our awhs stopped, we went back to work.
When the mailman came with his delivery later that day, he stepped over the squirrlel to get through our front door.
With mother nowhere in sight and baby crying at our door step, we decided to take things into our own hands — literally. General manager Alex Knoll carried the baby from the front door to our courtyard, where he was out of harm’s way.
Through the glass door, we all marveled at the little creature, watching him explore his new surroundings. Soon, we were making what we imagined might be more to his liking.
Kay crumbled a leftover sandwich bun and filled an empty box with shredded paper for a nest. Lisa set out a bowl of water and added a soft towel to the nest, hoping it would be enough for him to make it through the night.
He did. Before we left for the long weekend, we made his box homier with Moe’s stuffed goose, which we’ve seen him cuddle. Moe, who can’t take his eyes off the little fellow, has seen it, too.
I enriched his diet with honey-roasted peanuts, soaked in water to remove some of the sugar.
On Tuesday morning, he was still with us, nibbling peanuts.
He’s the first thing we look at in the morning, and we check on him every time we pass the garden doors. Today Betsy brought him a bag of real squirrel food, full of corn, sunflower seeds and peanuts.
The squirrel has nuzzled a spot in all of our hearts, and we’re hoping for a shared future. Squirrel is growing stronger, and there are big trees all around, even on the corner of Forest and Spa.
We’re ready to imagine a name, preferably gender neutral, for the little guy. E-mail suggestions to [email protected].