Jersey Squirrel

Bernie picked up this little squirrel in New Jersey, where he had fallen from his nest in the eaves of a house and landed on the porch. He was a bit bloodied but suffered no permanent ill effects. Within days his eyes opened and he was up and moving about. He's very strong and appears to be of hardy stock. Bernie has brought him over to PCV for a walk.

baby squirrel gets restless.

and jumps into the trash can!

what to do with a  restless squirrel?

try a snack!

comin' right at ya!

that's better...

Bernie's thinking of leaving him in PCV to breed rather than bringing him back to New Jersey. PCV squirrels could use some new blood!

Creme Puff: the Dark Side

Yes, sweet little Creme Puff does have a dark side. We learn that one day when Creme Puff  (CP for short) "runs away". It all starts when Bernie tries to pick him up.

Come on CP, it's time to go home.

The squirrel snarls, squeals and squirms
as he always does, but this time he bites Bernie!
Not enough to draw blood, but still a definite  bite.

CP runs off into the hedges where he hides out for a while.

I go off to feed Spunky and the gang, while Bernie keeps watch by the hedges. CP makes his egress when Bernie gets distracted talking to someone. By the time I return, expecting to find CP bundled up and Bernie ready to leave, I learn that Bernie hadn't seen the squirrel since he disappeared into the hedges!

A thorough check reveals no sign of the errant squirrel.

We fan out and search the surrounding area for several hours. It's another gorgeous spring day so it's not unpleasant to wander about, but eventually, with no sign of CP, and it does get tiring after a while. Looking for a squirrel that doesn't want to be found is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

As twilight gathers we've just about given up, but  Bernie wanted to do one more go-round of the building where CP disappeared, and I decide to accompany him on the last round. Then as we turn the corner, all of a sudden there he is! He's just sitting there by the edge of the playground, looking like a perfect angel.

Bernie tries to entice CP to get into his "blankie"
(an old rag full of holes that he's very attached to).

But CP heads for the playground.
A curious black squirrel watches from a nearby tree.

CP decides to hide under the slide.

While Bernie walks around to the entrance for humans,
Black Squirrel darts over to keep an eye on CP.

CP leads Bernie on a merry chase.

Black Squirrel tags along as an observer.

Bernie gets CP into corner, while Black Squirrel provides backup.

Alas, CP escapes.

Come on CP, here's your blankie!
Black Squirrel covers the exit.

Catch me if you can, Dad!

Maybe a peanut would help? Black Squirrel concurs.

Approaching the peanut.

This time CP really is cornered

Victory, at last!

You're not getting away this time, you little devil!

Into your blankie you go

Thanks for your help, Black Squirrel!

Black Squirrel enjoys his reward.

And CP goes home.

We decide that CP was acting up because it was such a fine day and he had been in total squirrel bliss as he romped about. 

American Squirrel

This is our favorite, little Red -- a real beauty. She lives near the west flagpole with a group of aggressive grays who often chase her and bully her, I guess because she's "different".

Afternoon of a Squirrel

It's a beautiful spring day...

...when Creme Puff comes by with Bernie

Hello World

There are some cool birds around. Now if I were a cat...says Creme Puff

My Left Foot
It's good to see One Foot again, alive and well. He had to have his broken and infected left foot amputated a year ago. Today he's getting along fine and moves beautifully. If you didn't know you'd barely notice his disability.

Sema is also in the park today with her two beautiful cats, Emma and Darcy. Sema is the lady who saved Creme Puff's life after he was beaten up and thrown out of his nest last summer.

Sema and Emma (siamese)

Darcy (tonkinese) with Sema's friend

A squirrel gets into the act

Wanna take it down here?

uh-oh, guess it's time to go

Time for us to go too, Creme Puff
(CP gets wrapped in his travel "blankie")

A good time was had by all!