It Is Better To Have Loved....

....and lost, then to never have loved at all. I suppose that's how I should feel about the squirrels right now.

After discovering Monday afternoon the sick squirrel had maggots Jason and I tried to rid him of all we could find (yes, we did and yes, it was gross!). Jason finally convinced an animal clinic to take it because the animal rehabilitation center was not returning his message with the news about the maggots. I was giving piano lessons, so he and the boys made the delivery. We were relieved that he was finally receiving the care he desperately needed. Unfortunately, they wouldn't take the healthy sibling.

The little squirrel was so cute. We could hear it licking the peaches we gave it and munching on the corn on the cob. It was eating and sleeping just fine. Unexpectedly, the happy, healthy squirrel that had remained in our care had to be put to sleep on Wednesday afternoon. It was certainly a sad moment, as we had done everything we could to help the little guy or girl out. Jason had called around, trying to get someone who is licensed in wild animal care to take it. We continued to care for it in the meantime, knowing it could not be released quite yet. Tuesday night it jumped in its box when I gave it a warm water bottle to sleep with and when I gave it breakfast, it was curled up sleeping in the corner, like normal. Wednesday afternoon when I checked on it it was nearly lifeless and was flopped on the bottom of the container we had it in. I rushed it to the animal clinic, but they had to kill it right away. I felt so terrible, I burst into tears. For those who know me well, I'm definitely an animal lover - not the crazy kind, but I certainly have a soft spot for little creatures in need.

Sadly, the receptionist at the clinic couldn't tell me how the other one was doing, so either it had to be put to sleep too, or she honestly didn't know. I am hoping it's safe and happy at the clinic enjoying some fine roasted nuts!