Emapthy

It's been a hellish couple weeks at work, nothing I'd ever get into here. but when the work week is over, I am so ready for the weekend. Last Friday was no different. I was so happy to see the end of the week, knowing I'd have a couple days of downtime with Angie and our zoo. I wasn't even bothered by the slow drive home due to the never ending construction in our city.

I'm minutes from home when I spot an animal on the road. It's moving slowly. I already know what is going on here. It's a Raccoon and it has been hit by a car. F**K!

I quickly pull the truck over to a safe spot, got the 4 ways on. I reach behind the seat to where I have a box of vinyl gloves (if you follow my nest blog, you know why I have gloves in the truck). Then I'm off and running. It's 10:30 pm and I have to be cautious of the traffic on this dark winding road.

It's heart breaking to see any animal in pain and suffering. I have chills as I key this now because it's a haunting thing that doesn't leave my memory. And it's not the first wounded animal I have picked up off this stretch of road.

There's no oozing blood or anything from his insides showing but I am sure the injuries are severe judging by his movement. I can't leave him on the road, waiting to be hit again. Gently picking him up and bringing him home with me seemed the only thing to do. A friend once said to me "where there is life, there is hope". I always hold out hope for any injured wildlife I've helped.

Sadly the Raccoon died before I got into my driveway.

I like to think I did the right thing no matter what.

I love all our wildlife but Raccoons have always been one I've admired for as long as I can remember.

It's been really nice to see some of our local happy and healthy lately, more so than usual. I wish they never decide to cross that main road. The first two are a big pair I see every now and then, always together.

Then there's this smaller guy who I see following Topper around. It's funny how Topper seems to tolerate this stalker and not spray him.

We cannot forget about our new "old" visitor Bear.

I know Raccoons are an either you love them or you hate them kind of animal. I'm happy to know so many who love them, admiring their clever behaviour. I get a kick out of the funny Raccoon memes I see pop up like this one recently...

I shared about this experience on social media. The comments were comforting in this painful moment. It was nice to see so many being pro-procyon. I joke that we should be kind to them because they could take over the world one day, what with how clever they are. I made this up one day the other Summer after nearly running over 3 people who walked into traffic while playing that silly Pokemon-GO game on their phones. They were so hypnotized, hunting for the pokemons, that they walked into a major intersection on a red light. I was going to write a story about this all being started up by aliens who planned on taking over the world. But them, and their little green heads, looking much like grapes, is a food that Raccoons love. You can figure out how this story was going to go. Excuse my imagination. The game is so 2016 now and most don't remember it, like it never happened. It is like they were temporarily brainwashed.

Toronto is the Raccoon Nation. I'm happy to have them as our neighbours.

A Moment of Acknowledgement

Today, July 21, 2018 is a day of memory. It was on this day in 2012 that Pierre the Pigeon (my bestest yard pal ever) made his grand entry into our lives. Little did I know what an impact he would have on me, and changing my attitude towards his kind. So many backyard adventures over the years. Who else can say their backyard visiting Pigeon had a spot on a Global News story? I know he touched the lives of many through my posts even though 99% of you never met him. He was one hell of a bird! Maybe you can recall a story or post I've done about him here or on social media. Think about how you now feel about Pigeons ever since you got to know him. We had 5 years and 2 weeks together. That sure says something about him. He was a great and loyal friend, and a real survivor in the wild world.

Thank you for coming to us on this day in 2012 little dude. I will never forget you.

2012 Pierre.

After many years of good feedings from me.

Meet Bear

A couple weeks ago I noticed a unique Raccoon appearing in our backyard. A beast of a Raccoon who obviously has seen a lot in his life. His tail is missing. Both his ears are chewed up. His left eye is damaged to some degree as well.

I don't see him every night. We are 2 nights a week so far.

He's not tame by any means, but tolerant to my presence. I believe he sees me as no threat. As long we keep stay a respectable distance from one another, which could be as little as 5 ft, all is fine. Any closer, he's off and running under the shed.

Initially, upon first seeing him, I did have concerns because of how beat up he is. I've watched him a lot, especially that first night. He's alright. He's just an old boy. He's a fighter and a survivor. I think if even some of his battle wounds could be tended to, that's not to be for him. He's come this far on his own. He would not want our help.

I don't say much to him when we cross paths. Maybe a hello or nice to see you. I do my thing. He does his. Maybe I should speak more? Maybe he could get a little more used to my presence just like Topper the Skunk?

He's funny to watch as he sits on his bum while he pulls edible things to his mouth. I witnessed him grabbing a flying moth and gobbling it up.

One night he was laid out on his stomach and again just pulling things to him.

If he could speak, I'm sure the first sentence out of his mouth would be "I've seen a lot of shit!" If I was able to ask him one question, I would really like to know what happened to his tail. Animal tails don't come off that easily, not that I know from experience.

Odd how he just showed up here. I have a pretty good tab on the creatures that come around our backyard. Where did he come from?

I call him "Bear" in my head. I've not said it out loud. I think it's a suiting name for him.

I last saw him a couple nights ago. I was changing the bath basin when I spotted him. He's easy to see in the dark with my head lamp, there's one glowing eye looking at me. Three other large Raccoons showed up over the next half hour. First a lone one. I heard the snarls and growls and thought "oh boy, here we go, it's on!" Then I heard this loud whimpering noise which sounded like a young Raccoon. I thought there was finally some kids coming around. Nope, not the case. I'm squatted down, filling the basin, when this other Raccoon raced past me, almost over me, bombing up the yard. Two seconds later here comes Bear. He was making the whimpering noises, chasing the other. I guess that's his battle cry? The first Raccoon went up a tree.

Bear stopped. Huffed. And then went back to where he was digging around. Not long after, a pair of Raccoons came through the gate, big animals much like Bear. He started towards them. Both quickly went over the fence and into the neighbour's yard.

I will keep watch out for Bear every night. He sure adds to the night life experience.

If you need a bird fix from me, here is our latest blog for Bird Canada that I did this month.