On Saturday, I received a phone call asking if we could help with a baby raccoon. My first reaction was, “I know nothing about baby raccoons,” but then the rescue side of me said “an animal needs your help, so step up to the plate and help.” And so we did.
A small raccoon named Rocky came into our lives and touched our hearts. At first glance Rocky appeared to be about six weeks old. He weighed about three pounds and seemed very domesticated. His rescuer found him on the side of the road and when the lady approached Rocky, he reached out to her and let her pick him up. Later we would find out that baby raccoons reach out when they are hungry and they have no mother to feed them. While the details of Rocky’s life up until he was rescued are unclear we knew that Rocky was a wild animal that he would have to be released back.
We all marveled at Rocky and fell in love with him instantly. He loved us back with his little head butts he would cling to us and loved it whenever someone would hold him. It was clear that none of us had the know how on how to rehabilitate him to be released to the wild, nor did we want to release him.
Once again the rescue side kicked in, though we would have loved to keep Rocky and care for him we knew now that was not an option. Rocky was born in the wild and his spirit belonged to the wild.
Just about a year ago, we had the pleasure of getting acquainted with a wildlife sanctuary in Vassleboro. On Monday, we made the phone call to the wonderful people who run the sanctuary and they told us if we could get Rocky there he was welcome. This couple does amazing work and are such generous and caring people and we have the utmost respect and love for them.
Knowing that Rocky was accepted at the sanctuary, we breathed a sigh of relief. We all knew that Rocky was going to the best possible place and that he would be able to live the life he had been born to live.
Rocky arrived at The Ark on a Saturday and early Tuesday morning he began his journey to his new home. Two wonderful volunteers agreed to transport Rocky. They didn’t think twice about the three-hour drive each way to get Rocky to his new home. Midday on Tuesday, Rocky arrived at The Wildlife Care Center and was welcomed with open arms.
Though we only had Rocky for a short period of time, we grew to love him. This tiny little creature amazed us with his quirky little antics and his unquestionable trust in us. I am sure that our paths crossed for a reason, and that this is one of life’s little lessons. Perhaps the lesson that we learned is if you love something enough you let it go and let it live the life it was intended to live. Rocky is a free spirit. He needs the sunlight on his face and to be able to roam and just live the life of a raccoon. At the sanctuary Rocky will be able to live this life and for that we are grateful.
To the lady that rescued Rocky we cannot thank you enough. You stopped when you saw an animal in need. Most people would not stop for a raccoon, but you did that day and you saved Rocky’s life. You set an example for so many others and me and I’m sure there is a special place in heaven for you.
We are all so blessed to have been a part of Rocky’s rescue and at the end of the day when we lay our heads on our pillows and close our eyes there will be a smile on our face and we will sleep well knowing we made a difference. Good luck Rocky; you will be missed
Please join us on Saturday, August 23 for a bake sale outside The Hollywood Pet Salon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column.
