Orphan by blightygal

Orphan

My other half and I were out and about yesterday when we saw a baby squirrel climbing up people's legs, and following them onto the main road (busy). After a long time of this and no mum, we decided to take care of it, and phone the RSPCA, thinking they would take over. Wrong or right, we just couldnt leave it to die.
What an eye opener. The RSPCA will not help the grey squirrel because its not native to the UK. Do what? That has to be the nastiest reason not to look after an orphaned animal - all they would do is kill it.
So we decided to look after it as best we could as no choice. In the pic is my other half finding out what was best to do on the internet. Nobody else would answer their phones, nobody it seems wants to know, despite having internet pages despite each saying they are no 1 for saving squirrels!
Info on the internet makes us think he's about 8 weeks old, perhaps older, so we have put a box in the garden, full of newspaper, paper towels and an old t-shirt. Lots of mixed seeds, nuts and rehydation fluid in a couple of small bowls.
Its really hard knowing whats best. The info on the internet said squirrels that climb up people have been on their own for a long time, and are desperate, so there cant be a Mum.
He's not far off being fully grown, and he's strong because he was climbing the walls and exploring yesterday in the garden, but always running back to us, so we decided to let him fend for himself a bit by keeping him out of the house, so he remains as wild as possible, and just offer food and shelter til he's strong enough.
Survived one night so fingers crossed he keeps going!
http://www.grey-squirrel.org.uk/
Thats a cute little fella. Its gonna grow up to be all computer savvy by the looks of it... :o)
May 17th, 2010  
NAWWW, so cute!!! :)

That's pretty ridiculous that the RSPCA wouldn't help him! I'm sure he'll be fine thanks to your care :)
May 17th, 2010  
That is crazy that they wouldn't help him and it shows a lot about your character for taking him in and caring for him. Great picture of him though he is a cutie!!
May 17th, 2010  
what a nice story! love the picture!
May 17th, 2010  
He's so cute! And what nerve of them to not help. That's crap. I don't even understand why they wouldn't help. That would have made me furious. It's awesome of you for picking up their slack and helping the little fella.
May 17th, 2010  
Fabulous story. Glad there are other people like me out there! You want to do all you can to help but they can be such a worry. I hope it all works out! And hey! great photo oportunity! What is it with squirrels and this place??
May 17th, 2010  
awesome ! so cute!
May 17th, 2010  
Nature and Technology! what an amazing opportunity you had to capture this! well done! and what a cute little guy!! =)
May 17th, 2010  
What a great shot of a cute critter in a heart warming story. I know you don't want to take him on as a pet but it looks like you may be building a nice friendship. I am sure he is grateful and that you will have some nice photo opps in the future!
May 17th, 2010  
It's so nice of you to take on the task of helping him after not being able to find it elsewhere. He's is so cute and photographing him on the laptop is great!
May 17th, 2010  
how adorable! and so nice of you to be helping him out
May 17th, 2010  
Oh Frieda, you've got such a good heart, and the baby looks solid enough, that I think perhaps you're on the right track. He's such a little cutie, I hope he makes it and continues to live out his days, happy in your yard! The lack of interest on the part of those who should know is heart-breaking. I can offer though, this one suggestion. When we'd found a baby opossum, we went to the pharmacy and the Pharmacist gave us a type of baby formula he thought might be good for the animal. You might be out of pocket a short bit for trying that in addition to water, but it might halp, too. You and your foundling are in my prayers as I know how much it means to you. I wish you the best, more than you can imagine!
May 17th, 2010  
You have come to the right place. Nowhere will you find more kindhearted people than in the 365 group, and, if you did any exploring the tag "squirrel", you will seethere are a number of squirrel experts aboard. Good luck. He sure looks like a keeper.
May 17th, 2010  
Aw, it makes me very sad that thr RSPCA wouldn't help him just because he's not native. It's very amazing of you to take him in and help him.
May 17th, 2010  
Hats off to you for your efforts! He sure is a cute little guy. Sounds like you're doing everything right - good luck! (Terrific photo, too!)
May 17th, 2010  
you are very kind people :) The squirrel is lucky to have found you :)
May 17th, 2010  
Aaaw, that's such a cute squirrel! Maybe it'll end up all tame and come right up close like Lauren's Charlie used to.
May 17th, 2010  
awesome shot, freida. it's a nice thing, what you're doing for this baby.
May 17th, 2010  
My best wishes for you and the little one...it's very kind of you...and I hope things work out well...Cute photo...have you named it?
May 17th, 2010  
Thanks! It may sound daft, but we cant face naming it in case he doesnt survive.. We are a pair of softies!
May 17th, 2010  
Aww, this is so precious! You guys sound like me and my husband.. if it had been us, we'd have done the same thing :).
May 18th, 2010  
awwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could have that squirrel...I haven't seen any "charlie jr's" aroundd..... but thanks for cheering me up with this adorable photo!! it is definitely going into my favs.....ohhh I still just can't get over it!!!
May 18th, 2010  
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww he is a cutie!!!
May 18th, 2010  
What a wonderful shot!
May 18th, 2010  
so native or not do we call that "racism" of th RCPCA or what. nice of you to want to keep it and who knows if he sticks around you might have a whole new family of squirrels in your garden.
May 18th, 2010  
I love this one! Techie Squirrel!
May 18th, 2010  
hehe, can he type, he seems very friendly and curious for a little orphan Squirrel :-)
May 18th, 2010  
I just came in on your saga of the squirrel and acutally looked at it in reverse order. You are so good to take care of him, while still letting him remain wild.
May 20th, 2010  
Oh, wow!! I just read the squirrel's story!! Itsn't that always the case - people promise things and claim to be the best, but when you actually need them they just shun their back at you! It's so nice of you that you decided to take care of the baby until it gows up! I am enjoying the cute photos a lot!!
May 20th, 2010  
So cute great story, good luck on your new furry friend
May 20th, 2010  
Just saw one of your pics on the popular page and had to come back and see the beginning of this little guys' story. I'll be following you now. :)
May 22nd, 2010  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.