Happy and not so happy updates.

Unfortunately, terrible news for one of the squirrels. JoAnn brought them up to Tuft's Friday morning and they took some x-rays. Her mandible was shattered and the molars were totally out of alignment. It was not something that could be fixed. On top of that there was a raging infection in her throat. They were totally amazed that she was even able to eat anything. A good example why some injuries, such as traumas, need to be checked a little more thoroughly on the inside. Externally there seemed to be improvement and she was eating, however the damage not seen was so bad she would only have lingered longer, suffering a great deal.  

Her sister, on the other hand is doing well. JoAnn already has 2 other squirrels close enough in size that she can go in with so she is not alone.

On a happier note....Mason and Cinder are thriving! They have more than doubled in weight.

Cinder's laceration has healed up nicely.

They are eating like little piglets...... 

....and just being darn cute.

And they are definitely enjoying their fur to cuddle in...so thanks to all who have donated furs!!

Meanwhile outside, the "wild" family is out and about and as active as ever. I have run into Gibby, Ringer, River and Belle for sure at night. I think maybe Red too, but it's been so long since I've seen her I'm not sure. Although she wouldn't come right up to me, she had no problem following me around from feeder to feeder as I checked on them like Red usually did. 

During the day I've had a few visitors as well. Everyone looks so different now though, that I'm not always sure who it is! Sometimes I only know it's one of mine because they'll come right down for a visit! 

I was thinking this was one of River's girls. Amazon or Nile were always friendly enough to come over to me, but not so friendly to let me scritch their chin like this time. Then again, that's the thing about these guys! Sometimes they can be friendly as hell and other times they can be grumpy or skittish depending on their mood and what's going on in their lives at the time. One day someone will hang all over you and the next, run at the sight of  you no matter how nice you call to them. Regardless, we had a lovely visit while this girl...possibly Amazon....sat back and told me about her day while having a little bite to eat.

The reds were released a week or so ago. They proceeded to vacate their cage and move into the large indoor pen! So much for going out on their own! Don't get too comfortable in there gang, when the new tenants are ready you're outta there!

All the little maniacs!

The gang is thoroughly enjoying the warm, DRY, sunny weather! Poor Phoenix appears to have developed an abscess on her face. Not surprising with some of the squabbles going on in there. That's why I'm trying to get the release pen done and get them out there!

Poor girl....she's starting to look like a bull terrier with the swelling. It's not fazing her much at all though, just as rambunctious as the rest of them!

This is what most of the boys are dealing with! A bitchy female, ears back, barking in their ear anytime they try to do anything. It's the perfect cliche....I can hear you guys now..."Typical female".....LOL! Well sometimes the boys deserve it too!

But for the most part....girls just wanna have fun! And raccoons certainly know how to have fun....they are definitely one of the biggest clowns in the animal kingdom!

Cinnamon's funky mask marking has returned to normal....now her brother Peanut has it going on. Must run in the family.

I finally had to make the decision to euthanize the unexpected visitor that took up residence in the pen after releasing the possies. I finally concluded she was ill, however I seesawed between it being distemper or rabies. She was starting to self mutilate-chewing at one of the wounds on her foot, and though her eyes were clear, her nose was a little gunky. She was also showing some neurologic signs. I'm leaning toward rabies, but could also be distemper. So once she was sedated I drew up some blood and had it sent in for a distemper test. It was the easier and least expensive option....and with no exposure risk the rabies testing was not required. This will basically just help me decide how much of a "hazmat site" the pen is so I can disinfect it appropriately. Hopefully the test results will be back today.

An unfortunate soul.

Unfortunately it's not always happy raccoon stories.

While at work yesterday we got a call for a sick raccoon. One of our cops headed out there to check it out. He couldn't decide if it seemed sick or injured, so I took my lunch break and headed out there. Luckily I usually carry all the necessities for situations like this in my car!

He was definitely in rough shape....but still ok enough to snarl and warn me when I got too close for his liking! Definitely injured....I could smell the infection from 10 feet away and we were outside.....

I managed to corner him amidst lots of growling and threats....meanwhile behind me from the officer...."Uhhh.....should I have my gun out!?" LOL! I'm thinking....not while I'm between you and the raccoon!!! Given the option of a nice enclosed, safe and quiet carrier (similar to a den) or being out in the open and exposed to scary predators like us, he walked into the carrier on his own and I was able to close him in there without having to net, chase or otherwise stress him out anymore.

I met up with Laurie at her vet, and long story short...after getting enough tranquilizer to knock out an elephant he FINALLY went down after a couple hours maybe?? and we got enough of a look at the poor guy to decide to euthanize him. Looks like he was attacked by something....a while ago! He smelled like he died weeks ago. The infection was so bad, even if he had a chance it would have required IV antibiotics and that would have been impossible with this boy. At least he didn't have to suffer a slow death out there or a bullet to the head. He went quickly and quietly and is no longer suffering.