My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
I am so grateful for having had the mother I did because her love and respect for animals was something that became imprinted within my own heart.
My mother had a special connection not only with animals, but with nature as well. She could be anywhere and if there was an animal present, it would immediately come to her.
So it's no surprise to me that her favorite Catholic saint was, Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
I remember when I was a kid how she and I would swap our weekend chores. I would clean the house for her, while she would be outside tending to the yard work for me. She loved to get her hands in the dirt. I only other hand, as you all well know, loved to clean.
Growing up we had all kinds of pets in our home: dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters, ducks, bunny rabbits, birds, lizards, and frogs.
One of the most valuable things my mother taught us was how to respect an animals "personal space" by allowing the animal to get used to you before approaching and touching. I remember her teaching us how to hold out our hand (palm down) to a dog before petting it. Which is why I'm dumbfounded by people who complain that they were bit by a strange dog because they immediately ran up behind the dog and started petting it without even introducing themselves.
DUH...excuse me, and you wondered why the dog bit you?
Animals have personal space just like people that needs to be respected.
About Squirrels
I'm sure my love and affection for squirrels started when I was a kid because my mother used to feed them in our backyard. And it got to a point where the squirrels became so used to being fed, that they would stand by the back door with their little paws against the glass and peer inside; anticipating my mother offering them breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
I know there are some people who don't care for squirrels and refer to them as "a rat with a furry tail." I on the other hand think they are one of the most adorable little creatures ever invented. Not only do I love their appearance, but also their agility. And I admire their fearlessness, particularly squirrels that reside in cities. City squirrels are used to being around humans, so they don't run away as you walk by them in the parks. In fact, they will often run up to you, hoping that you'll offer them a snack. I've actually had squirrels sit next to me on a park bench and take food out of my hand.
Today I would like to share some photographs of a day last week when I visited one of my favorite sections of the park because it's delightfully laden with squirrels. And what's really cool is that I frequently see a lot of the same people there who are like me, they love spending time with squirrels and feeding them.
Notice this precious little squirrel approaching me. And do you know why?
Scroll down to the picture below and you'll find out...
I had a bag of these, and that squirrel knew how to read labels...
After I opened the bag, suddenly all the squirrels (and birds) came down from the trees and began to surround me. Have you ever seen a cuter face in your entire life?...
Look at them all scurrying about...
I love to watch a squirrel eat because of how fast their mouth moves...
And here comes more...
Notice the four squirrels in this next photo. Can you find them?..
These last three photos are of a male squirrel who kept inching himself closer and closer to me...
"Oh come on, Ron...I need more peanuts you stingy bastard!"...
And look how "at-home" he made himself. He literally attempted to go into my backpack searching for more peanuts, while I was sitting no more than six inches from him...
Yup, I'm NUTS about squirrels...
Here is a very short video clip I made of the male squirrel who was trying to figure out how to get into my backpack.You can actually see him thinking. He made two attempts.
But alas, his mission was impossible...
But alas, his mission was impossible...
Have a fantastic week, y'all!
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