White Dog is not a tremendous fan of the creature we refer to as pigeons with fur. Uncle Howard has spent LOTS of green papers removing them from his attic; they dug up and ate most of momma’s bulb garden back in Illinois. They torment WD’s sensibilities with their ability to run up trees instead of racing fairly to safety as bunnies must at the Nature Center.
However, today is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and though the squirrels may not be aware of it, White Dog is extending a paw of acceptance and calling a chase truce for the day. Following Remington’s example of being kind to all animals, she is making an effort to learn more about these fluffy tailed (see, they have that in common with us!) critters in her attempts to be a good citizen of the planet.
Just how did squirrels manage to get their own day? They have Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina, to thank. Hargrove started Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21, 2001. Why squirrels? The answer to that is lost in the mists of history, but here are some ideas you could use to express your squirrel love (and none of them include dousing them with a nice terriyaki marinade):
1. Feed them. Spread the peanut butter on a pine cone, hang it from a tree, and your work is done. You could also carry some nuts or seeds in your treat pouch, just in case you come face to face with one.
However, today is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and though the squirrels may not be aware of it, White Dog is extending a paw of acceptance and calling a chase truce for the day. Following Remington’s example of being kind to all animals, she is making an effort to learn more about these fluffy tailed (see, they have that in common with us!) critters in her attempts to be a good citizen of the planet.
Just how did squirrels manage to get their own day? They have Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina, to thank. Hargrove started Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21, 2001. Why squirrels? The answer to that is lost in the mists of history, but here are some ideas you could use to express your squirrel love (and none of them include dousing them with a nice terriyaki marinade):
1. Feed them. Spread the peanut butter on a pine cone, hang it from a tree, and your work is done. You could also carry some nuts or seeds in your treat pouch, just in case you come face to face with one.
2. Educate yourself. Look at that squirrel as more than a just a pest. According to the National Wildlife Federation, when a squirrel hides its food, it pretends to bury it a few times before choosing a final hiding spot. And did you know there are more than 300 different species of squirrel? Find out more here.
3. Let them be. If you're a squirrel hater, fight the urge to chase one, bark things at it, etc. Give them their one day of peace.
4. Spread the word. If more people know, more squirrels will feel appreciated.
5. Watch squirrel videos or old Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. YouTube is full of videos that will put you in a squirrely mood.
And be glad this is only a one day a year celebration! Tomorrow, the chase is on!
And be glad this is only a one day a year celebration! Tomorrow, the chase is on!