by Kim Baggett
I was granted the privilege of caring for Nikki after he was found in the middle of a busy road. He was a juvenile Eastern Grey Tree Squirrel. He had lost much of his ability to move about like a normal squirrel and it was obvious he would not survive in the wild.
Nikki is unlike any other squirrel I've met. Nikki is part of our family and I now have to make a difficult decision on his behalf. Nikki has lost all ability to move about, scratch, groom himself and so on. He requires as much care as my son did as an infant and I do so without hesitation. He is a part of me where ever the day takes me. It's so difficult to think about him not being here with us, but I know that time is coming. Very few people (friends and family) understand the bond that I feel to this beautiful creature. I am constantly told that he is only a rodent. He is so much more. I have learned important lessons from Nikki. I will miss his cuddles and kisses and the warmth of his small body against my neck. I pray that he goes on to a place where he can run and jump and be free of pain.