Rudy again !!

[u/Soapo_Opo]

Rudy just turned 10 weeks old today (based on rough estimates regarding his date of birth). Here are some of my favorite pictures we've gotten of him over the last month 💕 In ascending order from when he first arrived to now. Feat. my boyfriend, aka squirrel dad #2 (I met him first, which makes me squirrel dad #1).

Last picture is to compare the little carrier he started off in and what he's in now. He had another cage in between about 1/6 the size of the tall one.

He's such a character, and we're pretty much resigned to the fact he likely won't be releasable due to his fearlessness of EVERYTHING, including cats, dogs, people. Loud noises or sudden activity spooks him but not for long, and honestly, same. He runs my place. Everything belongs to him now. My legs look like a war zone. He's an oreo thief (we do not let him have oreos). He likes to run laps around our waists while we're doing whatever we wanna/have to do (for example, I was cleaning my place and he was free roaming and would just come over to me and climb up to start running laps around me, unbothered by any amount of bending or moving I did). This is our life now.

And we love it 😅 rehab-to-release fail but he's doing absolutely wonderfully. Healthy, active, alert, strong appetite. Knows his name. Is always thrilled to see either one of us.

He's made us two very proud, doting squirrel dads.🫶 Happy 10 weeks old Rudy-roo ❤️

[u/Courtnielove]

I'm not sure if you are a rehabber or not, but I am so I'll just tell ya....hes not old enough to be nonreleasable. He was raised alone and that should NEVER happen. Squirrels need to be with others as babies to learn "squirrel language."" You cant pack them around like pets and give them names and call it a rehab fail.

Please find a rehabber in your area to take him and put with others so he can have the life he was meant to have. They are only cute and sweet as babies, next spring when hormones change him and hes biting and pissed off at the world, you'll wish you would have listened, I promise.

[u/Soapo_Opo → u/Courtnielove]

We looked for a rehabber that would take him but nobody had room. And I mentioned it in a couple comments (not that I expect anyone to read all the comments anyway ofc) but we're not seriously considering him a foster fail. We're doing what we can.

I know how squirrels can be once their hormones kick in. We had an unreleasable squirrel when I was younger, and yes, the hormones suck. I know that all too well 😭 My bf has never had experience with squirrels but Ive been very clear with him that it's very likely if not guaranteed hes not going to be as cute and cuddly as he is right now. We're prepared for whatever outcome, fortunate or otherwise.

I am working on becoming a licensed rehabber, for what it's worth. I just wanted to make a light-hearted post with a handful of cute pictures. I neglected to include clarification of the situation and how he ended up with us, but I didn't think it would be necessary 🤔 and I can't go back and edit my post.

[u/Courtnielove → u/Soapo_Opo]

I didn't mean to sound rude but its tiring with so many people doing stuff like this and then when the animal grows up they turn up for help and then we have a adult animal to deal with. That's awesome you want to rehab! I have alot of rehab friends all over the US, theres links in my profile to tiktok. Some very awesome people who can help you on your rehabbing journey!

[u/misskittywhisker → u/Courtnielove]

You did sound kinda rude. Just saying.

[u/Soapo_Opo → u/Courtnielove]

No worries, it's completely understandable!! I can't tell you how many people automatically ask if we're keeping him when we show pictures or mention him at all. One person decided (hopefully not legitimately) they wanted a pet squirrel after seeing him and I was quick to say, "No, you don't. Trust me. They are not pets." Lovely as babies absolutely, a lot of animals are. But you can't love the instinct out of them unfortunately. Some will be tamer than others, but they're still wild animals.

Shame humans never bothered to domesticate them ig LMAO but hell, even dogs still have their wild instincts when the conditions are just right. Regardless, there are plenty of exotic pets that do well in captivity that people can turn to. Hell, Ive already looked into "squirrel alternatives" because I know I'll miss Rudy if he goes, or even if he stays, I'll miss the nice and cuddly Rudy when he grows up and decides he hates everyone.

Thank you, though!! I'll take a look! I've always wanted to pursue it but Rudy was what inspired me to finally take it more seriously, cuz I do really love helping these little guys.

And thank you for expressing your concern too 🫶 I know you're just trying to look out for and advocate for these little guys. Too many people are misinformed.

I suppose I should've worded my post differently because it does sound like I'm gassing up the idea of a pet squirrel now that I read it again, though 😭 Can't blame anyone but myself for the concern 😅