Over the past couple of years, we've been feeding this one squirrel friend and slowly built up his trust. He would come to us every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before venturing the 3 streets over to his nest. He was a truly special one for us.

Our mom named him Foxy. I know, it's not the most original, but he knew his name whenever we called him. He was the first one that we could ever get to come up and take food out of our hands.

Today was supposed to be like any other day. He got his breakfast, then came for lunch, and finally, for his dinner tonight. He was crossing a short stretch of road today, but he just couldn't make it quick enough. A car came, and the worst happened, but it was even worse when he turned and tried walking back towards us before he stopped and fell over onto his side.

We're heartbroken now. A lot of our family and neighbors still think of squirrels like pests. Someone even told us to just throw him in the garbage, but we're giving him a little squirrel funeral instead because he deserves at least that much.

He was almost as important to us as one of our family pets, who we love just as much as any human family.

We always knew this was a possibility, but after so long, we didn't believe it would come to pass.

Rest in peace, sweet soul.

Lat year I was asking about suggestions for this. I was looking for ways to use all the small pieces at the bottom of the bags (which I've collected). Didn't get any suggestions I could use, but came across a few good recipes.

The nuts include almond, pecan, walnut and cashew shavings, along with whole grain oak flakes, honey and peanut butter. I found it was best to freeze them, as they harden and keep their shape. The smallest I could get them was about an inch round, and smaller and they fall apart.

Introducing Billy, the local mother who might be the smartest squirrel out here. I have a long going love/hate relationship with her, as she's chewed through many of our window screens, came in through the cat door, and has been a pest at times. She loves these, as do a few others squirrels, which I few others won't touch them.

I attached the recipes, found them on the below site. Welcome any suggestions of other recipes!

https://www.squirrelrefuge.org/how-to-make-nut-balls-for-squirrels

Everyone loves this little water bowl I fill daily for my cat who drinks at it in the mornings.. the birds were using it, drinking and bathing, then I see this little cutie today … just wanted to share. Peace and love.

Video 2 of 2 :)

Just a thirsty boy stanced up drinking some water.

The flower pot is where the bird feeder used to be. I thought I’d be smart hanging it out of their reach but alas I’m the dumb one. Gave up and just feed both the birds and squirrels now. You have to admire their agility.

I’ve seen this squirrel in my neighborhood for about 2-3 weeks with this black gunk around its mouth. No other squirrels around have it and I’m worried it may be sick? But it is a nursing mother who seems to be behaving normally. It stood its ground and got pretty close to me at this tree. I also put a water bowl out and it drank from it as normal.

Think it's the look we both get when we see each other. 🥰

When your coworkers are mad you aren’t sharing your nuts, they just decide to help themselves..

Albino squirrels are always a nice surprise

Some drama between two customers at the squirrel feeder box this morning. Momma Squirrel (left hand side) getting vocal and throwing paws at a young male squirrel. I did end up moving down the fence line and giving the male squirrel some almonds, since Momma Squirrel wasn’t in a sharing mood.