Another Animal Whisperer and she is mine

I have been meaning to share this with you, but things have been abnormally busy here. A month ago, or so, my eldest (16) made the declaration that she had a strong desire to tame a chipmunk. The idea was planted this summer, when we met a family on vacation (the Dinsmores) who had a son who was a 'chipmunk whisperer.' I guess it has been on her mind since then, as she began to share her vision with our friends and family.

Now recently my Knight and I have decided that some must view us as 'Dr. Doolittle-ites', as we have been getting the strangest phone calls in regards to possible family additions. My girlfriend, Karla brought us a chipmunk, but he quickly freed himself and has only been seen occasionally gathering seeds by the stone wall that runs the front border of our courtyard.

My dear brother -in -law, has been trying to rid himself of his chipmunks that he has gladly obliged my eager 'chipmunk training daughter' with three chipmunks in the past month. Well, the first turned out to be a red squirrel, but none the less, he is an active participant in the regale.

The red squirrel, picked up by me at my brother in laws, as two of my children were over on a playdate. Now, I said, "Yes" to the 'chipmunk', not knowing that I actually was yesing...a small red squirrel.

I discovered the 'misidentification' upon our first face to face, but carried him home none the less- as he needed a 'relocation' program and our 4 acres seemed promising. My daughter agreed, it wasn't the chipmunk of her dreams, so she allowed me to release him from his 'have a heart home' and introduce him to his new residence in our forest. He gladly accepted, and I think he chirped, "thanks" as he made his escape. I say he loosely, as I haven't a clue as to his/her gender.

The second came while 'Uncle Fred' visited us last week. My brother-in-law was concerned as the poor chipmunk, to which he was now sure of its proper lineage, was very lethargic. (i.e.-mostly dead). We embraced our newest furry friend, fussed over him, blessed him, prayed over him, tried to nurse and mother him (again loosely with the him)...but alas he flew heavenly right after noon.

I became the chipmunks casket carrier, enough said.

Monday late afternoon we got the 3rd call from my sympathetic devoted brother in law, he had just obtained another 'trainee' and it was ready to join the family at my 'yes.' He quickly explained his where abouts and I told him to come on by.

As you will notice in the picture, this one didn't arrive by the 'have a heart trap.' I almost wet myself when I saw how it was chauffeured to our home. I had to stop and capture the moment, 15 feet of gutter, stuffed into a tiny car, duct tape enclosing both ends, and a cute chipmunk firmly believing he never had to come out. Yes, this is the stuff bloggers dream of.

He only managed a short time as our beloved, my sweet Pirate Jackie arose early to work with her newest student. She fed him, pet him {carefully, we are aware they are wild things-but we are fearless and prayerful ;-)}, and was going about he 4rth attempt at making friends, when he VOOMED. The brazen dickens saw his opportunity with the teachers hand through his gated home, he ran up her arm, jumped on her head and headed for the hills. Poor girl, she was heart broken at the situation. ;-) She sent a note off to her sweet Uncle, who replied rather quickly that he'd keep his eye out for another pesty rodent chipmunk for her science,/psychology study. After all, he loved his niece too much to quit his part in the circus 'gathering' now.

If you are still reading...God bless you, not sure what the next phone call will bring us, but hold your hats...we are in for a wild ride I am sure~I must say that this is keeping me from pondering our 'on hold' adoption to Guatemala, God has such a sense of humor!