1.21.2011

January 21, 2011


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.
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!

17 comments:

ThePainterPack said...

Squirrel day? What about White Dog Day? Or Siberian Husky day! Hmmmp! I think this is another political plawy to keep dogs from ruling da world! Wooooos!

Mya Boo Boo

squirrel chaser!

Pip said...

We thinks you are a very good citizen WD! We liked reading about the skirrls!

Sagira said...

Oh boy...I need to tell my friend Ripley about squirrel day! :)

KB said...

I have to admit that I actually *do* love squirrels. So, there it is. I'm sure that my dogs are ashamed of me...

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

To show our solidarity for the good spirit of WD, we will not chase any squirrels this weekend. Never mind the fact that there are no squirrels anywhere to be found here:)

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

The Daily Pip said...

I read about this on another blog. I have never been to interested in squirrels. They ignore me and I ignore them. In honor of their special day, I will continue to ignore them. BOL!

Your pal, Pip

Teddy Bear said...

Squirrels get their own day? Wow. That was very nice of you to call a truce.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I have to say that mum loves to see the little creatures scampering about when she is out and about and takes pictures of them but I woukld love to chase them. Didnt know they had a squirrel day though. Hope you are all feeling better. Hugs GJ x

Pepsi the Lazy Bum said...

My hoomans love seeing squirrels running about! I have never seen one before though, because the wildlife natures in Singapore are restricted to dogs, and we don't have a yard of our own.

Happy Squirrels' Day though!

Woofs,
Pepsi

Brian's Home Blog said...

We sure do appreciate our squirrels, they give us hours of entertainment! Yesterday one came right up on the porch to say thanks for appreciating us!

Mack said...

Wow - I had no idea squirrels have their own day!! My mom is having a hard time with the critters right now - they insist on sneaking into the attic and chewing on the ductwork!!!

D.K. Wall said...

Well, we don't have ground squirrels at the house, only one of those weird flying squirrel species. Very annoying.

Suka said...

hey White Dog Pack,

Great information about squirrels! Thanks for sharing! I never really gave much thought to squirrels. My human has always enjoyed them, but for me, meh. I am focused on bunnies, and bunnies alone. Squirrels run all around the yard and they don't mind me, so I don't mind them.

So, when is Suka Day? ;->

Suka

Asta said...

White doggie
Like all us doggies, I too am suwpwised about a whole day fow squiwwel appweciation, but I have a stowy fow you. My Gwammpa was a pwisonew of waw in wussia a billion yeaws ago and he made fwiends wif a squiwwel. he named him Basil and Basil kept him fwom being lonely. he eventooally bwought him back to budapest(whewe my Gwammpa lived) and he became pawt of the house hold. Soooo, I guess some of them awe nice.You'we sweet to give all cweatoowes a chance
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Cappy the Eskie said...

Squirrel Day? I think that Ollie and I will pass this one up. However, Mom really enjoys feeding them.

Hugs and yips,
Cappy and Ollie

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We missed posting about it this year -

Happy Tree Lobster Day!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Anonymous said...

I've got a live and let live attitude towards the squirrels, to be honest: they're pretty tough -- both in the sense of being ready to rumble, and being stringy and gamey -- so where's the incentive to mix it up with 'em? Better to stick with the butcher's bones, I think.
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