Small Creature Rescued – A Big Friend Gained
Once upon an afternoon stroll in Tampa, Florida, Jeff Longo stumbled upon a furry and tiny creature in distress on the sidewalk. The scorching Florida sun had rendered the being unable to even open its eyes.
Faced with the dire state of the tiny creature, most people might have chosen to turn the other way. But not Jeff. He made a brave decision to save the helpless soul, no matter its identity.
More Dead Than Alive
Residing in Florida, encounters with various creatures were not uncommon for Jeff. However, this infant was different, desperately in need of assistance. Jeff described the pitiable creature as being more dead than alive.
Abandoning it to suffer under the blazing sun was not an option. Jeff gently scooped up the frail being, tenderly wrapping it in his handkerchief. Determined to rescue it, he drove them back to his St. Petersburg home.
He Named the Little Creature Biscuits
Once inside the confines of his St. Petersburg abode, Jeff had no idea where to begin in caring for the tiny life that now depended on him. But before everything else, the creature needed a name. After much contemplation, Jeff christened it Biscuits!
Concern filled Jeff's mind as he looked at Biscuits. She was minuscule and utterly helpless. Jeff wondered about her true nature and how much she would grow. Could he successfully nurture this fragile being?
What Was Biscuits?
Jeff was at a loss. The creature was so minute, and he felt utterly clueless about what to do. He didn't even know Biscuits' species! Without knowledge of what he was dealing with, how could he hope to help?
Luckily, where there is determination, a path often emerges, especially with the presence of the internet. Jeff took the logical step and began scouring the web for images of small rodents.
Surprising Results
Instead of relying on Google, which seemed overwhelming given Biscuits' insignificance and lack of distinctive features, Jeff ventured onto Reddit. He hoped that fellow users on the platform might recognize and identify the mysterious creature.
However, the internet can be an unpredictable place. The responses he received weren't exactly helpful. Rather than assisting in identification, some doubted Jeff's ability to raise Biscuits on his own. But Jeff remained resolute in proving them wrong.
He persevered with his online search and, at long last, stumbled upon the answers he sought. Jeff discovered Biscuits' species and how to best care for her. It was a moment of surprise and relief.
Biscuits was a Southern Flying Squirrel
After extensive research, Jeff finally unraveled the mystery of Biscuits' identity - a Southern flying squirrel! Equipped with this knowledge, Jeff now had the tools to provide the creature with proper care.
Fortuitously, the required shopping list for Biscuits' well-being proved to be short and straightforward. As it turned out, this particular creature thrived on a diet of nuts, insects, eggs, seeds, fruits, and even birds. Now, it was time to embark on a shopping adventure!
Biscuits Reclaiming her Wild Home
Biscuits had strayed far from her natural habitat. Jeff's research had revealed that Southern flying squirrels typically inhabited forests and wooded areas. So how had Biscuits found herself stranded on a roadside in the scorching Florida heat?
Yet, Jeff had taken on the role of caretaker, as Biscuits had been separated from her mother. The question that lingered, however, was whether Jeff could provide the necessary care to sustain the tiny squirrel's fragile life.
A Forest-Dwelling Family Bond
Typically, young Southern flying squirrels spend a minimum of two months by their mother's side. Biscuits was far from meeting this timeline, leaving Jeff anxious about nourishing and nurturing such a delicate creature.
Biscuits was facing an uphill battle. But Jeff had not embarked on this journey merely to give up. He was determined to defy the odds and ensure the survival of his newfound companion.
Biscuits, a Constant Companion
Jeff strived to provide Biscuits with the best care possible. He knew that in the wild, Biscuits would have remained steadfastly by her mother's side, so he aimed to replicate that constant companionship.
However, Biscuits was too small to consume the typical fare of nuts, seeds, and other dietary staples. Jeff had to improvise to ensure her well-being.
Nurturing through Bottle Feeding
With solid food out of the picture, Jeff devised an alternative feeding method. He crafted a mixture of puppy formula and whipped cream, carefully administering it to Biscuits through a miniature bottle.
Remarkably, this unique concoction proved to be exactly what Biscuits needed! With each passing day, she grew stronger and healthier, thanks to Jeff's unwavering dedication.
Flourishing into a Joyful and Vigorous Squirrel
Day after day, Biscuits experienced significant growth and progress. The once nearly lifeless creature Jeff had discovered on the roadside now resembled a vibrant squirrel, brimming with life and vitality.
Not only was Biscuits thriving, but she had also found herself a loving family. It extended beyond Jeff's companionship, encompassing someone unexpected.
Inquisitive Canine Companions
Jeff's household included a curious bunch of dogs who were undoubtedly intrigued by the arrival of Biscuits. Jeff himself initially harbored reservations about bringing Biscuits home, unsure of how his dogs would react to the tiny, undernourished newcomer.
Fortunately, their curiosity outweighed any potential harm. Recognizing Biscuits as a fragile being in need of protection, the dogs welcomed her into their circle of care, becoming an unexpected source of warmth and security.
Navigating the Challenges
While Jeff's dogs were innocently curious, he remained cautious, fearing that their inadvertent movements could unintentionally harm Biscuits. She was so tiny during those early days, barely able to maneuver. Jeff was steadfast in ensuring her safety.
Thankfully, catastrophe never struck, as Biscuits grew stronger and regained her vitality. But now, as Biscuits reveled in her newfound health, a crucial decision loomed over Jeff's mind.
The Wild Beckons
With Biscuits happy and whole once more, a pressing question remained – would Jeff let her return to the wild? After all the care, love, and protection he had provided, releasing her back into her natural habitat seemed like the noblest course of action.
Biscuits Finds her Forever Home
As the time came to make a decision, Jeff contemplated whether it was best to release Biscuits back into the wild or let her stay with him. Despite her remarkable recovery and rapid growth, Jeff hesitated, concerned about the dangers and challenges that awaited her in her natural habitat.
Ultimately, Jeff chose to keep Biscuits by his side, recognizing the bond they had formed. Acting as her surrogate mother since her infancy, he understood the potential risks associated with releasing her. Biscuits lacked the necessary survival skills and would struggle to fend for herself.
Biscuits, in turn, was perfectly content with her life alongside Jeff and his dogs. According to Jeff, she exhibited pure joy as she playfully circled him like he was a sturdy tree, hopping and chirping with excitement. There was no doubt that she had found her place of happiness.
The Path to Recovery
Biscuits' journey to health and vitality was not without its challenges. Jeff encountered a particularly worrisome moment when Biscuits, now more agile and mobile, managed to elude his watchful eyes. Recounting the incident, Jeff discovered her the following morning in the bathtub, relieved that she hadn't ventured too far from safety.
Despite these minor setbacks, Biscuits had transformed from a frail creature into an adorable little fluffball living her dream alongside Jeff. With a spacious cage to call her own and supervised outings within the house, Biscuits had become accustomed to a life she wouldn't trade for anything.
The Queen of Comfort
In her newfound abode, Biscuits reveled in her favorite pastimes. Whether lounging in a cozy hammock within her roomy cage or seeking refuge in the secure pocket of Jeff's shirt, she found solace and contentment. With the potential to live up to ten years, Biscuits had found a long-term home where she could thrive.
While her existence may seem unconventional, Biscuits had become an integral part of Jeff's life. Her friendly nature, both towards humans and animals, added an extra layer of joy and companionship to their daily interactions.
Success Beyond Doubt
Jeff didn't hesitate to address those on Reddit who doubted his ability to care for Biscuits. With pride and satisfaction, he delivered an update, revealing that she had defied all expectations and flourished under his watchful eye.
At three months old, Biscuits continued to exude happiness and good health. Her favorite indulgence, pecans, remained a staple in her diet. Fearless and mischievous, she reveled in playfully terrorizing Jeff's dogs, providing endless entertainment for everyone involved.
In a world where Biscuits could have easily perished, Jeff's love and dedication had ensured her survival and a life filled with ample pecans and joy. Together, they celebrated the accomplishment of a beautiful and lasting bond.
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