George the Squirrel

Animals and man have always had a deep connection that manifests itself in a variety of ways. From the simple comfort of the dog at your feet, to the farm animals we depend on to survive, animals and Humans share a symbiotic relationship.

The original settlers of the circulation area of this newspaper, the group of Native American tribes known as the Karankawa, depended on the rich animal resources of the area and it’s waters to forge a life only cut short due to disease and European settlers.

But what about the modern, more urban settings that are the hubs of Human population? What about the animals that are forced to live ‘off the land’ in a land that is no longer entirely theirs?

George the Squirrel is the average Illinois squirrel. He is gray, has a bushy tale and is as cute as anything created by a man named Disney. What makes George unique is in his manner in dealing with Humans that live beneath his trees.

Most squirrels will run from the Humans like a mouse in your kitchen, scampering up trees with ease and circling the base of the trunk to keep an eye or two on you, just in case you might have them in mind for dinner.

George however, has other ideas about his Human neighbors. He would rather come and sit with the residents of the apartment complex near his home, begging for cookies (his favorites seem to be chocolate and on a more healthy note, oatmeal raisin) and being entertainment for the Humans as well.

One day I recently had the chance to sit with George for awhile, and he danced around the concrete patio as if we were of the same species, chasing each other in the Spring air. George allowed himself to be petted a bit, and having never seen a wild squirrel so tame I was surprised by how naturally the little fellow enjoyed being scratched and rubbed.

As sitting spots go, he always liked to be at your feet, little paws on the toes of your shoes.

He even allowed me to get a couple good looks at him with the camera, hence the accompanying photo.

George has been back many times, taking his cookies and the leftover ends of loaves of bread, sharing the latter with the birds who populate the apartment building’s shrubs and trees.

Always being one for sitting outside if possible when the weather is nice, I have had the chance to see George many times and he never seems to lose his friendly nature, although he is very aware of Rain, the resident cat. He is a little bigger then this photo shows as well, as he has gotten older in the way that all things on Earth seem to do when mixed with time.

Spring will eventually turn to Summer and then Fall in the same patient manner and although I cannot be sure how long George will continue to make his presence known. I do know he has made a positive impact on my life. George is one of those little moments that make the best memories and the best stories to tell.

Long live George the Squirrel.