So Long Spud I'll Miss You!
64
How We Met.
I have to admit it's taken me a little while to write this hub. Not because I'm lazy or anything like that, but because loosing this little guy really affected me and my family.
I know this is probably really stupid and dumb to allot of you hunters out there, but I never was a hunter nor did I ever want to be. I guess because I was brought up in a family that never hunted, we were always the ones that fed and watched all animals. And I was always the first one to help any animal that was in trouble for one reason or another.
Yes I was the one that cried at any movie where the animal died or was injured. Remember "Ole Yeller" geez, and the "Lassie" shows, yup, and how about "Marley and Me" and that was supposed to be a holiday movie!! I didn't know he died for crying out loud!
So anyway Spud and I met when I was recovering from total hip replacement surgery this summer. My wife and I would go out on the front porch every morning and have our coffee and I would take my laptop as always.
Well pretty soon this squirrel would come around looking for a hand out. I guess he knew I was an easy mark. My wife alway's had some peanuts in a cup just inside the front door, she brought some out and yup, you guessed it he found a friend forever! This went on for some time, and pretty soon I had another one coming around too, but not as friendly as the first one.
That's when I decided to name them, The first one (the real friendly one) I would name Spud. The second one I would name Bud. I could always tell them apart because Spud had this white spiral around his tail.
Eating Out Of My Hand!
Spud was getting braver, it wasn't long before he was coming up on the porch and taking the peanuts right out of my hand. Yea I know, that was probably not the right thing or smartest thing to do, but there was something different about Spud I trusted him and he trusted me, he knew I would never hurt him. Of coarse my dog Zoey wasn't real happy with the relationship.
Yes things were going real good with Spud and me, I was recuperating fairly well Spud was getting his fill of peanuts, and Zoey was still not happy.
It even got to the point where Spud wouldn't let Bud around me if he was there first. We were just having a good time.
If my wife and I went out, as soon as we pulled in with the car, there was Spud coming to get a hand out.
Where Are You?
Yes Spud was really something, it got to the point that when I woke up in the morning and raised the blind in my bedroom, there was Spud sitting in the window looking at me wondering when the heck I was coming out. Unbelievable, let me get my coffee and laptop will ya! :)
This friendship went on for months, couldn't wait to get out there and see the little fella.
And Then It Happened!
I hope I can get through this. About a month ago I got up and really didn't see Spud in the window, maybe I wasn't looking for him I can't remember.
Anyway I got up got the coffee going and Zoey as always has to go out first thing. So I put her on her leash and we went in the back yard, she did her business as usual and then it happened, Zoey ran over to the front of our screen room smelling around like she always does and there he was laying there not moving. I didn't want to believe it was Spud, but I knew it was I could tell by his special tail he had. Spud had died.
It's kind of ironic my wife had seen him like the day before and he was acting a little funny she said, he just wasn't himself. I guess he wasn't feeling well then, and there was nothing I could do to help him recuperate like he did for me.
We all felt bad, shed some tears like I am now writing this. Damn I told myself I wasn't going to do this!! Anyway in tribute to the Spud Man, my wife did a couple of pages in a scrapbook she made, these pictures are part of it. Also this hub is in tribute to my little buddy, you left me with some great memories Spud, even if it wasn't for very long. I will miss!!
Thanks for taking the time out to read this hub in honor of Spud. He will be greatly missed.
Whew! that was one of the hardest stories I had to write.
Take Care Spud We Will Miss You!
CommentsLoading...
Thanks Jason, he was something else. Good idea maybe his kids will come around..:)
I too have an affinity for animals and in my upbringing, my family and are were practicing Buddhists. In fact my dad became so involved with our Buddhist temple that he stopped taking me fishing all together--something I'd look forward to on Saturdays as a kid.
I really enjoyed reading this story. I'm sorry to hear about Spud. I'm sure he's doing fine where he is now and will always be grateful for your generosity...Maybe you guys will see each other again one day :D
dohn thanks so much for the comment,this was really hard for me. I'm sure he's doing well and I hope I do see him again one day, he was special. :)
Dear K. Thank you for having the courage to write and share your touching story. The photo's put it over the top and brought me to tears. As hard as it must have been for you, it's a beautiful tribute to your special friend. You also prove that we can communicate with the most unlikely creatures if we show them love and respect.
Green Lotus thank you for your kind comment, I really appreciate it.
oh Spud will be surely missed, Animals are endearing, they are part of our lives too, and when they are gone, we miss them so much, I remember my dog when I was a child, couldnt recover for the loss, long time after I fully face the reality,
you are a caring soul, happy thanksgiving, Maita
Thanks pdh, you're right animals of all kind are so much a part of of lives.
Awww, Dad - I had no idea you were such a softy! Spud is in a better place and like Jason said, maybe he was a stud and the kids will come visit grandpa Kerry!
Thanks Chrissie, yes kinda a softy sometimes:) Yea I guess Spuds little ones will be as close as I get to grand kids huh?? :)
This story was incredibly moving, and your ability to have so much love for a small wild animal is an admirable character trait that I totally understand. It sounds to me as if "Spud" was sent to your for a reason on some kind of spiritual level, and once his job was done it was time for him to leave. I am sure his little spirit will still be around you though, and like others have said, perhaps his kids will come and visit too.
You have just gained a new fan, you think so perfectly on my wavelength as far as animals are concerned :)
Hi Misty thank you so much for your kind comments. I'm happy to share my story with you and others. Spud was a special little guy. He did his job for sure. :)
Wow a great story you have here K Partin...
Losing a friend like that was indeed very painful, I experienced what you have had, I have pet dog then that will bowl over intruders especially those who will hurt or hit me...
Your Spud was indeed a priceless possession...
Thank you very much K for a well written Hub and great great story of Human Compassion and Love for the Living Creatures and Nature too... I'm tipping my hat on you with this hub...
Thanks for the comment General, Spud will be missed, but will live on in this hub.
There is nothing stupid about loving an animal. I feed the squirrels and wild birds here where i live. I have an Umbrella Cockatoo who like all birds has a lot of food waste. Droped seeds and pellets, seeds she doesnt want, etc. I ciean the clean waste out and put it in a bowl on a post outside. The number of Squirrels and Birds that feed out there is amazing. I would it if I could have 1 hand feed but with 3 dogs always at my feet I dont expect it. The Squirrels arent afraid of me and will not run unless I or the dogs get close. I love watching them. I guess they do me as well I have 2 who watch me through my bedroom window from the fence right outside. They must be curious too.
Hey Tsawasi, thank you for your comment. the Cockattoo sounds really cool send me a picture. Yeah I really enjoy the wildlife. So innocent.
This was the sweetest story! You made spud a special memory to all of us who read your tribute. I love the idea of spud sending his kids back to visit you. You are a tender-hearted man who has a great gift of communication. Thanks for writing!
Wow, thank you Susie! :)
Very sensitive and also very sad. All animal overs will know how you felt.
Thanks for stopping by scarytaff, I love animals for sure. :)
What a great story! A couple of years ago one of the dogs had something and we made him drop it to see what it was. It was a baby squirrel. It was scared and we figured it was badly injured. We took it from the dogs and brought it in and bundled it up in a towel in a shoebox. We had no idea what we would do with it. Like you, we thought it probably wasn't the best idea. We contacted a local dog rescue facility to see if they knew of someone who took in squirrels. They actually had someone not far from us. We were able to take it this woman who cares for them and puts them back into the wild. She lives out in the country. We nicknamed him Chuzzle. She took Chuzzle out of the box and he took to her and was playful with her. She inspected him and said he didn't appear to be hurt. We often wonder how Chuzzle is.
Hey KCC, thanks for stopping by, what a great story. I'm sure Chuzzle is doing fine.
Good story, Im sorry.
Hey TFT, thanks for the comment I appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing this story. Animals become our friends just like humans do; and sometimes even better friends than humans. Hope Spud is getting lots of peanuts in squirrel heaven
Hey thanks llipinski, I hope so too! :)
Very touching story. We too have a "chubby squirrel" as we call him, that comes around looking for food. Last year he tore open our pumpkin at Halloween and ate all the seeds! Now, we buy nuts at the store to leave out for him. Not quite as friendly as your little guy, but crazy how you can become so attached to one little wild critter, huh?
Hey Boston, thanks for your comment. Yes you really do get attached to these little guy's. We have gourds and pumpkins out every year too and the squirrels get into them. I guess they figure if they're on the ground it's fair game huh? Take care.
Kind of Bittersweet. What a lovely story - he actually became part of your life. Hope Bud has changed and has a better behaviour now.
RIP Spud. :)
Kind of Bittersweet. What a lovely story - he actually became part of your life. Hope Bud has changed and has a better behaviour now.
RIP Spud. :)
Thanks for the comment Lady_E, it was appreciated.
Animals can have such a positive affect on our lives, I am sorry for your loss...it hurts I know, I know that Spud thanks you for taking the time to love and care for him. You are a wonderful and caring person...Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi K, you're right animals are such a positive influence on us. Thanks for stopping and come back soon. K
Aw, I feel sorry for you. You really liked the little bugger. Some squirrels will crawl up your clothes and run across your arm for a bit of food! They do in England anyway! RIP Spud!
Thanks Cheeky, he was pretty special for sure. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. K
aaaa K that is so sad. Spud was a cutey! I am so sorry that you had lost him. and you did good writing this hub. Spud would be proud. Again sorry for you loss, K!
Thanks Craz, I appreciate it. K.
What a wonderful story! I completely understand and know Spud will remain in your heart forever.
Thanks for this lovely and moving story! You were most fortunate to enjoy your little buddy for as long as you did, and I am so glad you shared him with us.
Thank you rope, thanks for understanding. K.
Thanks for stopping RedElf, yes he was quite something. Glad I could share his special story with you. K.
Great lens K Partin! Such a touching story and a wonderful tribute to Spud. My family also had a squirrel as a pet for a while. It's name was Chip-Chip. It was a baby that had fallen from a tree - we had taken it in, had a cage for it an everything. When it was out of the cage it would perch itself either on my mom's shoulder or hang out in her robe pocket. She actually had it in the car with her when she picked me up for work one day! It was right there on her shoulder the whole time! After about a month, we had let it go. We would occasionally see it in our yard but then it moved on. We still remember Chip-Chip fondly to this day and all the kids in the family have heard the story. Everythime they see a squirrel in my Mom's yard - they ask if it's Chip-Chip. Rock on!
Hi pdd, thanks for your great comment, wow thats quite a sorry too. Thanks for sharing. K.
wow, what a great story. i love your ads too! bless little Spud.
Thank you cosette. Very much appreciated. K.
amazing how little creatures can get into your heart so quickly. My father has a squirrel he feeds on his back porch, actually he has like 10. And yes, they all have name. I am sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Misty, I still have Bud I feed, we'll see what happens next Spring. Thanks K.
Bless old spud!! That was very touching - I can imagine how you feel. He looks like a real little character!
Nice hub!
Thank you apricot for your nice comment. And yes he was something else. K.
Hey K,
Just shared this with family members. Goes to prove the well worn saying that simple pleasures are the best. Thanks for being a real inspiration.
GDAEman
Hey GDAEman, thanks for stopping by, and thanks for sharing with your family I appreciate it. Keep in touch will ya? K
It's not the size of the friend but the size of the love they give. This is a great story; looks like Spud accomplished his goals for you. :-)
Thanks Denn, I appreciate the comment. He met his goals for sure. Like the sheep by the way! K.
Oh K, tears flowed as I read your hub. Gosh what a special little being he was. This is evident in the pictures you shared. Thank you for sharing your special story. Clearly both yourself and your wife are Animal Whisperer's (so to speak). You connect with other beings. My family and I can totally relate to this. We are the same.
Bless the two of you for honouring your little mate so beautifully and for taking care of him just as he took care of you.
Warm wishes
Billie
Thanks Billie for the warm comment. I have to tell you it was very hard for me to write also, without a few tears being shed. I really appreciate you stopping by. Kerry.
You must have been a real special guy that spud even came around like that. I have to admit, this story brought tears to my eyes.
I LOVE the squirrels on our farm, they are sooo smart. They live here year after year and are a part of the family too. I feed them in the winter too, even though the ruined numerous bird feeders, the bottom line is that they are hungry too.
I hope you can make friends with more squirrels, maybe, just maybe, Spud has some sons and daughters somewhere. I would put some food out and see what happens.
BTW...I was brought up in a family of hunters, and personally I think it is just ridiculous. I wish for once the animals could shoot back. I guess it makes these idiots feel like BIG MEN because they shoot a defenseless animal. For me, deer hunting is the worse, because I have several deer that I feed through the winter and they are so friendly that they walk by my bedroom window and peek in to see me! How do they know thats where I am? How do they know the dogs are all in for the night? The intelligence of these animals is amazing. Before deer hunting I tied orange ribbons on my 3 deer, and thank the Lord, no one shot them...at least not for this season.
Hi Mag, what a great comment thank you. You seem very special too with all your little friends. Good luck with your deer, I hope they are all safe for another year. Take care. Kerry.
i am crying for spud myself and i never met him, seems he just came around at the right time for you, a little angel with a fluffy tail.
Thanks Poet, very touching. He did his job for sure. Thanks Kerry.
Spud sounded like a real charicter and real cute too! I love animals too and I can see why he is so missed.
Thanks wren, yea he'll be even more missed next summer. But Bud still comes around. Thanks K.
very sweet hub, I have fed a squirl once and it touched my hand before it grabbed the peanut with its mouth. it is a very sweet transaction if ever experienced. Your spud sounded extra special. I would have felt the same way.
Thank you ambieca, for the nice comment. It truly is an experience. They are so innocent. K.
I'm sorry for your loss. What a wonderful story. Someone from my writers guild wrote a series of children's stories based on her real experiences with squirrels. Who knew squirrels could be domesticated?
Hi rmcrayne, thanks for the nice comment. It's amazing how much trust they see in a person. He will be missed. K.
While it was hard to write Kerry, your words and pictures of Spud have enhanced the lives of each of us readers. You've caused me to consider writing a little Hub about the last place that I had a squirrels that insisted on eating peanuts at least 3 times a day. Thank you Good Buddy.
Hey Rascal thanks for the comment. I'm glad I inspired you to write your own memories of your little buddies. K.
I don't care what anybody says, an animal friend isn't any less special to us than any other. They're different, but not necessarily less. I also don't care what anybody says about how animals do or don't feel about US. Our friendship makes a difference in their lives too, and it's not just the food! You made a difference, added to his life, and that's what matters.
Hi Mulberry, Thanks for the nice comment. You are right I believe we make a difference in the animals life as well they do in ours. K.
What a beautiful story! It makes me want to run out now for a little squirrelly friend. Isnt it magical how life can give you the greatest of gifts, obviously you are a really good person or this little guy would not have been so friendly. He was lucky to have you in his life as well.
Oh thank you AuthorLMS, we were both very lucky to have each other. You're right it is the greatest of gifts! Thanks again for stopping by. hope to see you here again. K.
You sound just like me! I shared "Marley and Me" with a friend the other night, and at the end, he turned to me and said, "That was supposed to make me feel better?" We were both bawling. Animals bring so much joy to our lives, and losing them can also bring much pain. Thank you for sharing
your story with us.
Thanks Lady for stopping by. I agree with you. They had Marley and Me out for Christmas as a feel good movie? I don't think so. My 32 year old son said the same thing. Thanks for the comment. K.
Heartwarming story. I love animals, too, but I used to be a hunter. I still think hunting is necessary.
We've befriended squirrels before, along with just about every other critter that lives around here!
Hi habee, nice to see you here. Thanks for the comment. I have nothing against hunting I just don't do it. My brother-in-law makes some mean venison sausage. :) K.
I had to stop for a squirrel that used the crosswalk on campus. It was really funny to watch!
Hi Wayne...they are humorous to watch sometimes. Thanks for stopping. K.
What a sad, sweet story. I share your love of animals, of all kinds.
Every day at work, I sit in my truck during my lunch hour. I am parked facing trees, bushes and shrubs. I would say in the past few weeks, I have noticed two squirrels who are always in the trees in front of my truck. So, I watch them. They seem to have great fun perching on a branch and munching on something, then when finished, dash down the tree and chase each other through the other trees. I have named them Kukla and Itchy. Not sure why Kukla, but Itchy because that squirrel is always scratching herself. I'm only guessing it is a female :)
Thanks for sharing.
Hi trish, thank you for the comment. Sounds like you have some entertainment at lunch too. They are funny little guys. Like the names you gave em. Kerry
What a sweet story. I'm glad you were able to share it - thank you!
Thank you bright. I never imagined this story would be so well received. I'm glad i could share. K.
K, this is so sad! I am so sorry for you. Spud seems to have been very special! I am sure he knew that he was loved though. Thank you for sharing this very special story with us.
Hi Elven, thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it. K.
Such a sweet little tribute to Spud...! I love squirrels myself and everyday leave some food for the ones I see in our garden. I can never manage to feed them without scaring them away though, so I can imagine how special that must have been for you. Anyway, I'm sure heaven is full of all kinds of soft furry creatures, and your Spud is one of them....! ;)
Thank you for the nice comment myownworld, he was w special little guy to me and will be missed this summer. I'll have to connect with Bud or another one. Take care K.
Nice to meet you , K Partin. I rated this hub up. Very nicely done.
You know, our squirrels are out of their hibernation now, and spring is on the way. I saw two of them today running around, and I swear they were trying to entice my two dogs more than usual. My little miniature schnauzer got so excited and so winded that her tongue was hanging out. "Schnauzer babe" kept bursting in through the dog door, getting a drink of water from her bowl, and dashing out again in her hopeless attempt to catch a squirrel. Oh, it was funny!
Does it seem to you that squirrels are fairly smart? I do not live in an area favorable to nectarine orchards, but I happen to have a nectarine tree in my back yard. Last year, I witnessed squirrels grabbing and eating the little green, hard nectarines. My fruit has always been attacked by insects and I never have decent ripe nectarines for that reason. It's almost like the squirrels knew that they wouldn't have any luck if they waited for the nectarines to ripen, so they ate it green. To each his own!
Quite a hub. Thanks.
Hi Grace thanks for stopping by. The squirrels around here I feel are very smart, they do drive my dog nuts too, tease the heck out of her. But she seem to enjoy it, keeps going back for more like your dogs. Enjoy em. Thanks Kerry
This is a very beautiful story. One that can only come from the magic pen of famous writers and movie makers like Disney. While I was reading the story, I can feel the flow of emotion coming out from the words and reaching out towards me.
My first time to read your work and I am already hooked. Thank you for sharing something very personal. The story is beautiful and the lovely friendship and affinity you had with Spud is amazing. It just further proves my beliefs that animals can be very astute in recognizing people with good heart and pure intention.
Hi Moon, thank you so much for the wonderful comment. I'm so humbled. I hope you come back often to read my stories. Animals of all kinds are very smart I think, and there is something about watching them and getting to know them that is very peaceful. Once again thank you. Kerry
Sad but endearing story. I have hunters in my family, but I've never been one of those either, mostly like you I just feed them. It is good for a person's spirit to connect with the animals around him, good for you hombre.
Ben
Hi Ben, thanks for your comment and becoming a fan. Yup always did just feed them, and always will. I'm with you brother! Thanks K.
Hi K, what a moving story, I too, cry at all the movies, about animals. Bambi still kills me and I refuse to watch Marley and Me, I heard what happened. I raised a baby turtle dove about 5 yrs ago and released to the wild. He was still coming around last summer, stalking me when the bird feeder was empty, lol. For 4 yrs. he has brought his family to feed. His babies roost under a bench for several weeks and, I believe, still visit. I've already cried this spring because I fear he has died. I always pray for a light winter and his survival. I think I may have seen him 2 days ago on our roof waiting for me to fill the feeder so I am hopeful. He will let me know if he's still around. I do hope Spuds babies come to visit, like my little "Peep's" babies do. Please update if you have any new, young visitors, might be Spuds young coming to comfort you.
Hi She-rah, thanks for the nice comment. I hope all turns out well with you turtle dove friend too. I will do an update this spring if I see any new off spring around. Thanks k.
What a touching Hub! It is so wonderful how "wild" animals, and people can connect! I'm very glad you had the opportunity to have this experience. R.I.P. Spud.
Thanks Cathi, I'm glad to of connected with Spud too. We'll see what happens this summer. K.
man that hurt to read right through - did you ever find out what killed him? you mentioned Lassie and old yella - Ihavethem but Ican'twatch them - too sad - did you ever see the movie Bobbie of Greyfriars its on DVD and its a true story - also the Silver Brumby (an australian movie) i part owned the old horse which acted as the silver brumbys sire - sad movie - the old horse nip has also passed on - oneday like you I will write about him. Butone go at a time one of my first hubs was similiar to spud - it was about a kangaroo - http://hubpages.com/hub/Farewell-to-Joey. Iam sorry about Spud - did his little mate come back again?
Hi Bonny, hope you're doing good. Thanks for the comment. Yes I think I have saw Bud this spring already will know more when it's nicer out. I don't think I could watch those movies if they are sad.....not for me sorry. I clicked on farewell to Joey but it was gone? Thanks K.
You are a sweet ole softy and I luv you for it! Thank you for sharing your heart in this touching story.
Awe this is soooo sad yet so heartwarming that a squirrel trusted you enough to come this close when it is so not in their nature. That's something really special!
@ frogy, Thank you, I can't say anymore. :) K.
@ theherb, hello and thank you for the comment also. Yes he had a lot of trust in me for sure. K.
Thank you for sharing this story - it was sad but lovely, animals can touch our lives in so many ways - if we only let them.
Thanks for your comment Alison, was nice to meet you. K.
just been reading of all the girls that have you named you as being one of their fave guys on a thread today. Now i remember who you are, i read this a while ago.... i was Poet Lorraine then..... enjoyed the hub once again.
Hey Joy..Wow I'm flattered. Lot's of great people here. Been gone a while but I check in every now and then. Thanks for the nice comment! K.
K Partin. Hi. Oh what a beautiful Happy/Sad account of Spuds life.
He was there for you and you for him. It does not get any better than that. He also knew where to pass away, knowing that you would take care of him.
I loved reading this hub. Thanks for sharing it with us. :) :)
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Jason 2 years ago
Oh man... that's sooo sad! Thanks for sharing the story. I hope Spud was a stud and his kids will visit!