Early this spring, while sitting on my porch, I noticed a little squirrel, not quite like the others. In my backyard these little rascals are quite abundant, so one squirrel is just pretty much like another in looks and personality. But this one, when I noticed the difference, captured my attention, and soon my admiration, and now I never see him or think of him without being reminded of this beloved childhood book:
As the title of the post indicates, this little squirrel is indeed without a tail! From certain angles his little tail-less rump is quite hysterical. One of my sons noted that he looks like a miniature ape from behind, and in fact he does!
I don’t have a picture with the ape-rump angle, but I’m happy to have any pictures at all, because this tail-less wonder can really scoot! His lack of tail slows him down not one bit, in fact, I think it has made him all that much faster than his little peers.
We kept an eye out for him all summer and were treated with glimpses from time to time, but still we wondered how he would make out in the long run. Well, he has apparently made out just fine, as these pictures were taken only today, fourteen days into our new decade, and I’m delighted to see he is still going strong!
On one occasion this fall, I noticed a squirrel jump from my bench to a nearby tree and was amazed at the speed of his leap. On further inspection, I was surprised to see my little tail-less friend, which I have affectionately dubbed The Tail-less Wonder.
I really should not have been surprised at all. This little squirrel is obviously not letting a little thing like a missing tail slow him down a bit. In fact, he seems to exhibit quite the air of determination and spunk with an “I can do it” attitude… and indeed, he can!
So, whenever you may have doubts about your abilities or feel inadequate for the task at hand, remember this little squirrel and the One who made you, just as you are…and like the little squirrel and little engine that could, you’ll soon be saying…
Until next time, just go for it,
you’ll never know unless you try!
∼Jen
Your pictures tell such great stories. Thanks for sharing about your tail-less wonder!
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Thank you so much Tim, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
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A marvel. I wonder if he was born that way or had an accident? Good thing he lives in a warmer climate than ours where squirrels really need a bushy tail to stay warm from winter’s chill.
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From the looks of it, it appears he was born that way because there are noticeable scars. We haven’t hit the cold weather yet, I do hope he does ok. Thankfully it doesn’t usually get really frigid cold here for more than a few weeks. 🙂
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I enjoyed seeing this tail less cutie so much. It is amazing how different they look with no tails. Quite strong too. What a marvelous post!
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Thank you Lisa…yes he is quite the entertaining and inspirational cutie! 🙂
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Your tail-less squirrel is definitely an inspiration. Great story!
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Thank you Donna…he definitely inspires me! 🙂
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what an adorable story! God bless that little squirrel!
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Yes, he is the cutest!!
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How interesting and entertaining Jen, The Tale of the Squirrel without a Tail. How adaptive it was regardless, which brought to mind those with disabilities and how they adapt to being born with bird defects or disabilities. To them it is the norm and they happily do life and like your squirrel do it sometimes better than those who have been granted all their working parts. Most enjoyable post Jen.
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Yes, it is so true…and sometimes their attitude puts mine to shame!
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How cute that he gets around so well and so fast!
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Yes!!
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HA! That’s awesome, and neat that you moved quickly to capture him at it. The lessons in nature… =)
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Saw the little cutie again today! Yes, nature is full of lessons. 🙂
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