"It Was All About Love" by Krittermom
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Description
This wonderful face was the one that broke my heart.
His name was Gilbert. He walked into my garage this past spring and stood up with his arms up just like a toddler. He was about 10 weeks old. Gilbert was quite possibly the most child like raccoon I have ever raised. He wanted nothing other than someone to hold him and love him. I don't allow other people around the wildlife, but it was clear from the start that Gilbert would never be releasable. He never saw a stranger. Most of these babies hide from everyone but me. Gilbert refused to accept that someone would not love him. He was quite gentle and was content to lay on a shoulder and pet on you. The wildlife officers in my state are not what you would call animal lovers. Most are not cruel to them, they only see them as "animals". After one of them met Gilbert, I had several wildlife officers knock on my door. They wanted to see Gilbert. Not a one of them left thinking of raccoons as "just animals". I had one of them sit and cry. He kept saying that he felt like he had killed children all of these years. He was a coon hunter. The whole time he was trying to tell me about this, Gilbert sat in his lap and wiped the tears off his face with his little hands. He would pat his face and kiss him. He could not understand why the nice man was so upset. Over the summer, I would get calls from these guys asking "Can we come play with Gilbert?"
I knew Gilbert was not well, but I thought I had doctored him enough. In December, Gilbert became ill again. He was in a lot of pain and just didn't understand why. After 2 weeks of my vet and myself doing everything we could, I knew it was time to let him go. He would cover his bottom with his hands to try and keep me from giving him another shot. When I did, he would lay in my arms and cry. He did not get better. I sedated him at home with oral medicine and took him to my vet. The entire office was devastated. Gilbert had made friends with them all. I had him cremated. I don't know what I will do with his ashes.
I know that the good Lord sent him to me. I know he was sick and would have died sooner with out my help. I know now that there is a new distemper virus that can not be treated. Gilbert was the first raccoon here to be diagnosed with it. I also know that he had a purpose. He taught a good many people that he was not "just a dumb animal".
You see, It really was all about love.
Comments (14)
blbarrett
That's really a touching story, thanks for sharing it :) It sounds like Gilbert managed to guide some people back to a portion of their lost humanity. Such an admirable thing you do in caring for the Critters :)
PilotHigh
This is so sad - I'm almost in tears here. God bless Gilbert and you too!
RodS Online Now!
I can certainly see how he could easily capture the hearts of everyone he encountered. Gilbert will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. This is a wonderful photo!
weesel
I am so sorry for your loss, but I believe you are correct == Gilbert's purpose was to change the thinking of some people and to share himself with those who could see him as more than some pesty varmint... speaking of which: Hi, Donna Kitty! Urk? I suppose she just wants to pass on some cat condolences and to say "Hang in there. You do nice things."
brewgirlca
I am really sorry to read this, in fact I am so choked up with tears I am having trouble writing this. Gilbert did have a purpose, look at how he changed not only your life but the lives of everyone who touched him. It is unbelievable that one little guy like Gilbert could change the hearts and minds of not one Wildlfe Officer but a whole team of offiicers. The Gods put Gilbert on this world for a reason and you allowed him to fulfill that reason. Why the God's took him back so soon is probably unknowable at the present time but I believe that they call us when it is our time, not before or after. Blessed be to you and Gilbert
auntietk
What a sweet face! I can see why everyone fell in love with Gilbert. Thank you for sharing his story with us.
kgb224
Sorry to hear such sad news. Superb capture. God bless.
blinkings
As a devout animal lover....god bless you.
Faemike55
A beautiful and touching story and a wonderful photo. thank you for sharing this with us. Gilbert will see you at the Rainbow Bridge and he will greet you with open arms once again.
jendellas
Thankyou for sharing Gilberts story, I would love to have met him. A lovely pic of him too. xxx
TECHNISTRATIONS
Touching to the core of humanity... his little soul did his job as you wrote. It is just too sad he suffered so... but then... isn't that always what seems to be what happens to the best and least deserving? - God Bless...
Katraz
It's so good that you gave him a little bit of happiness in the last days of his short life.
ocoee53
I got to meet Gilbert just once, but that was all it took. I have learned that all the wild creatures are special creatures, each one has something to teach us. But Gilbert was something much more, one of those rare beings composed entirely of pure love. I feel privileged to have met him, and will miss him.
T.Rex
Bev, thanks. I'm wiping tears, too. Our little 4 footed relatives/friends (not to forget 2 footed winged ones) are sure individuals. I see this in my 3 rats (my, do I love those little fellows) and in Kitty, my cat. Each with a unique personality. I'm so glad Gilbert made such an impact on all who met him. And even when he died he contributed a lot (I'm thinking of the discovery of that new virus, which hopefully will help other survive). As for the ashes, place them in an urn or a sealed vase and place that on a prominent place of honor in your home (with a photo of Gilbert beside or above the urn/vase). That way you will still have him around. :-) I wish I could have met Gilbert, too.