Jubilant and Amazing Raccoon Family Found at Backyard Feast
Jubilant and amazing raccoon family and skunks, possums, and birds visit us daily. Everybody we know has spoken poorly of raccoons for the last 20-25 years. Even our cat turned up one day. A few weeks later, she had five of the cutest kittens. We kept one, and three friends took the others.
Normally, we buy twelve bags of cat kibbles, which last about a month to six weeks, depending on how many visits each night. We sit outside with them in the summertime and have never been bitten or scratched. They take it very gently.
The raccoons love peanut butter cookies, and we keep a good stock of them. Years ago, we had this vast window put in to enjoy our outdoor family. We also built an 8-foot high block wall to level our backyard, then an 8-foot high lattice wall with a 6×2 walkway, which the squirrels and raccoons use. And the birds love our thick hedge. It’s surprising how many people look upon the raccoons as wild animals and talk about shooting them.
These nightly visits have cultivated a unique ecosystem in our backyard and fostered an unexpected bond between humans and wildlife. Over time, the variety and frequency of these visits have increased, indicating mutual trust and understanding developed over countless shared moments. This unique interaction enriches our lives and supports the local wildlife.
Observing these animals up close fosters a greater appreciation and respect for nature and its myriad creatures. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban living and wildlife conservation, urging us to consider the impact of our actions on our non-human neighbors. And ongoing commitment to coexistence and care has turned our backyard into a haven. We love it when raccoons, skunks, possums, and birds visit us daily.
A Glimpse of a Tranquil Wildlife Haven.
View from a large window overlooking a lush backyard, a sanctuary for local wildlife.
A jubilant and amazing raccoon greets us at the doorway.
Peeking in for treats, this raccoon makes a friendly visit to a home’s patio door.
Raccoon Feeding Platform in the Garden.
A four-bowl feeding station for raccoons, skunks, possums, and birds nestled among lush greenery.
Family dinner time for a jubilant and amazing raccoon family.
Three raccoons share a meal on an old table, surrounded by greenery.
Family dinner time for a jubilant and amazing raccoon family.
Essential supplies for feeding backyard wildlife stored neatly.
More Pets
Cat Loves Going on Walks
My cat Maui always follows me when I walk my dog, Bagel. She loves to come with us. – Sheila Pollack
More Pets
Daisy is Cute and Smart as Can Be
My pet is 20 months old. Cute as can be and smart. Daisy thinks everyone loves her. Our neighbor gives her treats and makes her sit and gives her a paw. Daisy is a Maltese/ShihTzu & she doesn’t shed. – Jane & Robert, Florida
More Pets
We Love Frannie
This is Frannie, who we were fortunate enough to adopt from a local shelter. – Leland Hach
More Pets
We All Adore Kiko the Cat
This is Kiko. He is two months old. We rescued him in Benron, PA, at my sister’s cabin. He instantly bonded with my granddaughter and is so loving. He was the perfect addition to our pet family. We all adore him. – Jason Yulich
More Pets
I Wanted to be a Witch!
But mom, I wanted to be a witch! Amazing, loving, and friendly pit bull Named Diamond (Dimey for short). – Barbara Kosensky
More Pets
Fly is Our 3 Year Old Mallard Duck
This is my three-year-old pet Mallard Duck named Fly, she is best friends with Pecky despite her being a chicken! She is very intelligent and friendly around humans. She loves to be petted and listen to me sing, along with that, some of her favorite things include swimming, scaring sparrows, and playfully fighting over food with Pecky and the ducks. Like all of my six other pets, she is deeply loved and cared for by me and my family. – Skyer Haddock
More Pets
Meet Bailey Ann, Our Main Coon
Bailey Ann, my black and white Maine Coon cat was adopted in 2014 when she was 14 months old. She was a mother but her four babies had all died. I named her after my Grandfather Yocom’s grandfather Anna Bailey who lost at least four of her young children. – Kathy Dehen
More Pets
Pardon the Toilet Paper
Meet Fletcher my Havanese… pardon the toilet paper on his face..lol…favorite pastime! – William Bailey
More Pets
Our Girls Are Ready to Party
My name is Miss Molly (I’m on the right in the photo) and these are my two girlfriends… Molly and Roxie. I am a 6-year-old Maltipoo and I live with my Mama. I hope you like our party kerchiefs and feature us in Pet Pals… my friends and I would like that very much. Your friend… Miss Molly – Eileen Shiman
More Pets
Jack the Roof Dog
Jack the Roof Dog checking out the neighborhood for cats and friends. – Geraldine Ihli
More Pets
BoBo Likes to Play Games
BoBo is my 12 yr. old “cute” rescue dog. Each morning he grabs his empty bowl and starts running thru the house. I have to chase him for several rounds, then hide until he finds me. Then I get a kiss from him on the cheek and he gives me the bowl. “The Game” is his favorite daily activity. – Nancy Berger
More Pets
Say Hi to Colonel Mustard
This is Colonel Mustard. My grand-niece got him as a kitten but couldn’t keep it where she lives so she gave him to her grandparents. He is 5 yrs old and weighs 18 lbs. If he had a ruff you would think he was a lion cub. He loves to lay in boxes, but his greatest love is visiting the elderly housing near his home. And YES, they love him also. – Jeannine Aucoin, Henniker, NH
More Pets
Our COVID-19 Rescue Pet
Cherie is our rescue from Puerto Rico. We adopted her on her 1st birthday in 2019 so she is called a covid rescue pet. She is the most lovable, affectionate, spoiled Dachshund/Jack Russell mix we have ever adopted. – Richard Perreault
More Pets
Mingo Rescued from St. Croix
Hi, this is Mingo a Siamese mix that I adopted from Real Cruzen Cats a rescue that traps and homes feral cats in St. Croix. She loves feather wands and purrs non-stop! Just wanted to mention about peanut butter on bananas as a dog treat to always make sure it doesn’t contain Xylitol which is deadly to dogs – Carol, Exeter NH
More Pets
Our Guard Dog
Shadow, our labradoodle guarding the front door. – Susan Pieper, New Braunfels, TX
More Pets
Bridget Loves to Cuddle
This is Bridget, a Shih Tzu/poodle mix (I think). We rescued her about a year ago from the Humane Society here in Omaha, NE. She is about 2+ years old. Last December, I lost my husband and she has become a lifesaver for me. We are Best Friends. No matter what room I am in, Bridget is right here beside me. A big plus: She loves to cuddle at night in “our” bed. – Teresa Cavanaugh, Omaha, NE
More Pets
Mylie is Loving & Laid Back
This is Mylie my grandchildren’s 18 yr old Border Collie. The most loving & laid back dog you’ll ever meet. She greets you with a wagging tail & lots of kisses!
More Pets
Riding the Catnip Sleigh
This is Sasha, my 5-year-old kitty, taking a ride on his catnip sleigh! I adopted him when he was 6 weeks old along with his mom, Sofya, a stray who had 6 kittens only days after being rescued off the street. Sasha and Sofya look exactly alike. Love your column! – Karen McCarthy, Longmeadow, Mass
More Pets
My Classroom Assistant
Here is a picture of my classroom assistant: Attie Cat. I am a high school math teacher and Attie Cat is helping me teach from home. – Judi Bookhamer
More Pets
Rosko is a Catahoula Leopard Dog
This is our favorite pet. His name is Rosko and he is a 6-year-old Catahoula Leopard dog. He loves to swim and retrieve. He’s very sweet and amazingly smart. – Catherine West, Van Nuys, Ca.
More Pets
This is Malcom & Tumbles
This is Malcom (black) and Tumbles (orange tabby). Malcom is very shy and before we adopted him, he hid in a box at the shelter. We decided that he needed a therapy pet and after a long search, we found Tumbles, a friendly and confident cat rescued from the streets of Baltimore. The minute we introduced these two, Malcom stopped hiding and started playing more. In these photos, Malcom is sweetly playing and Tumbles is watching from above. Even therapy pets need some alone time. – Joanne Bates Crimmins
More Pets
This is Otter
This is Otter (Lab, Bernese, Great Pyrenees, and Border Collie mix) on his birthday. He’s not a fan of hats. – Amy Tepel, Morrison, CO
More Pets
Nogard, The Cricket Slayer
Please meet Nogard – The Cricket Slayer. Nogard recently passed unexpectedly, but he was an excellent bearded dragon who liked his crickets! Nogard is a family name that goes back to my Great-Great-Great-… just kidding! Nogard is Dragon spelled backward and as Game of Thrones taught those that watched, every dragon needed a proper name, so we added – The Cricket Slayer. RIP Nograd, you were loved and you are missed. – Scott Kempf, Novato, CA
More Pets
Jake, the Faithful Cattle Dog
This is my faithful cattle dog, Just Jake, who came into my life as a handsome, retired five-yr-old. The boisterous family of boys next door sends lots of balls over the fence and Jake, the herder that he is, happily brings them to me. – Jackie Hanson, Whittier CA
More Pets
Nice and Cozy
Tena Elkins sent in a photo of her cute Wily the Labrador cozied up on her couch! He looks so relaxed and comfortable.
More Pets
Hello Pixie
This is Pixie our 7-year-old Cat. We rescued her and her also solid black littermate when they were just kittens. Black cats seem to be the least favorite when it comes to adoption. Pixie hates to be brushed and her long fur tends to get matted. So now we take her to Indiana Bones in Simi Valley to have her shaved about once or twice a year. Doesn’t she look adorable? – Marion Erbe, Simi Valley
More Pets
Bringing Lady Home
Lady’s dad and mom, Jim, and Terry Piel drove from New Hampshire to an Ohio shelter to bring Lady home. Once unhealthy and terribly underweight, Lady now enjoys the woods and fields of New Hampshire, the ocean, and especially camping.
More Pets
Dessie is Destined to Be Mine
This is a picture of my “Dessie”, who is a Yorkie, Shih Tzu mix. We had lost our 16 yr. old Westie, and I was so sad. My husband, son, and I had gone to a local car show and a lady was holding this tiny little puppy. My son and I fell in love with it. She said there was one left in the litter. My son surprised me by getting the lady’s phone number and calling her to request it. That was my Christmas surprise gift that year from him. I called her Dessie because she was “destined” to be mine. – Kathy Steele
More Pets
Meet Hilton, Our German Shepherd
Our 3-year-old black and tan German Shepherd is named Hilton. We were vacationing on Hilton Island, SC, and found a family with a litter of pups for sale. What else could we have named her but Hilton? – Cheryl D. Coffman
More Pets
Patches Takes a Nap
Hi, this is Patches a Jack Russell mix taking a nap after playing with his toys. He is 11 years young and was named Patches because his fur looks like patches all over his body. He is the center of our Family and so glad we rescued him as a puppy. Enjoy – Patty & Danny Flores
More Pets
Three Dogs and A Cat
Tena Elkins sent in a photo of her three dogs and a cat. From left to right: Buck the dog, Lily the dog, Smokey the cat, and Wily the dog with her blanket.
More Pets
This is Our Little Loretta
This is our little Loretta, a 3-year-old Mini Dachshund/Jack Russell mix rescue. Her “superpower” is to tell me when my blood sugar is too low (I have insulin-dependent diabetes). Her obedience skills are “pretty” good. She just can’t resist giving kisses sometimes, so we say she can’t “hold her licker” and, she LOVES little kids! Her best silly trick is to “whisper”. (She really does it!) She is smart and funny and the best cuddler ever! She’s trying out her Auntie’s special water treadmill made for dogs and rocking her shark fin life jacket. – Susan Finck
More Pets
Jessie is a Real Character
Here’s Jessie. Jessie lives with us in Rancho Murieta, CA. He’s a real character, who we rescued from an RV Park about a year ago. He chases our dogs, watches television, and, as you can see, loves to ride in the car. – Nancy Jackson
More Pets
Mitsu the Shih Tzu
Lucinda Wasson sent us a photo of Mitsu the Shih Tzu who loves to travel!
More Pets
We Found Archie
Several years ago Archie was found tied to a fence and abandoned. He is now the king of all he surveys living with Sue and Jim Dow on 37 acres in Weare, NH. – Jean McGiffin
This is Our Cooper
This is our Cooper, he’s a Cairn Terrier and we adopted him from a shelter after living on the streets with his mother and sister until he was 9 months old. He is super smart and very lovable!
Aries, First Zodiac Sign
Thomas M. sent in a photo of his rescued cat Aries. She has beautiful eyes and, although her coat is black, there’s a small patch of white on her chest. As the first sign in the zodiac, the presence of Aries always marks the beginning of something energetic and turbulent.
Meet Teddy the Pug
Cathy M. from Long Island, NY sent in a photo of her 13-year-old pug Teddy, taking a gingerly walk outside in the cool weather. Teddy likes to eat vegetables and fish. He also likes to rub his face in the grass.
Logan Says Hello
Gracie M., from Levittown, NY sent in a photo of her newly adopted female cat named Logan. Logan is a Tuxedo cat, so she’s always ready for a formal affair. She also loves to play fetch.
Jack + Lady Edith
Nancy Powlas, of San Antonio, TX sent in a photo of her two darling cats Jack and Lady Edith as they relax atop the kitchen table.
Lucy Misses Her Mommy
Dear Readers, this is Lucy, my Boston Terrier. She is 13-years-old and misses her mommy because she’s got a broken hip.
Meet Duffy the Chihuahua
Dear Readers, this is my daughter, Mallory’s, long-haired Chihuahua named Duffy. He keeps me company while she is away at college. — Stephanie, Augusta, Maine
Flaky + Sweet Kiffle
Dear Readers, this is our rescue kitten, Kiffle. He is named after an Eastern European pastry that is both flaky and sweet. As you can see from the photo, he has a flaky side and he is definitely a sweet boy! — Jane Hudak, San Antonio, TX.
Sebastian the Ragdoll Cat
Dear Readers, this is Sebastian, a Ragdoll, owned by R. Jaske, Bakersfield, CA.
Meet Atom + Brother Ripley
Dear Readers, this is Atom, our cat, and his brother Ripley, our treeing walker coonhound. — Alan Almanzar
Hobie, Nestor + Bosco
Dear readers, these are my 3 rescues sitting nice — Hobie, Nestor, and Bosco. Happy Fall! — Cheryl from NH
Say Hi to Sadie
Dear Readers, this is Sadie, a 6-year-old terrier mix, who was adopted from Animal Defense League. She is sweet, friendly, loves any moving thing, even her cat siblings. — Nancy Pawlas
Coco the Cat
Dear Readers, this is Coco. She is a twelve-year-old Calico that is sweeter than pecan pie. — Gary Philips
This is Dax
This is Dax, a 7-year-old German Shepard, playing with his new pal, 6-month-old Chase, a Belgian Malinois. Both live in Drums, Pa. — Tim Charter, owner.
Hello Spike
Dear Readers: This is Spike, my happy 4-year-old rescue. – Judith Thompson
Meet Lily + Chloe
Dear Readers: Lily, sweet 15-year-old grey-and-white purebred Maine Coon, adopted at 6 months from a rescue group, when her family threw her out in the winter because she went into heat. Chloe, a sweet 14-year-old adopted at 9 months after delivering 5 kittens. She spent those first 9 months as a feral cat. Rescued just before delivery of the kittens. Everyone wanted the kittens, but I wanted Chloe. — Janice Williams
This is Sargent Friday
This is Sargent Friday, aka Sarge. He was a rescue, and He loves everyone! Because he routinely visits many of our neighbors, they have nicknamed him “The Mayor”. In fact, we have met most of our neighbors because of him. – Nancy Zahornasky, Londonderry, NH
Our Grand Dog Pippa
This is Pippa, our grand-dog, in the pose she does when she wants a belly rub or special treat. She’s ten-years-old. Our daughter has had her for about nine months, but she is “family” to all of us. She’s a Lhasa Apso. Love your column! – Judy Kaufman
Cute Pet Milo
This is Milo, a blue heeler/Aussie shepherd rescue from Oklahoma. This was his “official” photo for a Cutest Pet Contest fundraiser for the local ASPCA. He won first place! We think it was the ears that put him over the top.
Rescued Dog Georgia
Hello, I would love you to put up our newly rescued dog Georgia as your pet of the week! She was rescued from a high kill shelter in Georgia, hence her name! She was super skittish at first but has now really gotten used to her new loving home. – Sincerely, Yvette Zuckerman
This is Tia
This is Tia, we rescued her from an animal shelter in 2019, she was 3 years old and had lived her whole life there! She weighs ten pounds and is the cutest little calico girl. She is such a joy to have with us, follows us around like a little puppy dog. I feel like she knows that she was given a second chance and knows that she now has a Mommy and Pappy that will take good care of her! — Deb Nenninger, Florida
We Found Maggie May
“My wife and I found Maggie May in a cage in Sebring Florida Animal Control. She was picked up running nose in Lake Placid, Florida. She was scared and we had to carry her to the car. She is now very spoiled. Whenever someone comes to visit, she greets them by finding a shoe and bringing it to them as a gift.”
Meet Our Baby Squirrels
I thought you might enjoy these pictures of the baby squirrels in our Squirrel House.
Benny, Our Pride & Joy
This is our pride and joy, Benny. He is a 2-year-old miniature long-haired dachshund. His favorite hobbies are riding on the golf cart and chasing squirrels up trees.
Fur Baby, Theo
This is my fur baby, Theo. His daddy is a Husky, and his momma is a Chocolate Lab. He is eight months old now, and he weighs 65 lbs.
Happy Birthday Ticker
My dearest friend is Ticker, who just had her 17th birthday. We celebrated with a “cake.” She came from a family that didn’t want her anymore.
His Nickname is Mr. Love
Here is our kitty, Willoughby. We found him five years ago in an RV park. He had been left behind by a family on vacation. He’s the sweetest boy who is so endearing; in fact, his nickname is “Mr. Love”!
We Love Sadie Mae
This is our Sadie Mae (named after Sadie Hawkins day), a 7-year-old Bichon Frise whom we love dearly.
Our Little Buddy, Charlie
Diane K. sent in pics of her little buddy, Charlie, who, after mastering his mountain of toys and putting everyone in their place, is ready for a nap. Such a cutie!
Happy Little Guy, Rocky
Meet Rocky. He’s Rod G. of San Antonio’s 14-year-old deaf rescued Jack Russell. Rod says he’s a happy little guy, and they have helped each other through some tough times.
Highly Intelligent Shepard
Dear Readers: Meet Audie! He is a Belgian Malinois. A type of highly intelligent shepherd, these dogs are used by the military and by the police.
Meet Tucker
Meet Karen G. from San Antonio, Texas and her almost-five-year-old Bichon Frise, Tucker! Her family has a long-standing tradition of loving Bichons; in fact her father the Colonel brought in the first of their Bichons.
Meet Georgie
Here’s our new puppy Georgie. She’s a very sweet Shihpoo (Shitzu Poodle).
This Is Our Rescue, Molly
This is our rescue, Molly, who has been a wonderful addition to our family! She is three years old and has taken a liking to reading in the window with her “friend”, a wonderful ceramic cat statue! – Heloise.
Sadie, Our Beloved Puppy
Hello, Heloise. This is our beloved puppy, Sadie, all 100% love wrapped up in a little bundle.
Hello Charlie Brown
Dear Heloise, he looks like an angel in this photo, but Charlie Brown is a 10-month-old beagle and a whirling dervish.
Brodie the Pug Puppy
Meet Brodie. He’s a pug puppy – a crazy Lil dude – according to San Antonio, TX dog mom Jessica and her son Gavin.
Winni Looks Cute & Cozy
Marian H. sent a picture of her neighbor Lexi having a moment with Marian’s dog Winni; looks cute and cozy!
Zoom, Border Collie Rescue
In 2008, Leslie adopted Zoom from Northern California Border Collie Rescue; he was one year old.
Abby the Tabby
Meet Abby the Tabby, perched and ready for bird watching in her cute sweater. A cat in clothes!
Meet Manny & Penny
Meet Manny and Penny! All dog mom Peggy Z. needs to say is “who wants to go for a ride?” and open the door.
Precious Angel
Marlene D. sent a picture of her precious rescued cat, Angel.
Siamese Hamish and Angus
Here is a picture of our two Siamese, Hamish who is a chocolate point, and Angus, a seal point enjoying a winter day in the recliner.
Stella Loves Her Big Brother
Stella (grey tabby) is a rescue and she really loves her big brother (Ricky Bobby).
Ace the Tuxedo Cat
Meet Ace. He’s a 9-year-old tuxedo cat who has a unique black heart on his tummy and a white “thumbs up” on his nose.
Meet Mr. Kitty
Meet Mr. Kitty. He’s one of our favorite Pet Pals – he’s getting a drink from the bathtub spigot!
Gracie from Georgia
Meet Gracie, adopted from Georgia, ready to brave the New England weather, sporting an adorable raincoat.
Run Away Ruby
Meet Angie C.’s Run Away Ruby. Two days after she adopted Ruby, in September of 2020, Ruby escaped from the yard and traveled two miles before being picked up by the police. For this, Ruby landed on Santa’s Naughty List!
Abby the Cat
My cat, Abby was leaning against the mirror when I looked up and caught this image that looked like two of her! I just happened to have my phone handy to snap this picture.
Cats Max and Coco
Gary P. in Laguna Hills, CA sent a picture of his cats Max and Coco, relaxing, on top of each other?
Molly and Jon Stewart
Our dogs Molly (lab mix) and Jon Stewart (terrier mix) are putting 2020 “behind” them.
Meet Dodge the Lab Mix
Dear Readers: Meet Dodge. He is Leigh B.’s (of Ohio) lab mix, and he looks like he’s ready to “get out of Dodge” as it were – the cold and snow of January!
Precocious Siamese KeKe
For this week’s Pet Pal, we are revisiting Ke-Ke, Leo and LeEtta’s precocious Siamese cat, in Culbertson, MT. Leo was working at home, as many of us are nowadays, and Ke-Ke just had to jump up on the desk and chase the cursor on the screen – such a silly girl!
Say Hi to LuLu & Duncan
Meet LuLu (foreground) and Duncan. Both Rat Terriers, are taking turns receiving treats from the neighbor in the next complex. Very patient playmates!
Here’s Pepsi
Meet Pepsi. Pepsi is a spaniel/pointer mix, and her name at the shelter was Hiker; she almost hitchhiked a ride home with another lady, before Tracy, Elise, and Joanna C. and their family adopted her!
Here’s Ollie
Dear Heloise: This is my dog Ollie, a happy and spry pup who turns 11 next month! She also goes by “Smalldog.” I got her in December 2010.
Puppy Pug Hazel
Meet Hazel. Trent B. in San Antonio, TX says his puppy Pug Hazel takes a hard nap after playing hard at 5:30 am! Play hard, and nap hard? Sounds like the life! Is she dreaming about Santa’s visit? And, oh, that Puppy Breath!
My Name is Cosmos!
My name is Cosmos! I’m a 15-year-old Himalayan in Portland.
Hizzy, a True Alley Cat
Meet Hizzy. Hizzy showed up in our backyard in September, a true “alley cat”, a very hungry kitten. Look closely at his feet, he has seven toes on one foot, and six on the other – polydactyl kitty.
Say Hi to Lexi & Dolli
Meet Lexi and Dolli. Owner Sandee says they are such good buddies!
Meet Sweet Tiger
Meet Tiger. John M. sent two pics of this white and tortie-colored cat. So sweet, with big eyes. Tiger’s sitting by a clock reminding us, the time we have with our pets is shorter than we would like.