In Memoriam: Chisholm, We Love You

Chisholm came on a stormy night, the sole survivor of his family. He became one of us, loved and was loved. And he died young on a sunny day, suddenly, with little warning. Life is not the same now.

Chisholm Raccoon Roberts Up and down the pants leg, shall we be safe or explore? Looking out, assessing the situation... Underfoot. Ready to explore the farm! Washing A Grape. Everything gets washed. Including him. Getting his Feet Wet Surprised. He was not sure about that camera! Almost Asleep. He's sucking on a finger as a pacifier, purring like ten kitties. Asleep at last! Nothing is sweeter than a sleeping baby raccoon. Nursing a finger, he would continue to purr even when asleep. Chisholm's Pacifier. Boy was he excited to get this! Bogarting The Pacifier, he carried it everywhere he went for a while. Playing with the Mixing Board. He loved knobs and buttons. Note the pacifier. We all have ponytails, and he loved to get in our hair. Chisholm Tangled Up. Hair was a special place for this little Raccoon. A moment of repose. Planning his next moves or just enjoying the sun. Thinking about things Enjoying the summer day. Resting At Rest. A very temporary state, but we all enjoyed when he was still. Nothing daunted his enthusiasm. Not even Big Steps. He went where he wanted. Concrete. better than slippery floors, but not great like grass. He would run from one person to another, trying to keep everyone together. Slow Down! He was always afraid someone would get lost. Stay There! The foot was intentional. That's how he made us stay put. The Big World. Sidewalks always meant "follow somebody." After a bath. Bronwen cuddles him in a towel as he quick-dries. After their baths, raccoons dry quickly. The towel was more for security. Oh! He loved Bronwen's hair! Watching the dogs. I think he wanted to BE a dog, he was so fascinated by them. Typical scene at my desk during summer of 2004. Watching a movie. He would touch the screen when he saw Raccoon faces! Shooshie and favorite little four-legged companion. Sleeping in my hand for hours while I typed with one hand. Where's Chisholm? In the laundry, of course! (No, he didn't eat poison.) Chisholm & Laundry Room, just a few days before his death. He was very happy! His first toys. He loved toys, and played constantly when awake. Chisholm & Brother. His brother died after a week, Chisholm lasted two months. Their eyes were still closed, but they came alive for the bottle! Several times a day, we took turns being with him. We loved it just as he did. Two Concerned Mothers. Paisley, the big white dog, just wanted to adopt him! Careful feeding prevented him from aspirating formula--which can kill. He loved the bottle, but loved the attention even more. Bronwen feeding him again. Alpha Steals A Pringle's Chip. Pretending to be best friends, Alpha Beagle develops a strategy Alpha Covets Chishom's Chip, until Chisholm turns around. Then Alpha grabs it! Chisholm, we will keep you in our hearts forever. Thank you for loving us.