4 yrs have passed now and the wound still feels fresh; The sting has ebbed, but the hole in my heart remains. I want to thank you all so very much for your kind comments, and I am so happy that I could, in some way, share Loki with you. If any of you have lost a special friend, I would urge you to make a tribute for them. Reading your kind and thoughtful comments has been the best therapy for my broken heart. In a world with so much cruelty, it does the heart good to know that there are so many like-minded and truly good people sharing this planet with me. I read every single comment and am truly grateful to you all.
+Kat Wagg I keep coming back to look at this again and again. Its so beautiful the bond he had with you/your family... I lost my cat a year and a half ago after 17 years, I still sometimes unconsciously look for her to come running to the door when I get home. Loki looked like he was a lot of fun and was truly loved.
Around 20 years back, I found an orphaned fox cub in the hedge by a road. There was no doubt he WAS orphaned, as his mother, and two siblings, were dead in the road. So it was I brought him home, and after the vet had treated his broken front leg, he thought the little fox was too vulnerable to release to the wild. And so, I finished up with Charlie, my pet fox, who I'd walk on a lead. Terrified of pheasants, he hid behind me when one came honking out of the underbrush! I was very lucky to find a cub so docile and affectionate, it could very easily have been very different. He finally passed away at the ripe old age of 15. He got on well with my cats, and loved a ride in the Wolseley car I had then. Still miss him now. What a shame about Loki. You just never know when your time'll be up, and make the most of what you have while you can. Loki was a very special Raccoon.
What a gorgeous video. I have tears down my face as I type to you...thank you so very much for sharing such a sweet, tender, and personal video with us. Loki is still very loved, clearly, but now he has touched the hearts of nearly three quarters of a million people and is loved by us as well. Thank you again.
This video is beautiful and thanks for the great song. You and Loki had a great bond.. I'm sorry your time together was short. It was beautiful and you really made that animal happy. Lots of love to you and Loki.
I'm so sorry for loss.When I seen him sitting on the couch sharing popcorn it bout brought me to tears.Losing a pet is like losing a family member and he was obviously was a part of ur family.Our dogs in my family are our world and THEY rule the house.They eat whatever we have for dinner mixed in with their food every night.Wouldnt trade them for a million bucks.Im sure it was the same at ur house.Just know that u gave him the best possible life he could've had since he was wounded and couldn't be wild anymore.IMHO he had no desire to go be free in the wild.He looked like he was right at home chasing ur husband around and chillin on the couch with him.U can't put a price on a friendship like that. Thanks you for doing the RIGHT THING instead of turning a blind eye like many people do.We are all God's creatures. Bless u guys from one pet lover to another.
he was such an adorable kit. he reminds me of my lil Stinky, my old pet skunk. we rescued Stinky when he was a just a little kit too. he was stuck in a thick mass of thorny weeds. we think his mother may have been scared off and left him there. but we ran back to my grandmother's house and grabbed a couple pairs of clippers and a towel. we got him out after almost 15 minutes of clipping. we have no idea how he got so stuck. by the time we got him out he was so weak and frightened that he didn't squirm one bit. we wrapped him up in the towel and he fell right to sleep. then we brought him back to the house, gave him a bath, and bandaged his badly cut up legs. then we gave him some warm milk from a bottle. and we were hooked. we named him Stinky and kept him. and he was such a good boy. He never sprayed once, ever. We only named him Stinky because he smelled pretty stinky due to his being a skunk. but we bathed him once every other day and sprayed him with a lil bit of dog deodorant and some dog perfume, to lessen the smell, that way he'd be allowed inside. he never made a mess inside except for when he hollowed-out a couch cushion that he decided to turn into his bed. but we didn't mind. it was cute to see his little nose poke out of the entrance.:) but it all ended when he was taken from us. an animal control guy spotted Stinky in the front yard when he was "doing his business". the guy picked up Stinky, even with his collar on. by the time that we found out about what happened, Stinky had already been euthanized:( they said it was illegal to keep him since he is a wild animal and is also considered a pest-type animal.:( but Stinky didn't bother anyone.:( even the neighbors liked him.:( they thought the little grunts and squeaks that he made were adorable.:( why can't the government just let people have their pets? I miss my lil guy now:( You had a wonderful bond with Loki. I'm sure that he must have passed away as the happiest raccoon.
Skunks have their own feisty personalities and are common house pets in Britain, but having them de-scented is against the law. They love to sleep at the head of the bed, and snuggle to keep warm. Not allowed in many states; the American lack of sense.
Malcolm MacLeod - I was enjoying reading your comment until the end, where you slipped into the low-class trap of bashing whole groups of people with the same stick. Shall I come back at Britain, and call you all assholes because of the badger culling going on in YOUR country? Hint: We are as much victims of our out-of-control nanny state as you are of yours.
Gov needs to stay out of our lives! I'm glad you had Stinky and got to enjoy you time with him. We cared for a raccoon for 11 years, loved our girl and miss her. Animals bring so much joy to our hearts!
This video about Loki makes me cry, so much love emanates from it. It's beautiful. I know that it spans from losing Loki, but it is so inspiring to see how much love there can be. You were lucky to have her. Love makes us human and complete. Perhaps another small raccoon could join your family and bring more love...❤️ My deepest sympathy and thanks for sharing.
I just watched this video and literally have been crying the whole time... I am so sorry for your loss of Loki :-(. I too had the most wonderfull experience with "Baby Jerry" when i found him his eyes weren't even open yet. I bottle fed him and he lived in the house with us (never caged at all!). He was the best little buddy ever. I loved him to the moon and back. It has been many years and there isnt a day that goes by that he isnt in my thoughts.
I rehabbed two baby raccoons last summer after I couldn't find a rehabber in my county and the DNR told me to take them to the woods and let nature take its course. One of the best things I've eve done in my life. I'm sorry for your loss. I set mine free at a large marshy metropark that I always took them to for day trips. When they were ready, I built them a few shelters in the woods and stayed with them until they left me. It was hard and I still miss them. People need to be educated on these animals. They are wild, but so sweet and intelligent and every year babies need to be rehabbed. God bless.
Thank-you for caring for these orphans so now they can live happy adult wild raccoon lives. I bet it is an amazing feeling that you will have for your whole life, knowing you helped two raccoons, and all the sweet memories you must have of caring for them. Good memories like that are true treasures. Humans are meant to be caring stewards of animals in distress, and not to just leave it to nature, so glad you did not listen to the DNR.
I feel very sad for your loss. I have a female that just turned ten years old and is in good shape still. She has had her dystemper shots and every month gets the tick and flea treatment. So far she is not agressive and doesnt mind me handling her young at all. She is a very special raccoon and very loving and like you she is allowed to come and go as she pleases and hibernates in winter. I have other raccons that come and feed she doesnt like it but she tolerates them as long as they dont go near me. Its tough in spring time to see if she returns or not so far I have been very lucky. You are right though they no not make good pets and I only allow them as far as my kitchen supervised. Jim Churchville, Nova Scotia Canada
James Blackwood - Raccoon Whisperer LOVELY James! IS your raccoon still returning? My friend found 2 babies in a garbage can, hand fed & cared for them till they were adults....now they come & go as they please, but mostly love to stay & play with the 2 dogs & cat that also reside with my friend.
Hello. I was just handed an orphan and been feeding her KMR for several days now. It is so hard to find rescuer links n resources that gives detailed info, like when to deworm and give shots and how to find vets that will do it bec none of the vets where I live want to have anything to do with us. Please help.
Mate, he sure seems to have been a very special soul. I'm a reasonably tough Aussie bloke ...... but that vid made me misty. Its hard for me to relate to Yanks calling them pests with so many vids out there showing their good side and intelligence. Spose that is easy to say when we have nothing like that here. Some animals a very special, thanks for sharing.
It’s always nice to see people who actually appreciate animals. Yes, raccoons can be an issue for some and I sympathize with those who have had problems with them. But to label the entire raccoon species as vicious and disease riden pests is just totally ignorant. Not everyone has negative experiences with them. They are some of the most cutest and fascinating creatures you can find on this planet and just like all animals, including us humans, they have an ugly side and a good side.
It just goes to show, wether people consider an animal a rodent, a scavenger or a nuisance, all life is precious and one kind gesture could mean the world to an animal.
I cannot express how many tears i shed over this video. Also your quotes from Martin Luther King and everything you wrote below the video was very touching. It is just beautiful to see how we still have people like you in this world who care for animals and humans and who tolerate their behaviours to accomodate them and give them more promiding and comfortable life ...so sorry you lost ur little buddy :((
Both you and Loki were blessed to have found one another. Its very evident that he loved you, and death cannot break that bond. You'll see him again one day
Just read your comments under the video; I'm so impressed that among all the well-intended but naive 'rescuers,' clearly you're among the educated & conscientious ones. Re: "A life spent in a cage is not worth living," touché!!! And how you trained Loki to survive in the wild and welcomed him to come & go, despite the lifelong commitment you offered. And how you understood the natural nature of his adult aggression & destructiveness, and managed to accommodate it. I so wish we all had the compassion, custodial & advocacy sense you clearly do. God bless you!!!
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Gandhi. I'm so sorry to hear that Loki passed away. It is wonderful to see the interaction between the two of you. This is how is mean to be for us humans to respect, love, protect and be compassionate with all animals including those that had the "misfortune" to be enslave, torture and slaughter by the meat and dairy industries, don't pay for their suffering.
Kat, I'm so sorry Loki passed away. I have loved animals all my life and can't imagine not being surrounded by them. I have 3 rescued cats inside and I feed about 7 raccoon's and 3 of them are moms so I'm hoping they bring the babies soon. Also I feed a mama possum & I can't wait to see them outside of her pouch,and recently a fox joined the family. I love them and I look forward to seeing them. They come to my window to let me know it's time to eat. I believe we'll see the pets we've lost again so hang in there, and thanks for loving animals :)
I watched this video with total admiration and a smile from ear to ear. The news of his passing is heartbreaking, but as with my rescues, the only thing that helps with the loss is the knowledge that you gave him a wonderful life that someone else would have extinguished without a care or chance to live. Thank you.
I am crying soo hard right now ... I only seen him for three minutes and my heart is broken, I fell in love with him the first three seconds. I am deeply and heartfelt sorry for you loss of Loki. I know your pain, I too still have holes in my heart from the untimely loss of a few previous animals as well. Even after 25 yrs I can still get a gut rott feeling iny stomach if I think to.much about my little angels. He was an amazing little fellow and I agree a raccoon is definitely not for everybody ! Thank you for this privilege of sharing Loki with us.....Love the John Denver song Sunshine.
+David Adkins wow. good thing idk know your friend cause i look for ppl like that to send them to the hospital. i am srry bu i do not tolerate ppl hurting animals. do not get offended but when i see this type of behavior in a person i make them feel so srry that they cry like little girls.
Loki was so cute and you treated him so well. I love watching videos of amazing people, who take care well of amazing pets. I own a Holland lop bunny, and he's also my sunshine, I respect, love and take care of him too, like you did with Loki. Thank you guys, for sharing these beautiful momments with Loki :)
I can't wait for god's new world to come. Where we can really enjoy peace with all kinds of animals and not be afraid, because god will take the fears away from them so they won't do harm. Beautiful sweet hart.
Dear Kat, What a beautiful tribute! Thank you so much for sharing Loki, I have a family of Racoon who live in the Marsh behind my house, the joy and happiness that seeing them and playing with them brings me closer to God. I an so happy to see that there are others who understand the beauty of nature and how we need to protect the animal. I'm so sorry for the loss... I lost my little guy on October 22 and everyday I miss him. Blessings and Love to you!
I just came across this video and I could barely watch through the tears. It was so lovingly put together. What a beautiful bond you had with Loki. The quotes were so profound and reminds us that all animals require respect dignity and kindness. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Loki is frolicking and foraging in th forests of heaven. You are quite the lovely soul. Thanks for sharing.....
I never see a raccoon in person, I'm from Puerto Rico in my country don't have raccoons, I think all animals are beautiful. Particular the raccoons, and squirrels always keeps those innocent eyes, no mater how grow up, looks innocent and invite to protect. I like to thank you about the way you think about how animals can be treated, I hate dog ties, I hate cages, my dog are living in my back yard because he is a little aggressive and I have neighbors with kids. Long time ago my husband purchased I bunny for my son, when he was a kind now have 22yrs, and I never put the bunny in a cage, never, the bunny was free inside a room, free to run, I have to clean a couple times a day because he poo in everywhere but I don't care, I don't have the heart for put in the cage. I love your comments, I love the way you feel about animals, thank you for being like you are.
What a beautiful story matched by one of the most lovely songs ever written. What nice people to give life and love to a little critter. Thank you for sharing Loki. To a good life, please adopt another, one is waiting for a good home like yours!
This is beautiful. I saw a .gif of Loki eating popcorn and thought it was hilarious. Wanted to share it with my fiancee. Went looking for a better quality version of it and stumbled upon this. Never realized I would find such a sentimental story attached to that funny scene of a raccoon enjoying popcorn with his human friend. You are clearly very gentle and sensitive people.
This just ripped my heart apart. Thank you for sharing your ever valuable moments with Loki with the internet. Loki must have been one happy raccoon with the aid that you have provided for him. Now please excuse me, I have to go and wipe my tears and a dripping nose clean.
This is the beauty of the Internet. Loki is still sharing his Sunshine with us in 2016. And we so need all the sunshine we can get! Thank you for giving us a taste of the Joy and Love you had with Loki and for Loki. My day, and my life, are much better for your sharing. Thanks.
A beautiful tribute to your little buddy. I had two raccoons back in the late 1970's that I took to Okinawa under special permission of NC Wildlife Commission. I donated them to the Childrens' Zoo before I left and they had babies and was doing very well when I left in 1979. I got my story in the Stars and Stripes and got a plaque from the zoo.
It's amazing the way these animals find their way into our hearts. I still miss my little friend. The intelligence they demonstrate, and take to those of us who've cared for them is great. I wish you the best, and thanks again for the video. This tribute is beautiful.
Please receive my true sympathy for that hard time to lose a so nice friend and thank you to share something as beautiful as such a cute little Raccoon, I love them much. Have the best for future.
How very sweet to see the love and respect between you and your dear pal Loki. It's so heartbreaking to lose a loved one. We recently lost our 3rd darling in just under 3 years. Currently we have 2 darlings. They're almost 13 and doing well. Our others lived til 15,15, &16 years so we know we gave them good ,healthy, happy lives. The pain does subside but you are right in saying the hole in our hearts remain forever. I'm smiling while I watch these wonderful videos. Loki was a truly funny dude who seemed to like the good life in your home. Bless you and your family. ❤️❤️️🐾🐾
I'm so sorry for your loss :( what a darling he was! I took care of a squirrel when I was a child and it became bonded to me, he lived outside but would knock on my bedroom window to be let in at night. He passed away when I was still a child, but he was very loved. When I was 19 I got a job at a zoo (even though I don't believe in caging animals) and with all of the different animals the raccoons were my favorite place to go and have my lunch. To entertain them, the zoo staff put their food and treats in an enormous block of soft ice in the summer and they would have so much fun digging it out. They are my favorite!
He was a beautiful creature. I'm sorry for your loss, but you have him what short life he had by helping him in the first place and you have him what looks to have been a wonderful life. You are such wonderful people and thank you for sharing with us the time that you all shared.
You are SO LUCKY to have had each other. Love like this doesn't come around very often. What a dear little chap. Thanks for sharing this. I'm sure you will be reunited one day. God bless you.
Foxy was eight weeks old when I brought her home for my daughter. She was a red short-haired Dachshund who became my BFF for life! She died of heartworm disease 15 years ago and I wish I could have another "red" but I'm 68 now. I wouldn't want to die and leave her alone. Her friendship remains!
Such a beautiful tribute to one of nature's most beautiful gift's... I know nothing anyone can say or do will fill the void that Loki left in your heart but the time you had with him to make so many joyous memories... He brought so much happiness and love to your life and I believe that you did the same for him... Thanks for sharing your memories with us XO 😘
I just found out your Loki died. So sorry We found ours out front end of May 2014 and I had to clean out her eyes and bottle fed her. Moonshine,(my granddaughter named her ) sleeps between us everynight. She gets up, eats and wants to go out and sleep up under our shed till about 8pm. We have woods all around and she does does go in a bit but comes and pushes the door open in our living room. I just heard she is home again Gotta go and feed her
I could see a very something special watching him. I instantly found myself smiling and enjoying his antics. Through all of it I could see with absolute clarity, as you said, he was dearly loved. Thank you for sharing his memory so it could warm my heart tonight.
i had a pet racoon for 18 months..she died in my arms also...found her at 6 weeks old...i would have another one in a heartbeat..she was and will always be my heart..she slept with me every night....they can be domesticated
Rahul Brahmin raccoons only live about two years, and often domestic ones can encounter other problems that aren't as prevalent in the wild like, say, human beings. cars and chemicals aren'r good for them, nor as we can see in Loki, are some of the drugs required
so sorry for your loss....he was such a beautiful baby....sadly everytime we get a pet we know one day we will be crying when its their time to go....but u gave him a wonderful home and so much happiness and love...he filled your heart with joy...some ppl never xperience that blessing....I hope you are dong better by now....thinking tha one day we will see all our pets again....god bless you
Oh noooooo! Oh, this is incredibly sad. I have not had any pets for 7 years now because I become deeply attached to them and can't bear it when they pass. Ah jeeze, I feel for you Kat Wagg T-T
i try to avoid sad video. but this looked a nice one as i spent few hrs watching animals and racoons. and then the song made me think. i scrool down to comments and after i rad few words i instantly realised that is a sad story and 2 tears came to my eyes. i didnt even had to read under the video. i feel the pain just by listening the song. i wish i wasnt born this sensitive. damn
Same. I thought the song was too sad and reminiscent compared to all the other animal vids I just watched. Read the whole description and am pretty bummed :( Loki was such a beautiful creature. it's always so sad when a pet dies. I also struggle with being too sensitive!
I am sorry for your loss.. thank you for sharing the love, the joy and the wonderful bond.. It is so clear that you gave this dear baby a loving home..and the love was returned... Rip sweet baby
Truly the most beautiful tribute ever. I understand the loss of a friend that you still cry for, every single day. I cry over my sweet Amy every day. People think I'm nuts. OK. I feel sad for them, that they have never had that special bond with an animal. ❤️
Reading your comments and descriptions, I am sure that you were a great friend and guardian of your Loki. He must've been happy that he could spend life with you and be adored by you. It's good that there're nice people like you.
Oh my - I just stumbled on this video, what a beautiful little soul Loki was and your bond with him is plain to see. I am so sorry you lost him as you did.But I hope you are comforted by the knowledge he was deeply loved by you and always felt secure in your love and care. Quality of life always trumps quantity.Your words here are so eloquent they moved me to tears. I believe there are far more good people in the world but the bad ones never fail to shock and appal decent, good hearted people. Thanks for being so honest about the challenges of caring for a raccoon - you are so right, life in a cage is no better than a life in prison, all creatures need and deserve their freedom. You should feel very proud that you always gave Loki's his. God bless you and yours, sending you a big hug from a friend in England (I will be cuddling my beloved dog a little more after seeing this moving video and reading your beautiful words!) X
I can only imagine the pain of losing such a beautiful and loving animal that way. I've watched this video so much times, and each times i can feel a little bit of the joy that he must have brought in your heart! I will continue to watch this, as a reminder of the beautiful wonders of the world, such as your little sunshine
Beautiful tribute to Loki. Pets are family and they take a piece of our heart with them when they pass away. Loki's memory will remain in your heart forever. ❤️
A very beautiful video and your love of animals is its own ray of sunshine in this world. Thanks so much for posting this for all to see. Blessings on you!
Trash panda is now sitting to the left of the great Buddha bathing in his light of majesty for Trash pandas wisdom and love will forever beam upon you.
It's so beautiful how you took Loki in, cared for him and fed him, and simply allowed him to be who he was. That is the greatest gift you can give a wild animal. I know in my heart you will see Loki again when you transition, and I'm sure he visits you every day. Just because you can't see or feel him doesn't mean he isn't there. Death never kills love. Much love to you, and I hope that time has eased some of your pain. xx
I had a raccoon as a child, and I, too loved him dearly. I wouldn't have ever thought of keeping a raccoon as a pet, but his mother was killed for sport, and I couldn't bear to leave him behind when I found him. I was living in a farm area of Nebraska at the time (1983), and the only other option was someone coming to shoot him, too. Wow, do they cause a lot of damage! But, after their gone, you are willing to have all of it back.
Love the video, so sorry for your loss even though it is years later, I'm sure you still have a place in hour heart that is empty. The video touched me and I thank you for posting it.
Aww God Bless you sir. He passed away? I am an animal rights activist and Vegetarian Chef. I love all animals but my two favorite animals have always been since I was a child, a raccoon and panda's.
what a special little guy. I can see why he captured your heart completely. I know it has been many years now, but I just saw your video, was touched and wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. God bless.
Loki lived in your eyes, died in your arms, and is buried in your heart. My respects.
That's a nice sentiment.
4 yrs have passed now and the wound still feels fresh; The sting has ebbed, but the hole in my heart remains.
I want to thank you all so very much for your kind comments, and I am so happy that I could, in some way, share Loki with you. If any of you have lost a special friend, I would urge you to make a tribute for them. Reading your kind and thoughtful comments has been the best therapy for my broken heart. In a world with so much cruelty, it does the heart good to know that there are so many like-minded and truly good people sharing this planet with me. I read every single comment and am truly grateful to you all.
Kat Wagg May I ask how the little fella passed away?
BrewPub read above.
It's hard to lose a pet I know. So sorry for your loss :(
Loki is beautiful!
+Kat Wagg I keep coming back to look at this again and again. Its so beautiful the bond he had with you/your family... I lost my cat a year and a half ago after 17 years, I still sometimes unconsciously look for her to come running to the door when I get home. Loki looked like he was a lot of fun and was truly loved.
Ok..him reaching in the bowl eating popcorn with you on the couch.. lol..priceless!!
dmcarden beautiful little fella now I'm crying my eyes out what happened to him , was it old age?
plus you can see. even raccoons choke on that darn popcorn when it gets caught in the throat.. just made me laugh
2:40 into the video is where that begins. My favorite part, too!
Around 20 years back, I found an orphaned fox cub in the hedge by a road. There was no doubt he WAS orphaned, as his mother, and two siblings, were dead in the road. So it was I brought him home, and after the vet had treated his broken front leg, he thought the little fox was too vulnerable to release to the wild. And so, I finished up with Charlie, my pet fox, who I'd walk on a lead. Terrified of pheasants, he hid behind me when one came honking out of the underbrush! I was very lucky to find a cub so docile and affectionate, it could very easily have been very different. He finally passed away at the ripe old age of 15. He got on well with my cats, and loved a ride in the Wolseley car I had then. Still miss him now. What a shame about Loki. You just never know when your time'll be up, and make the most of what you have while you can. Loki was a very special Raccoon.
And you are also a very special person with your pet fox Charlie.... God bless you!
What a gorgeous video. I have tears down my face as I type to you...thank you so very much for sharing such a sweet, tender, and personal video with us. Loki is still very loved, clearly, but now he has touched the hearts of nearly three quarters of a million people and is loved by us as well. Thank you again.
+Jennifer Jones
Thank you Jennifer.
Missing my little buddy tonight.....
Im sorry :(
This video is beautiful and thanks for the great song. You and Loki had a great bond.. I'm sorry your time together was short. It was beautiful and you really made that animal happy. Lots of love to you and Loki.
Kat Wagg I am so sorry we have a baby named Sonny, we love him and I hope he is as sweet as your Loki.
Im sorry :(
I'm so sorry for loss.When I seen him sitting on the couch sharing popcorn it bout brought me to tears.Losing a pet is like losing a family member and he was obviously was a part of ur family.Our dogs in my family are our world and THEY rule the house.They eat whatever we have for dinner mixed in with their food every night.Wouldnt trade them for a million bucks.Im sure it was the same at ur house.Just know that u gave him the best possible life he could've had since he was wounded and couldn't be wild anymore.IMHO he had no desire to go be free in the wild.He looked like he was right at home chasing ur husband around and chillin on the couch with him.U can't put a price on a friendship like that. Thanks you for doing the RIGHT THING instead of turning a blind eye like many people do.We are all God's creatures. Bless u guys from one pet lover to another.
he was such an adorable kit.
he reminds me of my lil Stinky, my old pet skunk.
we rescued Stinky when he was a just a little kit too.
he was stuck in a thick mass of thorny weeds. we think his mother may have been scared off and left him there. but we ran back to my grandmother's house and grabbed a couple pairs of clippers and a towel. we got him out after almost 15 minutes of clipping. we have no idea how he got so stuck. by the time we got him out he was so weak and frightened that he didn't squirm one bit. we wrapped him up in the towel and he fell right to sleep. then we brought him back to the house, gave him a bath, and bandaged his badly cut up legs.
then we gave him some warm milk from a bottle. and we were hooked. we named him Stinky and kept him. and he was such a good boy. He never sprayed once, ever. We only named him Stinky because he smelled pretty stinky due to his being a skunk. but we bathed him once every other day and sprayed him with a lil bit of dog deodorant and some dog perfume, to lessen the smell, that way he'd be allowed inside. he never made a mess inside except for when he hollowed-out a couch cushion that he decided to turn into his bed. but we didn't mind. it was cute to see his little nose poke out of the entrance.:)
but it all ended when he was taken from us. an animal control guy spotted Stinky in the front yard when he was "doing his business". the guy picked up Stinky, even with his collar on. by the time that we found out about what happened, Stinky had already been euthanized:(
they said it was illegal to keep him since he is a wild animal and is also considered a pest-type animal.:(
but Stinky didn't bother anyone.:( even the neighbors liked him.:(
they thought the little grunts and squeaks that he made were adorable.:(
why can't the government just let people have their pets?
I miss my lil guy now:(
You had a wonderful bond with Loki. I'm sure that he must have passed away as the happiest raccoon.
Skunks have their own feisty personalities and are common house pets in Britain, but having
them de-scented is against the law. They love to sleep at the head of the bed, and snuggle to
keep warm. Not allowed in many states; the American lack of sense.
Malcolm MacLeod - I was enjoying reading your comment until the end, where you slipped into the low-class trap of bashing whole groups of people with the same stick.
Shall I come back at Britain, and call you all assholes because of the badger culling going on in YOUR country?
Hint: We are as much victims of our out-of-control nanny state as you are of yours.
AW, Lukas- I so agree! I had a baby Raven that I raised, and had to flee to Baja, Mexico to legally keep "Eddie"!Our Country is one messed up mess...
Gov needs to stay out of our lives! I'm glad you had Stinky and got to enjoy you time with him. We cared for a raccoon for 11 years, loved our girl and miss her. Animals bring so much joy to our hearts!
+nameofthepen : I just read your reply. I can't remember the end of
my comment, but I have an idea that we are both on the same page.
This video about Loki makes me cry, so much love emanates from it. It's beautiful. I know that it spans from losing Loki, but it is so inspiring to see how much love there can be. You were lucky to have her. Love makes us human and complete. Perhaps another small raccoon could join your family and bring more love...❤️ My deepest sympathy and thanks for sharing.
I just watched this video and literally have been crying the whole time... I am so sorry for your loss of Loki :-(. I too had the most wonderfull experience with "Baby Jerry" when i found him his eyes weren't even open yet. I bottle fed him and he lived in the house with us (never caged at all!). He was the best little buddy ever. I loved him to the moon and back. It has been many years and there isnt a day that goes by that he isnt in my thoughts.
When the raccoon grabbed the pop corn like a Human. I died 😊
...with one hand while picking up pieces with the other hand, lol!
Who's cutting onions behind me??
giant onions!!!
Ninjas...
As long as you love him, and think of him he will never truelly die, god bless your sunshine.
I rehabbed two baby raccoons last summer after I couldn't find a rehabber in my county and the DNR told me to take them to the woods and let nature take its course. One of the best things I've eve done in my life. I'm sorry for your loss. I set mine free at a large marshy metropark that I always took them to for day trips. When they were ready, I built them a few shelters in the woods and stayed with them until they left me. It was hard and I still miss them. People need to be educated on these animals. They are wild, but so sweet and intelligent and every year babies need to be rehabbed. God bless.
Thank-you for caring for these orphans so now they can live happy adult wild raccoon lives. I bet it is an amazing feeling that you will have for your whole life, knowing you helped two raccoons, and all the sweet memories you must have of caring for them. Good memories like that are true treasures. Humans are meant to be caring stewards of animals in distress, and not to just leave it to nature, so glad you did not listen to the DNR.
Constance York , you're awesome and I applaud your animal loving heart!!! I'm like that too. No animal near me will suffer in my presence. Peace✌️
That little guy was so awesome. The popcorn grab was cute as could be.
Pets Are Gods Gifts To Help Us Through Life. Everyone Needs Love
Really wonderful video, from your wise thoughts to the chosen song. Really sorry for Loki.
I feel very sad for your loss. I have a female that just turned ten years old and is in good shape still. She has had her dystemper shots and every month gets the tick and flea treatment. So far she is not agressive and doesnt mind me handling her young at all. She is a very special raccoon and very loving and like you she is allowed to come and go as she pleases and hibernates in winter. I have other raccons that come and feed she doesnt like it but she tolerates them as long as they dont go near me. Its tough in spring time to see if she returns or not so far I have been very lucky. You are right though they no not make good pets and I only allow them as far as my kitchen supervised.
Jim
Churchville, Nova Scotia Canada
Just watched your video again and my Rascal passed away last 23rd June 2017 at age 13. Not a day goes by I don't think of her.
Jim
James Blackwood - Raccoon Whisperer LOVELY James! IS your raccoon still returning? My friend found 2 babies in a garbage can, hand fed & cared for them till they were adults....now they come & go as they please, but mostly love to stay & play with the 2 dogs & cat that also reside with my friend.
they can be domesticated very easily and use the litter box
Hello. I was just handed an orphan and been feeding her KMR for several days now. It is so hard to find rescuer links n resources that gives detailed info, like when to deworm and give shots and how to find vets that will do it bec none of the vets where I live want to have anything to do with us. Please help.
very sad james ,,how lucky you were she trusted you
What a beautiful memory, 9 years ago I shared it on social networks and today I see it again
December 2022
Simply beautiful. I can feel the love.
David Miller so can I x
Mate, he sure seems to have been a very special soul. I'm a reasonably tough Aussie bloke ...... but that vid made me misty. Its hard for me to relate to Yanks calling them pests with so many vids out there showing their good side and intelligence. Spose that is easy to say when we have nothing like that here. Some animals a very special, thanks for sharing.
All animals are special in their own way.
Never pests, WE live in THEIR home! Skunks are just as amazing and intelligent individuals too. RIP LOKI 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
It’s always nice to see people who actually appreciate animals. Yes, raccoons can be an issue for some and I sympathize with those who have had problems with them. But to label the entire raccoon species as vicious and disease riden pests is just totally ignorant. Not everyone has negative experiences with them. They are some of the most cutest and fascinating creatures you can find on this planet and just like all animals, including us humans, they have an ugly side and a good side.
Fitzy Holden I shed a tear watching this 2 man and I been through some shit that's me in the pic
(the white guy)
It just goes to show, wether people consider an animal a rodent, a scavenger or a nuisance, all life is precious and one kind gesture could mean the world to an animal.
I cannot express how many tears i shed over this video. Also your quotes from Martin Luther King and everything you wrote below the video was very touching. It is just beautiful to see how we still have people like you in this world who care for animals and humans and who tolerate their behaviours to accomodate them and give them more promiding and comfortable life ...so sorry you lost ur little buddy :((
Thank you Dru Sidora
Lovely video. Inspiring for everybody to care about animals. sorry for your Lost.
Both you and Loki were blessed to have found one another. Its very evident that he loved you, and death cannot break that bond. You'll see him again one day
Just read your comments under the video; I'm so impressed that among all the well-intended but naive 'rescuers,' clearly you're among the educated & conscientious ones. Re: "A life spent in a cage is not worth living," touché!!! And how you trained Loki to survive in the wild and welcomed him to come & go, despite the lifelong commitment you offered. And how you understood the natural nature of his adult aggression & destructiveness, and managed to accommodate it. I so wish we all had the compassion, custodial & advocacy sense you clearly do. God bless you!!!
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Gandhi. I'm so sorry to hear that Loki passed away. It is wonderful to see the interaction between the two of you. This is how is mean to be for us humans to respect, love, protect and be compassionate with all animals including those that had the "misfortune" to be enslave, torture and slaughter by the meat and dairy industries, don't pay for their suffering.
Kat, I'm so sorry Loki passed away. I have loved animals all my life and can't imagine not being surrounded by them. I have 3 rescued cats inside and I feed about 7 raccoon's and 3 of them are moms so I'm hoping they bring the babies soon. Also I feed a mama possum & I can't wait to see them outside of her pouch,and recently a fox joined the family. I love them and I look forward to seeing them. They come to my window to let me know it's time to eat. I believe we'll see the pets we've lost again so hang in there, and thanks for loving animals :)
I watched this video with total admiration and a smile from ear to ear. The news of his passing is heartbreaking, but as with my rescues, the only thing that helps with the loss is the knowledge that you gave him a wonderful life that someone else would have extinguished without a care or chance to live.
Thank you.
And the tears stream down my face😭
I have something in my eye. :-/
tears.....anyone that loves animals can respect these wonderful people.
I am crying soo hard right now ... I only seen him for three minutes and my heart is broken, I fell in love with him the first three seconds. I am deeply and heartfelt sorry for you loss of Loki. I know your pain, I too still have holes in my heart from the untimely loss of a few previous animals as well. Even after 25 yrs I can still get a gut rott feeling iny stomach if I think to.much about my little angels. He was an amazing little fellow and I agree a raccoon is definitely not for everybody !
Thank you for this privilege of sharing Loki with us.....Love the John Denver song Sunshine.
Noooooo! He passed away?! This crushes me, and I didn't even know him personally. :( I'm so sorry for your loss.
god bless ,you have a beautiful soul. Such a wonderful thing for you to speak the truth about this and to be their advocate .....
I made my friends in Alabama watch this after they shot a raccoon.
They are wonderful, smart, sensitive animals. Amazing what they can do with their little hands.
Good job sir. You need to replay this over and over until you see a single tear trickle down their cheek lol
David Adkins and did they feel horrible in any way?
sapphirestar316 not really. Sad.
+David Adkins wow. good thing idk know your friend cause i look for ppl like that to send them to the hospital. i am srry bu i do not tolerate ppl hurting animals. do not get offended but when i see this type of behavior in a person i make them feel so srry that they cry like little girls.
Beautiful, thank you for caring and sharing. God bless you xx
made me cry so bad, tears still rolling from my cheeks.......so sweet, so special, so sad...... bittersweet for sure. I feel the loss.
Loki was so cute and you treated him so well. I love watching videos of amazing people, who take care well of amazing pets. I own a Holland lop bunny, and he's also my sunshine, I respect, love and take care of him too, like you did with Loki. Thank you guys, for sharing these beautiful momments with Loki :)
I can't wait for god's new world to come. Where we can really enjoy peace with all kinds of animals and not be afraid, because god will take the fears away from them so they won't do harm. Beautiful sweet hart.
Bman Chu The only soiling here is you with your anger and hate.
sorry for your loss thank you for the video and your kindness to anminals
This is so freaking beautiful , made me cry and smile :) lovely to see this little Raccoon being treated with such kindness and love .
so sorry for your loss. First time watching Loki made me cry, I can't imagine yourself with daily companion... truly amazing friendship.
You gave him the Love he deserved. Just a beautifull and Heartbreaking story
Dear Kat, What a beautiful tribute! Thank you so much for sharing Loki, I have a family of Racoon who live in the Marsh behind my house, the joy and happiness that seeing them and playing with them brings me closer to God. I an so happy to see that there are others who understand the beauty of nature and how we need to protect the animal. I'm so sorry for the loss... I lost my little guy on October 22 and everyday I miss him. Blessings and Love to you!
and I love the last clip where he reaches into the popcorn bowl.
it's adorable.:)
I just came across this video and I could barely watch through the tears. It was so lovingly put together. What a beautiful bond you had with Loki. The quotes were so profound and reminds us that all animals require respect dignity and kindness. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Loki is frolicking and foraging in th forests of heaven. You are quite the lovely soul.
Thanks for sharing.....
I never see a raccoon in person, I'm from Puerto Rico in my country don't have raccoons, I think all animals are beautiful. Particular the raccoons, and squirrels always keeps those innocent eyes, no mater how grow up, looks innocent and invite to protect. I like to thank you about the way you think about how animals can be treated, I hate dog ties, I hate cages, my dog are living in my back yard because he is a little aggressive and I have neighbors with kids. Long time ago my husband purchased I bunny for my son, when he was a kind now have 22yrs, and I never put the bunny in a cage, never, the bunny was free inside a room, free to run, I have to clean a couple times a day because he poo in everywhere but I don't care, I don't have the heart for put in the cage. I love your comments, I love the way you feel about animals, thank you for being like you are.
+libertadmakeup ~ Thank you for being like you are too.
What a beautiful story matched by one of the most lovely songs ever written. What nice people to give life and love to a little critter. Thank you for sharing Loki. To a good life, please adopt another, one is waiting for a good home like yours!
This is beautiful. I saw a .gif of Loki eating popcorn and thought it was hilarious. Wanted to share it with my fiancee. Went looking for a better quality version of it and stumbled upon this. Never realized I would find such a sentimental story attached to that funny scene of a raccoon enjoying popcorn with his human friend. You are clearly very gentle and sensitive people.
This just ripped my heart apart. Thank you for sharing your ever valuable moments with Loki with the internet. Loki must have been one happy raccoon with the aid that you have provided for him. Now please excuse me, I have to go and wipe my tears and a dripping nose clean.
What an amazing little character. Waiting for you at the rainbow bridge. We will meet again. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing
This is the beauty of the Internet. Loki is still sharing his Sunshine with us in 2016. And we so need all the sunshine we can get! Thank you for giving us a taste of the Joy and Love you had with Loki and for Loki. My day, and my life, are much better for your sharing. Thanks.
he was adorable!! so sorry for your loss..lost my cat after 18 years..she was like my little buddy so I definitely understand...
The gift of friendship with a wild animal is a special bond. Thank you for sharing.
A beautiful tribute to your little buddy. I had two raccoons back in the late 1970's that I took to Okinawa under special permission of NC Wildlife Commission. I donated them to the Childrens' Zoo before I left and they had babies and was doing very well when I left in 1979. I got my story in the Stars and Stripes and got a plaque from the zoo.
It's amazing the way these animals find their way into our hearts. I still miss my little friend. The intelligence they demonstrate, and take to those of us who've cared for them is great. I wish you the best, and thanks again for the video. This tribute is beautiful.
Please receive my true sympathy for that hard time to lose a so nice friend and thank you to share something as beautiful as such a cute little Raccoon, I love them much. Have the best for future.
How very sweet to see the love and respect between you and your dear pal Loki. It's so heartbreaking to lose a loved one. We recently lost our 3rd darling in just under 3 years. Currently we have 2 darlings. They're almost 13 and doing well. Our others lived til 15,15, &16 years so we know we gave them good ,healthy, happy lives. The pain does subside but you are right in saying the hole in our hearts remain forever. I'm smiling while I watch these wonderful videos. Loki was a truly funny dude who seemed to like the good life in your home. Bless you and your family. ❤️❤️️🐾🐾
I'm so sorry for your loss :( what a darling he was! I took care of a squirrel when I was a child and it became bonded to me, he lived outside but would knock on my bedroom window to be let in at night. He passed away when I was still a child, but he was very loved. When I was 19 I got a job at a zoo (even though I don't believe in caging animals) and with all of the different animals the raccoons were my favorite place to go and have my lunch. To entertain them, the zoo staff put their food and treats in an enormous block of soft ice in the summer and they would have so much fun digging it out. They are my favorite!
This really tugs at the heart strings. It's clear he was well loved and cared for.
Bless you hearts.
He was a beautiful creature. I'm sorry for your loss, but you have him what short life he had by helping him in the first place and you have him what looks to have been a wonderful life. You are such wonderful people and thank you for sharing with us the time that you all shared.
This made me cry :( what a companion
You are SO LUCKY to have had each other. Love like this doesn't come around very often. What a dear little chap. Thanks for sharing this. I'm sure you will be reunited one day. God bless you.
Foxy was eight weeks old when I brought her home for my daughter. She was a red short-haired Dachshund who became my BFF for life! She died of heartworm disease 15 years ago and I wish I could have another "red" but I'm 68 now. I wouldn't want to die and leave her alone. Her friendship remains!
Such a beautiful tribute to one of nature's most beautiful gift's... I know nothing anyone can say or do will fill the void that Loki left in your heart but the time you had with him to make so many joyous memories... He brought so much happiness and love to your life and I believe that you did the same for him... Thanks for sharing your memories with us XO 😘
I just found out your Loki died. So sorry We found ours out front end of May 2014 and I had to clean out her eyes and bottle fed her. Moonshine,(my granddaughter named her ) sleeps between us everynight. She gets up, eats and wants to go out and sleep up under our shed till about 8pm. We have woods all around and she does does go in a bit but comes and pushes the door open in our living room. I just heard she is home again Gotta go and feed her
I could see a very something special watching him. I instantly found myself smiling and enjoying his antics. Through all of it I could see with absolute clarity, as you said, he was dearly loved. Thank you for sharing his memory so it could warm my heart tonight.
i had a pet racoon for 18 months..she died in my arms also...found her at 6 weeks old...i would have another one in a heartbeat..she was and will always be my heart..she slept with me every night....they can be domesticated
Rahul Brahmin raccoons only live about two years, and often domestic ones can encounter other problems that aren't as prevalent in the wild like, say, human beings. cars and chemicals aren'r good for them, nor as we can see in Loki, are some of the drugs required
so sorry for your loss....he was such a beautiful baby....sadly everytime we get a pet we know one day we will be crying when its their time to go....but u gave him a wonderful home and so much happiness and love...he filled your heart with joy...some ppl never xperience that blessing....I hope you are dong better by now....thinking tha one day we will see all our pets again....god bless you
Oh noooooo! Oh, this is incredibly sad. I have not had any pets for 7 years now because I become deeply attached to them and can't bear it when they pass. Ah jeeze, I feel for you Kat Wagg T-T
A tear of joy trickled down my cheek as I watched. Love knows no species bounds.
i try to avoid sad video. but this looked a nice one as i spent few hrs watching animals and racoons. and then the song made me think. i scrool down to comments and after i rad few words i instantly realised that is a sad story and 2 tears came to my eyes. i didnt even had to read under the video. i feel the pain just by listening the song. i wish i wasnt born this sensitive. damn
sensitivity is strength.
Same. I thought the song was too sad and reminiscent compared to all the other animal vids I just watched. Read the whole description and am pretty bummed :( Loki was such a beautiful creature. it's always so sad when a pet dies. I also struggle with being too sensitive!
I am sorry for your loss.. thank you for sharing the love, the joy and the wonderful bond.. It is so clear that you gave this dear baby a loving home..and the love was returned... Rip sweet baby
This is some Fox and the Hound shit...I'm tearing up over here. Why Loki Why:(
Truly the most beautiful tribute ever. I understand the loss of a friend that you still cry for, every single day. I cry over my sweet Amy every day. People think I'm nuts. OK. I feel sad for them, that they have never had that special bond with an animal. ❤️
The only bad side of having pets is that they die someday.
They give you One of the best days and one of the worst.
Reading your comments and descriptions, I am sure that you were a great friend and guardian of your Loki. He must've been happy that he could spend life with you and be adored by you. It's good that there're nice people like you.
I just LOVE raccoons! They are just so darn cute - especially yours @ Kat Wagg :)
Thank you so much for showing such love and kindness to this sweet baby. Animals deserve more people like you two in the world. ❤️ Rest in peace Loki.
I know how is it feels, I used to have a Siberian Husky, I know how to feel a father when he lose his son =(
Oh my - I just stumbled on this video, what a beautiful little soul Loki was and your bond with him is plain to see. I am so sorry you lost him as you did.But I hope you are comforted by the knowledge he was deeply loved by you and always felt secure in your love and care. Quality of life always trumps quantity.Your words here are so eloquent they moved me to tears. I believe there are far more good people in the world but the bad ones never fail to shock and appal decent, good hearted people. Thanks for being so honest about the challenges of caring for a raccoon - you are so right, life in a cage is no better than a life in prison, all creatures need and deserve their freedom. You should feel very proud that you always gave Loki's his. God bless you and yours, sending you a big hug from a friend in England (I will be cuddling my beloved dog a little more after seeing this moving video and reading your beautiful words!) X
It's almost 2 a.m and I look outside and I can't beleive what I'm seeing with my eyes!!!!! it's a racoon playing with one of the kids play ball OMG
I can only imagine the pain of losing such a beautiful and loving animal that way. I've watched this video so much times, and each times i can feel a little bit of the joy that he must have brought in your heart! I will continue to watch this, as a reminder of the beautiful wonders of the world, such as your little sunshine
Them onions!! They get me every time! 😿
Crying right now:( I'm so sorry for your loss but what a wonderful baby you had. It was not your fault- what an adorable Sunshine baby!
if u dont mind....what happened to loki...just curoius...I have 2 of my own and they are my familys world...great pals and pains in the butts too..lol
+tim moore
Hi Tim,
Read the info under the video.
Beautiful tribute to Loki. Pets are family and they take a piece of our heart with them when they pass away. Loki's memory will remain in your heart forever. ❤️
*+Kat Wagg* Your letter to us in the "About" section is...well, IMHO, simply glorious.
Thank you nameofthepen
Kat Wagg - You're welcome! Thanks for such lovely contributions to my YT experience. ツ
A very beautiful video and your love of animals is its own ray of sunshine in this world. Thanks so much for posting this for all to see. Blessings on you!
Trash panda is now sitting to the left of the great Buddha bathing in his light of majesty for Trash pandas wisdom and love will forever beam upon you.
It's so beautiful how you took Loki in, cared for him and fed him, and simply allowed him to be who he was. That is the greatest gift you can give a wild animal. I know in my heart you will see Loki again when you transition, and I'm sure he visits you every day. Just because you can't see or feel him doesn't mean he isn't there. Death never kills love. Much love to you, and I hope that time has eased some of your pain. xx
I had a raccoon as a child, and I, too loved him dearly. I wouldn't have ever thought of keeping a raccoon as a pet, but his mother was killed for sport, and I couldn't bear to leave him behind when I found him. I was living in a farm area of Nebraska at the time (1983), and the only other option was someone coming to shoot him, too. Wow, do they cause a lot of damage! But, after their gone, you are willing to have all of it back.
Love the video, so sorry for your loss even though it is years later, I'm sure you still have a place in hour heart that is empty. The video touched me and I thank you for posting it.
AWWW this makes me cry!!
I am crying. This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing these beautiful moments with us.
Aww God Bless you sir. He passed away? I am an animal rights activist and Vegetarian Chef. I love all animals but my two favorite animals have always been since I was a child, a raccoon and panda's.
what a special little guy. I can see why he captured your heart completely. I know it has been many years now, but I just saw your video, was touched and wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. God bless.
wish theyd stay young forever
Sorry for your loss! He is adorable! Thank you for sharing this video. You are so blessed to have had this little critter in your life and vise versa.