Thank you everyone at Hope for Wildlife.🙏 Who knew one lil porcupine could bring tears of happiness and mean so much to so many people. Thank you Joels and Forest Friend for loving and caring so much for all these beautiful creatures. Happy New Year everyone.🌲🦔🦫🐿️
All he needs is a tiny tin cup to scrape along the bars while he sings, "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen..." So glad he's home. Thank you to all the amazing folks at Hope for Wildlife and to you guys for seeing that he got the care he needed. You are all porcupine guardian angels. ❤❤❤
I signed up for Hope for Wildlife’s newsletters, which are interesting and educational. They are caring for and saving the lives of so many animals! They presently have 26 porcupines, each of whom eats more than a pound of food (fresh veggies and rodent kibble) every day. They took in 263 species in 2024. HFW is a very worthy cause!
His cries in the back of the truck were heartbreaking but as soon as the truck stopped and he smelled he was home, no more crying. He just waited patiently to get out and head to his comfort zone ♥️
On the driveway, he started sniffing like crazy and his eyes were huge by the time we stopped. I know his sense of smell is way better than ours, but I'm still sort of amazed that he could smell he was home.
Oh. . . The baby is back home! I’m just speechless. Thanks to everyone who took good care of him. So sad when he left even though he seemed to know where home is. So many people are happy! Blessings to all humans and critters. This is a very happy new year! Hope to see you soon again, Chonkers!
Oh those cries at the beginning. 😢 "Take me home......take me hooooome!" 😢 Once he got there, he was chill. Given the incredible scent memory of large rodents, I think he knew it was you when he left the cage. He's happy to be back. ❤😊
@@Forest_Friend. I'm going to embarrass myself......I was crying when he left the cage. That sniff of the hand was so gentle. I hope he visits soon for a peanut top-up.
@@snowysnowyriver I was really worried on our way to get him that he'd be too scared to see us again, but with the way he reacted once we were home, I'm expecting to see him again soon. He was even tempted by the peanuts, but probably more tempted to find Spike for a New Year's Eve kiss.
@@edennis8578 Yeah, we noticed once he was about to go in the truck. We're not sure when it happened, he doesn't really show his teeth very often. But we checked with the rehabbers before we left with him about it. They hadn't noticed any blood in his cage and he'd been eating really well, so it doesn't seem to be impacting him negatively. We're hoping since he's a rodent it'll grow back in time.
That cry he made at the hospital goes right through one's heart. Amazing how the "creature in distress" cry crosses any and all species barriers. Everyone recognizes it, and is affected. It was so interesting, and wonderful, to see how he was SO much calmer when your vehicle was back at your house. He was still in the cage, but everything was different about him: sounds, posture, facial expression. And once out of the cage, he didn't go racing off instantly. Thank you so much, yet again, for your care for darling Chonkers.
He started sniffing like crazy on our way up the driveway and his eyes got huge. I don't know if he'd picked up a hint of his friends' scent or what, but he knew we were home. I didn't think he'd want the treats we'd put out for him, but figured it couldn't hurt to reinforce there was a reliable food source here and he still briefly paused to think about it. And while he has been to the door he didn't stay very long at the door but took a much more leisurely pace with his walkway pile, so we're going to keep putting out the two piles until he's a bit more used to us again. I don't want him to be afraid while he's eating or waiting until he's more hungry than nervous. But I'm betting once he sees other porcupines munching on the deck the last of his reservations will be gone.
He’ll be back! It just needs to be on his terms. I noticed he wasn’t crying at your house, he was smelling-he knew right away that he was on familiar ground. Thanks again for everything you did for Chonkers and for all of us following his progress via your channel!
“Did you lose a tooth, buddy?” “HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNH”. 😂 So glad Mr Chonkers is back where he belongs. Kudos to everyone who participated in his rehab and took such good care of this sweet pincushion. Live long and prosper Chonkers! We’re so happy you’re back where you belong.
Welcome home Chonkers. You have more people than you will ever know totally loving you. His distress cries in the cage went straight to my heart. For a minute when he came out of the cage he looked around like he couldn't believe he was home. I'm hoping he has a long, happy, safe life and I'm thankful he has you to watch over him. Please share a grateful thank you to the rescue organization who took such good care of him.
"How you feelin', buddy?" "Hhhheeeeeeehhhhhh..." I feel you, Chonkers. Glad to see him walking better and back home. Not an easy experience for him, but he's physically better for it and has an improved chance of survival. Thank you for your compassion.
So happy Chonkers is better and able to return home. Sent donation to Hope for Wildlife in thanks for their help with Chonkers. Hope he lives a long and good life now and continues to visit the porch for his peanuts and goodies. ❤👏❤️
I'm crying tears of joy to see sweet baby Chonkers home. I love you, Chonkers. Thank you both, and Hope Wildlife for this amazing recovery of our dear sweet Chonkers. This is the best New Years Eve ever. ❤Happy New Year to all. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you everyone at Hope for wildlife for helping chonkers and other animals as well i am so happy and relived chonkers is okay and HFW is a very worthy cause and very good to animals that they take care of i love animals so much it makes me happy that people care for other animals too and Happy new years to you all
In my first comment I forgot to add this: "...sitting here like an inmate..." 😋 Poor little Chonkers had no choice but to be your/Hope For Wildlife's inmate! Thank God he's finally FREE..... & doing better...
My New Year just got a lot better. Tears in my eyes on seeing precious Chonkers come home.♥ Thank you all at Hope for Wildlife for saving him. It might take a few days but soon he will appear at your door looking for his Christmas stocking. Thank you Joels for your kindness and gentle understanding of our wild friends. 🏡♥🦫🦔♥ What a happy day! 🎉
Oh, those unbearable cries at first! But he was standing and looking at everything around him, and then when you opened the cage and welcomed him he knew where he was immediately. He does have a rolling walk now, but clearly he isn't in pain, and even peanuts couldn't stop him waddling away into his home turf. What a New Year present. It's such a wonderful way to see wildlife and how you marvellous people look after the porcupines around you. Very, very Happy New Year and a peaceful one, which you deserve.
I think his rolling walk might even get better. He's been in a very small space and not allowed to walk or climb for about 6 weeks. So he hasn't been able to rebuild any muscle. Once he starts using that leg he might get a lot better.
It's been a pretty fantastic end to an otherwise not very good year. And I felt so much better seeing him wander up to sniff Joel's hand. When we got up near the top of the driveway, his eyes went wide and he started sniffing like crazy. He knew he was home. Also, kinda gross, but I think it's also a really positive sign that he peed before leaving (I'm assuming it's his way of saying this is still his home).
@ That sniff is what told me he knew exactly who you guys were. It was the way he did it…willingly and so gentle and lovey. I think he was actually torn between wanting to stay with you and have his snackies and waddling off to find his little den. I think the peeing in the snow was absolutely marking his territory and his celebratory arrival home. I can’t get over how well he’s walking!! I expected a severe limp, but no! It’s not bad at all! I actually have a porcupine group chat with a bunch of my family members back in South Carolina named The Porcupine Fan Club, with a picture of Squeak in the plant pot as the group photo, and when I sent this video to them that chat lit up like a Christmas tree 😂 Lots of happy tears and excitement in both Oregon and South Carolina to see Mr. Chonkers come home. Thank you, thank you thank you for the video and for taking such good care of him 🥹 Also the consensus of the group chat is that the missing tooth gives him a certain pirate-y, swashbuckling look that’s rather debonair. Much better than coming home with a prison tattoo 😉
@@suzannahjohnson6879 I was telling Joel about your family chat while we entertained Squeak in the kitchen tonight. We're glad he went piratey instead of prison tats too! Also, in true Squeak fashion, she spit out the carrot and apple soup I'd spent over an hour making, lol. Fortunately for me, Joel isn't as picky as a porcupine.
@@sharim I’m guessing either the symbol of whatever porcupine gang he might have joined while in the clink (maybe an apple with a bite missing?), or “No Ragrets.” Maybe even a surly looking Mr. Peanut.
Absolutely the best way to end 2024 with Mr Chonkers arriving back home and special thanks to you both and the Sanctuary for caring for him!! Even peanuts were not enough to tempt him from going home!! ❤❤❤❤ God bless you both always! A very Happy New Year to you and your fur babies and looking forward to more exciting adventures with Squeak, Spike, Mr Chonkers and all other porcupines, 2025 🎉🎉🥳🥳🍾🥂🍾🥂❤️❤️🎉🎉
OMG…. His sweet noises like he’s complaining about what he went through, massive appreciation from us all to Hope for Wildlife and you two observant guardians of the critters! 🤗 💜💜🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔💜💜💜💜💜🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️💜💜💜💜💜
Chonkers sat up on his hind legs in the cage and is walking so well considering his injury. He may even get a little better as his muscles strengthen again. Thank you to all.
@@joels7605Those muscles will strengthen as he wanders about his territory and visits you for nuts and apple. I'm sure he's not afraid of you. Your voices reminded him of home and he had no way of understanding that he would be returning, hence the crying. I noticed he didn't cry in the cage at the home end of his journey.
Ohhh, if Chonkers wasn't covered from head to toe with quills, I'd have picked him up to give him a hug when he was crying out. Poor baby!!!!!! I am thrilled he has gotten better and is back where he belongs..HOME!!! This is a great way to end the year: I live in Texas and we have less than 15 minutes til midnight!!! So, Happy New Year everyone!!! Oh and Thank you to Hope for Wildlife for helping Chonkers!!!
Excellent job to all who were on team Chonkers!! . His cries are heartbreaking and it’s likely frightening for him but in the end- perfect happy ending!
Oh my 🥺 I was little afraid Chonkers would be timid towards you guys after this ordeal. That would have been understandable because it's a lot to process for a little guy like that. So I'm super happy he seems calm and right at home there. What a wonderful result 💛
Thank you SO MUCH to all the wonderful people at Hope for Wildlife and to Unhinged Menagerie for taking such great care of this little buddy, likely saving his life. Looking forward to see more videos of Chonkers eating peanuts on the porch very soon, and having arguments with Squeak and Spike. Will head over to Hope for Wildlife to make a donation.
We ended up buying a bunch of things from their store instead of a donation. They have a lot of really nice things, including kids books! My son and I have been following Chonkers’ rehab and were filled with joy to see him walk away in the woods again. We have family in Nova Scotia and were happy to see Hope for Wildlife is there, so we might plan a visit next time we go!
You should make a short film or 'movie' on what happened to Chonkers with this farewell as the finale scene. From start (how you fed and cared for them, to when he was shot, to this bittersweet ending...) It is so beautiful to see the care & love you guys gave him and his friends throughout and continue to do so... thank you for sharing this incredible footage!
Everyone remember to Thank God for healing and bringing Chonkers safely home! Chonkers was hoping there would be some Christmas cash for her, but alas... Does Squeak have a designated driver for tonight!?!! 🥰
Chonkers is like "Lemme see if everything is the same since I left". Poor guy has no idea what has been happening to him for the past few weeks. Welcome home Chonkers and Happy new year to you all!
Hmmm, I hope he doesn't lose that last upper front tooth. He sure answered you when you asked about it. Hopefully he has more teeth in the back for chewing otherwise smoothies may be in order!
@@edennis8578 We only noticed as we were loading him in the truck, but he doesn't show his teeth often. I'm curious if his X-rays would give a clue about it, but I don't think Joel and I took photos of the ones showing his head. Admittedly, with all the other stuff going on in those X-rays, we weren't really looking at his teeth much. I remember glancing at them on the first set because I thought it was neat the iron in their teeth made them light up more, but I don't remember if it was a front or side view.
@@Forest_FriendThank you so much for your reply. I looked back at the video where you had to capture him and it looks like he had both teeth at that time. If he's eating fine, then he's ok. It's just broken off at the gumline, it'll grow back. Happy New Year and thanks for all you do. ❤
Even if you don't get video of the big event, please let us know when you see him again. 🙂 Thank you for helping him and for the channel in general. I hope your 2025 is a great year!
Happy New Year! Also donated to Hope for Wildlife. I liked how the resident crow and chickadees announced the return of Chonkers. Maybe we can chip in to get a new hibiscus plant just for Squeak?
So VERY glad Chonkers is home. He deserves a lot of spoiling. And I'm so sorry I have no money to send. My dsughter told me about your channel and I love it.
I’m so happy he is home. Poor Chonkers. His voice in the crate sounds sad. I hope he’ll still visit you & aren’t scared of going to your house. Happy New Year! 🥳🎉
Oh my goodness, this is so heartwarming! Watching him go in the truck, then he seemed to know he was back and calmed down. And then to see him wiggle off to his groovy den, I'm picturing something hobbit-like, I hope he has a good nights sleep in his own comfy bed. Love you Chonks!
Thank for this video and welcome back Chonkers. Thank you Joel and your wife for all you do and all the volunteers and doctors at the center. It brings me joy to know Chonkers is back and safe.
Many Thanks to all at Hope for Wildlife who took such good care of Chonkers . This definitely made the New Year much brighter, Thanks to Mom &Dad. for taking him to the vets, hopefully the human who shot him has gone away! So happy to see him home, wonder what they think after being gone for so long? Hopefully he still has his den. Did the new X-Ray show it healed back?? Happy New Year!❤🐾❤😊
I'm beginning to believe that each of the porcupines has about half a dozen dens, so I think he'll be okay. We didn't get to see the latest x-rays, but the vet said they looked good.
So happy Chonkers is home and I'm sure he is too. Hoping his recovery continues and he is at peace in his own bed tonight. Goodness, it fills my heart to know he's back home. Thanks to all for taking care of him.
Such wonderful news! As soon as the video started playing and I saw Chonkers grasping the bars of his enclosure I screamed "BUDDY!" Such an indescribable feeling, seeing him back home, around people who love and care for him. And just in time to ring in the new year. The BEST way to end the year!
*@**0:48* i-was-SO-not-ready .... ohhh my heart. p.s. Uhhhh Joel maybe Mr. Chonks would have loved a ride in the Porsche instead, hehe. Tx for adding camera in back though. Mr. Chonks was screaming about getting him back to his *HAREM* of female pines hehe. Yup .... right past allll the food and on the scent trail. *Watch out LADIES* daddy is home ... come hide out at Joel and Forest Friend's crib.
#HOPEforWildlife for the win!! Absolute most talked about rescue in Canada I swear as Hope Swinimer started the beginning of a rescue back around 1998 if I recall correctly. It then became Hope for Wildlife as it expanded.
So happy he is back. I wonder if porcupines are like guinea pigs with teeth that grow and regrow constantly. That one teeth looks a bit long and wonky though. Might interfere with his ability to eat. It's good you always keep such good care of them so you can see if he is not eating properly.
@@joels7605 That's what would happen with my guinea pigs. Sometimes I still had the vet correct the teeth though. Let's hope Chonkers will be fine on his own. I'm sure he is not looking forward to another vet visit. 🥲
Yay! Great news to have Chonkers back where he belongs, just in time to,kick off a new year! 💙 Chonkers was definitely stressed when we first see him behind bars, but he looked _relieved_ when he walked out of the cage, sniffed the familiar surroundings & almost ate his “Welcome Home” snack! I hope no new male porcupine moved in on his territory while he went in respite! Thank you so much to everyone at Hope For Wildlife of NS for taking such great care of our beloved Mr. Chonkers! All the animals in your care are very fortunate to have you around. I’ll definitely make a larger donation next year to ensure the animals in your neck of the woods have someone to help them out. Thank you to Joel & Forest Friend for looking after these adorable & important creatures! Thank you for showing us the interactions you guys have with the pokey ones, it definitely brings a smile to my face & I definitely need a good daily pick-me-up! Finally, thank you both for advocating for these wonderful, but much maligned, creatures. Your videos really show how a little compassion goes a long way; show these animals an ounce of respect & they will give it back. They won’t go out of their way to intentionally harm hoomans & we can get along with them. Happy New Year Joel & Mrs. Joel (Forest Friends) 🫶🏼
This made me so happy 💜 I hope the tooth grows back or it doesn’t affect him too much. He loves his peanuts! 🥜 He seemed so relieved to be home again 🥰
Thank you for caring so much about these sweet animals. Seeing Chonkers back home and a thousand times better than he was is the perfect ending to 2024. Many blessings to everyone for a joyous 2025...and beyond ❤
Welcome home, Chonkers ! I'm so glad you are back.😃 I'm sorry you had to go through such a hard time because of the heartless person. When I go to Hatsumoude(the first shrine visit of the New Year), I'll pray for a peaceful year for you and the other porcupines.🙏
Yesseree Yahooo welcome home Chonkers you darling boy 🎉🥳🤸♀️💙. Donated toward Chonkers Care and Thank you so much @Hope For Wildlife ❤🫂🙏. Love yah Mr. Chonkers and you look Marvelous compared to what you were 🙌💥💫. Thank you for taking us along and Happy 2025 to You, your loved ones and to all reading this!! 🥰🤗🥳xx
Oh my gosh, this is just the best!! Would love to see the other Porcupine faces when Chonkers shows up, "We thought you were dead!!" So happy for all of you. Happy New Year!!
Welcome Home Chonkers so lovely to see you I really missed you. looking forward to seeing you when you come back for your treats. Thanks to the vets & staff that took care of him. Thank you ,your wife & family for all the kindness& love you give these lovely animals every day & night you are one of a kind. Blessings, Hugs & Kisses to all💕
Such happy news, thank you all so much, it restores your faith in humankind to see such kindness and caring! A very healthy and Happy New Year to you and all the furry friends.
Thank you everyone at Hope for Wildlife.🙏 Who knew one lil porcupine could bring tears of happiness and mean so much to so many people. Thank you Joels and Forest Friend for loving and caring so much for all these beautiful creatures. Happy New Year everyone.🌲🦔🦫🐿️
All he needs is a tiny tin cup to scrape along the bars while he sings, "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen..." So glad he's home. Thank you to all the amazing folks at Hope for Wildlife and to you guys for seeing that he got the care he needed. You are all porcupine guardian angels. ❤❤❤
😂😂😂🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳
He's got lots of tales to tell, ❤❤❤
I'm thinking Chonkers may take a long NAP in his den after all he has been through. Sleep is so wonderful for anyone who has been through so much.
I love to sleep at night with and without lullabies. I like lullabies a lot!!
@@AprilTeniente-eu1mj Yes, me too!!
I noticed all his cries are gone when he was arrived at home❤
I signed up for Hope for Wildlife’s newsletters, which are interesting and educational. They are caring for and saving the lives of so many animals! They presently have 26 porcupines, each of whom eats more than a pound of food (fresh veggies and rodent kibble) every day. They took in 263 species in 2024. HFW is a very worthy cause!
They do a lot of really good things.
They have a great TV SHOW, also!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
Thanks for letting me know about the show. I found some episodes on UA-cam and look forward to watching them.
Some animals are on TV and others are on UA-cam
His cries in the back of the truck were heartbreaking but as soon as the truck stopped and he smelled he was home, no more crying. He just waited patiently to get out and head to his comfort zone ♥️
On the driveway, he started sniffing like crazy and his eyes were huge by the time we stopped. I know his sense of smell is way better than ours, but I'm still sort of amazed that he could smell he was home.
Poor sweet baby was so homesick. So glad he's on the road to recovery.
Oh. . . The baby is back home! I’m just speechless. Thanks to everyone who took good care of him. So sad when he left even though he seemed to know where home is. So many people are happy! Blessings to all humans and critters. This is a very happy new year! Hope to see you soon again, Chonkers!
Oh those cries at the beginning. 😢 "Take me home......take me hooooome!" 😢 Once he got there, he was chill. Given the incredible scent memory of large rodents, I think he knew it was you when he left the cage. He's happy to be back. ❤😊
As we got close to the house his eyes got so wide and he was sniffing like crazy, I think he could smell he was home.
@@Forest_Friend. I'm going to embarrass myself......I was crying when he left the cage. That sniff of the hand was so gentle. I hope he visits soon for a peanut top-up.
@@snowysnowyriver I was really worried on our way to get him that he'd be too scared to see us again, but with the way he reacted once we were home, I'm expecting to see him again soon. He was even tempted by the peanuts, but probably more tempted to find Spike for a New Year's Eve kiss.
@@Forest_Friend Is he missing a tooth?
@@edennis8578 Yeah, we noticed once he was about to go in the truck. We're not sure when it happened, he doesn't really show his teeth very often. But we checked with the rehabbers before we left with him about it. They hadn't noticed any blood in his cage and he'd been eating really well, so it doesn't seem to be impacting him negatively. We're hoping since he's a rodent it'll grow back in time.
Welcome back, Chonkers!!!🎉🎉🎉 you were missed dearly.
Special thanks to everybody that helped. Happy New Year!🎉
That cry he made at the hospital goes right through one's heart.
Amazing how the "creature in distress" cry crosses any and all species barriers.
Everyone recognizes it, and is affected.
It was so interesting, and wonderful, to see how he was SO much calmer when your vehicle was back at your house.
He was still in the cage, but everything was different about him: sounds, posture, facial expression. And once out of the cage, he didn't go racing off instantly.
Thank you so much, yet again, for your care for darling Chonkers.
He started sniffing like crazy on our way up the driveway and his eyes got huge. I don't know if he'd picked up a hint of his friends' scent or what, but he knew we were home. I didn't think he'd want the treats we'd put out for him, but figured it couldn't hurt to reinforce there was a reliable food source here and he still briefly paused to think about it. And while he has been to the door he didn't stay very long at the door but took a much more leisurely pace with his walkway pile, so we're going to keep putting out the two piles until he's a bit more used to us again. I don't want him to be afraid while he's eating or waiting until he's more hungry than nervous. But I'm betting once he sees other porcupines munching on the deck the last of his reservations will be gone.
🥺 Chonkers “crying” is heartbreaking. I’m sure he must be so relieved to be home though. ❤
His little cries, poor thing 😥
He’ll be back! It just needs to be on his terms. I noticed he wasn’t crying at your house, he was smelling-he knew right away that he was on familiar ground. Thanks again for everything you did for Chonkers and for all of us following his progress via your channel!
Thanks. And his eyes went SUPER wide when he got back home.
“Did you lose a tooth, buddy?”
“HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNH”. 😂
So glad Mr Chonkers is back where he belongs. Kudos to everyone who participated in his rehab and took such good care of this sweet pincushion. Live long and prosper Chonkers! We’re so happy you’re back where you belong.
Welcome home Chonkers. You have more people than you will ever know totally loving you. His distress cries in the cage went straight to my heart. For a minute when he came out of the cage he looked around like he couldn't believe he was home. I'm hoping he has a long, happy, safe life and I'm thankful he has you to watch over him. Please share a grateful thank you to the rescue organization who took such good care of him.
Poor sweetheart!! I hope he will forget stressful experience soon and get back to his routines 💔
"How you feelin', buddy?"
"Hhhheeeeeeehhhhhh..."
I feel you, Chonkers.
Glad to see him walking better and back home. Not an easy experience for him, but he's physically better for it and has an improved chance of survival. Thank you for your compassion.
Your comment got a laugh out of both of us.
So happy Chonkers is better and able to return home. Sent donation to Hope for Wildlife in thanks for their help with Chonkers. Hope he lives a long and good life now and continues to visit the porch for his peanuts and goodies. ❤👏❤️
Thank you so much. They do good work.
Thanks
Thank you so much! We really appreciate that.
Poor guy. He doesn't want to talk about his lost tooth. Best wait until his new dentures come in!
Chonkers is so scared and upset 😢 but he is safe and sound
Still no tin cup to rattle on the bars!
*shakes angry porcupine fist*
Too funny. I can picture it.
CO! CO! I am innocent!
I'm crying tears of joy to see sweet baby Chonkers home. I love you, Chonkers. Thank you both, and Hope Wildlife for this amazing recovery of our dear sweet Chonkers. This is the best New Years Eve ever. ❤Happy New Year to all. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Welcome home, Chonkers!!
You’re such good humans to love these animals and care for them as you do - I’m so grateful to get to witness this….
Thank you everyone at Hope for wildlife for helping chonkers and other animals as well i am so happy and relived chonkers is okay and HFW is a very worthy cause and very good to animals that they take care of i love animals so much it makes me happy that people care for other animals too and Happy new years to you all
In my first comment I forgot to add this:
"...sitting here like an inmate..." 😋 Poor little Chonkers had no choice but to be your/Hope For Wildlife's inmate!
Thank God he's finally FREE..... & doing better...
My New Year just got a lot better. Tears in my eyes on seeing precious Chonkers come home.♥ Thank you all at Hope for Wildlife for saving him. It might take a few days but soon he will appear at your door looking for his Christmas stocking. Thank you Joels for your kindness and gentle understanding of our wild friends. 🏡♥🦫🦔♥ What a happy day! 🎉
Oh, those unbearable cries at first! But he was standing and looking at everything around him, and then when you opened the cage and welcomed him he knew where he was immediately. He does have a rolling walk now, but clearly he isn't in pain, and even peanuts couldn't stop him waddling away into his home turf. What a New Year present. It's such a wonderful way to see wildlife and how you marvellous people look after the porcupines around you. Very, very Happy New Year and a peaceful one, which you deserve.
I think his rolling walk might even get better. He's been in a very small space and not allowed to walk or climb for about 6 weeks. So he hasn't been able to rebuild any muscle. Once he starts using that leg he might get a lot better.
When I saw the title of this video I started screaming and hopping up and down and scared the #!
It's been a pretty fantastic end to an otherwise not very good year. And I felt so much better seeing him wander up to sniff Joel's hand. When we got up near the top of the driveway, his eyes went wide and he started sniffing like crazy. He knew he was home. Also, kinda gross, but I think it's also a really positive sign that he peed before leaving (I'm assuming it's his way of saying this is still his home).
@ That sniff is what told me he knew exactly who you guys were. It was the way he did it…willingly and so gentle and lovey. I think he was actually torn between wanting to stay with you and have his snackies and waddling off to find his little den. I think the peeing in the snow was absolutely marking his territory and his celebratory arrival home. I can’t get over how well he’s walking!! I expected a severe limp, but no! It’s not bad at all!
I actually have a porcupine group chat with a bunch of my family members back in South Carolina named The Porcupine Fan Club, with a picture of Squeak in the plant pot as the group photo, and when I sent this video to them that chat lit up like a Christmas tree 😂 Lots of happy tears and excitement in both Oregon and South Carolina to see Mr. Chonkers come home. Thank you, thank you thank you for the video and for taking such good care of him 🥹
Also the consensus of the group chat is that the missing tooth gives him a certain pirate-y, swashbuckling look that’s rather debonair. Much better than coming home with a prison tattoo 😉
@@suzannahjohnson6879 I was telling Joel about your family chat while we entertained Squeak in the kitchen tonight. We're glad he went piratey instead of prison tats too!
Also, in true Squeak fashion, she spit out the carrot and apple soup I'd spent over an hour making, lol. Fortunately for me, Joel isn't as picky as a porcupine.
@@suzannahjohnson6879 Now THAT (a prison tat) is something I would LOVE to see! What would it say?
@@sharim I’m guessing either the symbol of whatever porcupine gang he might have joined while in the clink (maybe an apple with a bite missing?), or “No Ragrets.” Maybe even a surly looking Mr. Peanut.
Absolutely the best way to end 2024 with Mr Chonkers arriving back home and special thanks to you both and the Sanctuary for caring for him!! Even peanuts were not enough to tempt him from going home!! ❤❤❤❤ God bless you both always! A very Happy New Year to you and your fur babies and looking forward to more exciting adventures with Squeak, Spike, Mr Chonkers and all other porcupines, 2025 🎉🎉🥳🥳🍾🥂🍾🥂❤️❤️🎉🎉
OMG…. His sweet noises like he’s complaining about what he went through, massive appreciation from us all to Hope for Wildlife and you two observant guardians of the critters! 🤗 💜💜🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔💜💜💜💜💜🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️💜💜💜💜💜
Chonkers sat up on his hind legs in the cage and is walking so well considering his injury. He may even get a little better as his muscles strengthen again. Thank you to all.
I think so. He hasn't been allowed to walk for about 6 weeks. He needs to exercise that leg and rebuild the muscle.
@@joels7605Those muscles will strengthen as he wanders about his territory and visits you for nuts and apple. I'm sure he's not afraid of you. Your voices reminded him of home and he had no way of understanding that he would be returning, hence the crying. I noticed he didn't cry in the cage at the home end of his journey.
@@joels7605He is also no longer using his tail as a support to or protect his leg. So happy for him❤
Ohhh, if Chonkers wasn't covered from head to toe with quills, I'd have picked him up to give him a hug when he was crying out. Poor baby!!!!!! I am thrilled he has gotten better and is back where he belongs..HOME!!! This is a great way to end the year: I live in Texas and we have less than 15 minutes til midnight!!! So, Happy New Year everyone!!! Oh and Thank you to Hope for Wildlife for helping Chonkers!!!
He's very pickupable. Poor little guy. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Excellent job to all who were on team Chonkers!! . His cries are heartbreaking and it’s likely frightening for him but in the end- perfect happy ending!
Welcome back, Chonkers!! Thank you all for helping this little sweetheart 🥹…
Oh my 🥺 I was little afraid Chonkers would be timid towards you guys after this ordeal. That would have been understandable because it's a lot to process for a little guy like that. So I'm super happy he seems calm and right at home there. What a wonderful result 💛
We were worried too.
Thank you SO MUCH to all the wonderful people at Hope for Wildlife and to Unhinged Menagerie for taking such great care of this little buddy, likely saving his life. Looking forward to see more videos of Chonkers eating peanuts on the porch very soon, and having arguments with Squeak and Spike. Will head over to Hope for Wildlife to make a donation.
We ended up buying a bunch of things from their store instead of a donation. They have a lot of really nice things, including kids books! My son and I have been following Chonkers’ rehab and were filled with joy to see him walk away in the woods again. We have family in Nova Scotia and were happy to see Hope for Wildlife is there, so we might plan a visit next time we go!
Chonkers: What sorcery is this? 😬
You should make a short film or 'movie' on what happened to Chonkers with this farewell as the finale scene. From start (how you fed and cared for them, to when he was shot, to this bittersweet ending...) It is so beautiful to see the care & love you guys gave him and his friends throughout and continue to do so... thank you for sharing this incredible footage!
@@Zzzmon-g6z I love this idea!
It is wonderful to see Chonkers be able to come home to celebrate the New Year! 💗
This is the best New years present. Tell Squeak not to terrorize Chonkers too much now that he's back.
Thank you Hope for Wildlife team for saving Chonkers!
Everyone remember to Thank God for healing and bringing Chonkers safely home!
Chonkers was hoping there would be some Christmas cash for her, but alas...
Does Squeak have a designated driver for tonight!?!! 🥰
Thank you. Squeak does not have a designated driver. She might get kicked out of this bar...
Aw that's so great Chonkers is home!! 🏡 He was in a hurry to get back into his habitat. What a trooper!!☺️
He got so much calmer once he saw he was back home
Chonkers is like "Lemme see if everything is the same since I left". Poor guy has no idea what has been happening to him for the past few weeks. Welcome home Chonkers and Happy new year to you all!
He’s so cute
Yeah! So glad he’s ok and back home
Hmmm, I hope he doesn't lose that last upper front tooth. He sure answered you when you asked about it. Hopefully he has more teeth in the back for chewing otherwise smoothies may be in order!
I'd make him all the smoothies he wants.
@@joels7605 Awww, such a lovely thought! Hopefully he keeps that last front tooth :). Thank you.
Welcome home Chonkers ❤✌
The cries make me want to give him a big hug
Thank you and a huge thanks to everyone who has helped him during this horrible time. It's wonderful to see such love displayed for this precious guy.
Poor Chonkers 😢 THANK you for taking such good care of him!!❤❤❤❤❤ Bless his spikey heart! May God keep him safe now 🎉 Happy New Years!! 🎉🎉🎉😊
He is back! I hope his roommate is doing well.
The chickadees are going nuts! What an alarm call
They're always yelling at us. They want food.
Aww sweet boy did lose a tooth. At least he is home with his friends. No more crying.
I wonder when that happened? It wasn't mentioned before, was it?
@@edennis8578 We only noticed as we were loading him in the truck, but he doesn't show his teeth often. I'm curious if his X-rays would give a clue about it, but I don't think Joel and I took photos of the ones showing his head. Admittedly, with all the other stuff going on in those X-rays, we weren't really looking at his teeth much. I remember glancing at them on the first set because I thought it was neat the iron in their teeth made them light up more, but I don't remember if it was a front or side view.
@@Forest_FriendThank you so much for your reply. I looked back at the video where you had to capture him and it looks like he had both teeth at that time. If he's eating fine, then he's ok. It's just broken off at the gumline, it'll grow back. Happy New Year and thanks for all you do. ❤
I love the pep in step, and he definitely thanked you. I’m glad he’s better. ✨✨✨✨
Awww, his little noises! Glad he is home. ❤
Even if you don't get video of the big event, please let us know when you see him again. 🙂 Thank you for helping him and for the channel in general. I hope your 2025 is a great year!
Will do.
Chonkers is back home what a way to start the new year!
Happy New Year! Also donated to Hope for Wildlife. I liked how the resident crow and chickadees announced the return of Chonkers. Maybe we can chip in to get a new hibiscus plant just for Squeak?
I just ordered a bunch of hibiscus leaves. She likes them dried. Potato chips for porcupines.
@@joels7605 LOL. AWESOME.
So VERY glad Chonkers is home. He deserves a lot of spoiling. And I'm so sorry I have no money to send. My dsughter told me about your channel and I love it.
I’m so happy he is home. Poor Chonkers. His voice in the crate sounds sad. I hope he’ll still visit you & aren’t scared of going to your house.
Happy New Year! 🥳🎉
Oh my goodness, this is so heartwarming! Watching him go in the truck, then he seemed to know he was back and calmed down. And then to see him wiggle off to his groovy den, I'm picturing something hobbit-like, I hope he has a good nights sleep in his own comfy bed. Love you Chonks!
Thank YOU for all your help for Chonkers! Donated to Hope for wildlife last night and got one of their animal sponsorship packages. Happy New Year!
Thank you! That really makes a difference.
The adventures of Chonkers the porcupine
You should have covered him to cut the windchill on the trip home...glad he's finally sprung from the joint, tho! 😂
It was pretty warm out today. I think around +8C.
Yay!! Welcome home Chonkers! What a blessing to be able to bring him back to his home territory and family. Thank you for your care! Happy New Year!!
Chonkers will recognize all the smells! Nothing better than being home!
Thank you so much to all at Hope for Wildlife...all the Best
Thanks to everybody who support Chonkers..welcome home Mr )
Thank for this video and welcome back Chonkers. Thank you Joel and your wife for all you do and all the volunteers and doctors at the center. It brings me joy to know Chonkers is back and safe.
Awwww Chonkie!!! ❤I'm so glad he's home!
Many Thanks to all at Hope for Wildlife who took such good care of Chonkers . This definitely made the New Year much brighter, Thanks to Mom &Dad. for taking him to the vets, hopefully the human who shot him has gone away! So happy to see him home, wonder what they think after being gone for so long? Hopefully he still has his den. Did the new X-Ray show it healed back?? Happy New Year!❤🐾❤😊
I'm beginning to believe that each of the porcupines has about half a dozen dens, so I think he'll be okay. We didn't get to see the latest x-rays, but the vet said they looked good.
So happy Chonkers is home and I'm sure he is too. Hoping his recovery continues and he is at peace in his own bed tonight. Goodness, it fills my heart to know he's back home. Thanks to all for taking care of him.
Maybe he will come back at night for the treats. Glad he is back home.
Such wonderful news! As soon as the video started playing and I saw Chonkers grasping the bars of his enclosure I screamed "BUDDY!"
Such an indescribable feeling, seeing him back home, around people who love and care for him. And just in time to ring in the new year. The BEST way to end the year!
His cries. .😢
Chonkers seems to move well. What a nice thing.
He's like 🎶 Rescue me, come take me in your arms rescue me🎶 ❤
How amazing I saw this first time 😮😮😮😮his voice is strange 😲
He makes other noises, but this particular noise was because he was stressed. Unless you were talking about my voice and not the porcupine's.
He was so much happier being back home !! So glad to see the progress in his recovery
I keep watching this, it's so beautiful to care for our wild neighbours, thank you for sharing with us 💐
Aww you could see how happy he was as soon as he recognized he was home. He seems to be doing much better!
*@**0:48* i-was-SO-not-ready .... ohhh my heart. p.s. Uhhhh Joel maybe Mr. Chonks would have loved a ride in the Porsche instead, hehe. Tx for adding camera in back though.
Mr. Chonks was screaming about getting him back to his *HAREM* of female pines hehe.
Yup .... right past allll the food and on the scent trail. *Watch out LADIES* daddy is home ... come hide out at Joel and Forest Friend's crib.
#HOPEforWildlife for the win!! Absolute most talked about rescue in Canada I swear as Hope Swinimer started the beginning of a rescue back around 1998 if I recall correctly. It then became Hope for Wildlife as it expanded.
Welcome home Chonkers! Right in time for the new year!
Ah bless him....... it's so horrible to see him upset in the cage - even though it is necessary for a time. Home now though!
Such a great video to end the year! It's been a stressful few months, & I needed to hear this news. Happy 2025 from Boise, Idaho, USA. 🎉 🎆🎇
So happy he is back. I wonder if porcupines are like guinea pigs with teeth that grow and regrow constantly. That one teeth looks a bit long and wonky though. Might interfere with his ability to eat. It's good you always keep such good care of them so you can see if he is not eating properly.
They do grow constantly. So I'm hoping one tooth grows in and the other wears down once he's back in the wild chewing on things.
@@joels7605 That's what would happen with my guinea pigs. Sometimes I still had the vet correct the teeth though. Let's hope Chonkers will be fine on his own. I'm sure he is not looking forward to another vet visit. 🥲
Yay! Great news to have Chonkers back where he belongs, just in time to,kick off a new year! 💙
Chonkers was definitely stressed when we first see him behind bars, but he looked _relieved_ when he walked out of the cage, sniffed the familiar surroundings & almost ate his “Welcome Home” snack! I hope no new male porcupine moved in on his territory while he went in respite!
Thank you so much to everyone at Hope For Wildlife of NS for taking such great care of our beloved Mr. Chonkers! All the animals in your care are very fortunate to have you around. I’ll definitely make a larger donation next year to ensure the animals in your neck of the woods have someone to help them out.
Thank you to Joel & Forest Friend for looking after these adorable & important creatures!
Thank you for showing us the interactions you guys have with the pokey ones, it definitely brings a smile to my face & I definitely need a good daily pick-me-up!
Finally, thank you both for advocating for these wonderful, but much maligned, creatures. Your videos really show how a little compassion goes a long way; show these animals an ounce of respect & they will give it back. They won’t go out of their way to intentionally harm hoomans & we can get along with them.
Happy New Year Joel & Mrs. Joel (Forest Friends) 🫶🏼
How wonderful that he's home, well, and didn't even need a snack right away! Thank you for your care
This made me so happy 💜 I hope the tooth grows back or it doesn’t affect him too much. He loves his peanuts! 🥜 He seemed so relieved to be home again 🥰
They did mention he was eating really well, so I don't think it's bothering him.
@ That’s great to hear! ☺️
Thank you for caring so much about these sweet animals. Seeing Chonkers back home and a thousand times better than he was is the perfect ending to 2024. Many blessings to everyone for a joyous 2025...and beyond ❤
Welcome home, Chonkers ! I'm so glad you are back.😃
I'm sorry you had to go through such a hard time because of the heartless person.
When I go to Hatsumoude(the first shrine visit of the New Year), I'll pray for a peaceful year for you and the other porcupines.🙏
Thank you!
Yesseree Yahooo welcome home Chonkers you darling boy 🎉🥳🤸♀️💙. Donated toward Chonkers Care and Thank you so much @Hope For Wildlife ❤🫂🙏. Love yah Mr. Chonkers and you look Marvelous compared to what you were 🙌💥💫. Thank you for taking us along and Happy 2025 to You, your loved ones and to all reading this!! 🥰🤗🥳xx
Thank you! It helps.
Oh my gosh, this is just the best!! Would love to see the other Porcupine faces when Chonkers shows up, "We thought you were dead!!" So happy for all of you. Happy New Year!!
Welcome Home Chonkers so lovely to see you I really missed you. looking forward to seeing you when you come back for your treats. Thanks to the vets & staff that took care of him. Thank you ,your wife & family for all the kindness& love you give these lovely animals every day & night you are one of a kind. Blessings, Hugs & Kisses to all💕
Thank you so much for taking care of these precious furbabies ❤❤❤
Such happy news, thank you all so much, it restores your faith in humankind to see such kindness and caring! A very healthy and Happy New Year to you and all the furry friends.