Baby squirrel's tough start in life (From Wiltshire Times)

Baby squirrel's tough start in life

11:27am Friday 17th August 2007

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TINY baby squirrel Stuart Little had a rather traumatic start in life.

When he was no more than a few days old he was captured by a cat, who proudly presented the catch to its owner.

The owner, from Trowbridge, promptly rushed the squirrel to Harris Hill and Gibbons Veterinary Surgery, in Paxcroft Way, where he has been flourishing under the love and care of nurse Serina Gregory.

Miss Gregory, 23, of Bradley Road, Trowbridge, has been working in the surgery since April and said she was surprised to see the baby squirrel.

"One of our clients brought him in. Their cat had found him and they didn't know what it was. As soon as I saw him I fell in love with him.

"I used to work in a pet shop so I am used to small animals. I've seen rat babies and I knew it definitely wasn't one of those. It's got the eyes of a squirrel and a long tail.

"I imagine he fell out of a nest or the cat got at him in its nest. I think he's adorable."

At the moment the baby is too young for solid food and until his eyes fully open he has to be fed on milk, every three hours during the day and every four hours at night.

Miss Gregory said: "He goes everywhere with me. My boyfriend is pretty tolerant and luckily let me keep it so I can take him home at night. I'm feeding him with a dropper and warm puppy milk and have to get up every four hours through the night.

"We got him last week so I haven't had a full night's sleep for a while.

"I didn't think he'd last this long but he's doing well. He seems to be fine. He's changing every day and getting stronger. The vet was surprised when it was brought in but I think he knew I'd keep it."

She said she had not thought of a name for the squirrel so her colleagues have nicknamed him Stuart Little, after the animated film character.

Ironically, the baby squirrel is currently living in a box which once contained cat food.

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