Jim Thebarge and his family have always had a deep love for animals. Living in Connecticut, they have spent the last twenty years feeding the stray cats in their area. Their compassion for animals is evident in their daily routine, where they find immense joy in ensuring that the local stray cats are well-fed and cared for.
Unexpected Visitors
The generosity of the Thebarge family quickly became known among the local animals. It wasn’t long before other creatures started showing up at their door, hoping for a tasty treat. The Thebarge family welcomed these new visitors with open arms, never turning away an animal in need. This kindness was put to the test when they encountered a particularly unusual and needy guest.
Source: Jim Thebarge via The Dodo
A Strange Visitor
One evening, the family heard odd noises coming from their front door. Assuming it was one of their regular furry friends, they didn’t think much of it. “We have heated food and water bowls on our back porch so the cats have warm food and water sources in the below-freezing weather. This and five heated pet beds in our garage in case one of them needs a warm place on frigid or snowy nights,” Thebarge shared with The Dodo.
However, when they looked outside, they couldn’t immediately identify the animal. It was neither a cat nor a dog, and it had a jar stuck on its head. “We believe that he first appeared knowing that we would help him,” Thebarge explained. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was a raccoon, confused and desperately in need of help.
Source: Jim Thebarge via The Dodo
The Struggling Raccoon
The poor raccoon was wandering around with a jar on its head, trying unsuccessfully to eat and drink. The family knew they had to act quickly to help the animal before it ran away. Despite the raccoon’s obvious distress, it was so confused that it would try to flee whenever a family member approached.
Seeking Help
Source: Jim Thebarge via The Dodo
Realizing they couldn’t handle the situation alone, the Thebarge family started contacting various wildlife organizations for assistance. Eventually, a local Connecticut wildlife rehab team responded and came to set up a trap to catch the raccoon and remove the jar. Unfortunately, the raccoon managed to escape before they could catch it.
A Clever Plan
After the wildlife team left, Thebarge had a hunch that the hungry raccoon would return. He devised a plan to capture it himself. “I tied a rope to the back porch door and ran the end of it out into our backyard. Within 30 minutes of the rescue folks leaving, the raccoon showed up at the food bowl desperate to eat and drink. I was able to pull the door shut with the rope, and he was trapped on the porch. We called the rescue folks, and they came back within 30 minutes,” Thebarge recounted.
Successful Rescue Mission
The raccoon did indeed return, and Thebarge’s plan worked perfectly. The wildlife rescuers arrived promptly and were able to carefully cut the jar off the raccoon’s head, finally setting it free. After a quick check-up to ensure it was healthy, they released the raccoon back into the wild where it belonged.
A Grateful Return
Two weeks later, the raccoon returned, seemingly to thank the family for their help. Now, it visits every day, enjoying the food, fresh water, and the loving company of the Thebarge family. This touching story highlights the importance of compassion and kindness toward all living creatures.
Final Word
While this story has a heartwarming ending, it’s important to remember that raccoons can carry rabies, which is a serious and potentially fatal disease. If you encounter a raccoon or any other wild animal that appears distressed or is behaving unusually, do not approach it. Instead, contact your local animal control or wildlife rescue organization. They have the expertise and equipment to handle such situations safely and humanely.
In conclusion, the Thebarge family’s story is a beautiful example of how a little kindness and compassion can make a big difference in the lives of animals. Their dedication to helping animals in need has not only saved lives but also created a special bond between them and the local wildlife.
