When a woman in Northern Virginia took her dog for a walk through the woods, she never expected the surprise waiting along the trail.
Both of them were enjoying the fresh air when, out of nowhere, her pup froze and refused to move forward. Right away, the woman realized her companion had discovered something unusual.
She carefully checked the area where her dog was sniffing and, much to her amazement, uncovered a tiny animal no bigger than a leaf.
The little creature was curled up, sound asleep on the ground with no one nearby.
Helping The Animal In Need
Fearing that predators could harm the baby, she knew she had to step in. At first, she guessed the tiny creature might be a baby raccoon.
The fragile infant began shifting around, though his eyes were still closed. Helpless and alone, he desperately needed care.
Without wasting time, the woman called FoxTales Wildlife Rehab in Fauquier County, Virginia, and explained what she had found.
Elizabeth Negron, the founder and lead rehabilitator of FoxTales, answered the call. After listening to her story, she confirmed that the animal was indeed a newborn raccoon.
Wanting to decide the best course of action, Negron asked several questions about the infant’s condition. When she heard that the baby was unharmed and able to move, she formed a plan.
Believing the mother was still nearby, Negron instructed the woman to put on gloves, gently place the baby in a box lined with blankets, and wait to see if the mother returned.
“Reuniting mom and baby is always [a] priority,” Negron told The Dodo.
The Happy Reunion
A few hours later, the woman returned to check. To her delight, the box was empty — the little raccoon had been taken back by his mom.
She immediately informed Negron, who was thrilled to hear such positive news.
“As much as I love having the babies in my care and taking care of them, because I truly do love what I do, it is always nice to know the mom is alive and healthy to be able to take her baby back,” Negron said.
According to Negron, young raccoons rely heavily on their mother and siblings for survival during early development. Remaining with family is essential for both their growth and happiness.
We couldn’t be happier that the baby was safely reunited with his mom, who will now raise him with all the love he needs.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the compassionate woman who not only listened to her dog but also made sure the little raccoon received the best possible chance at life.