As a retired RCMP Officer living in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, one might assume that life is slow-paced and uneventful. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every day is filled with the wonders of nature and the joy of spending time with my furry friends. The raccoons that visit me regularly have become like family, and I always look forward to our “pizza nights.”
Recently, I had a particularly memorable pizza night with my raccoon friends. I had put out a few slices of pizza on a table on my back porch, and within minutes, the raccoons had arrived. They were as enthusiastic as ever, and I could hardly keep up with their demands for more pizza.
As the night went on, more raccoons came, and soon my porch was filled with dozens of the furry critters. It was like having a full house of raccoons, all enjoying their pizza feast.
Despite their reputation for being mischievous and sometimes even dangerous, these raccoons were nothing but friendly and playful. They climbed onto my lap and even took food right out of my hand. It was clear that they felt comfortable and safe around me, and I felt the same way about them.
Feeding these raccoons is not just a fun pastime for me, it’s also an important part of their survival. With so much of their natural habitat disappearing due to human development, these animals rely on people like me to provide them with the food and shelter they need to thrive.
Of course, my furry friends aren’t the only animals I take care of. In the winter months, I make sure to feed the deer that come onto my property, and I always keep my bird feeders well-stocked with a variety of seeds for the many different species of birds that visit.
In addition to my wildlife friends, I also have two rescue cats named Connor and Charlotte. They are my constant companions, and I couldn’t imagine life without them.
Living in a rural setting has its challenges, but it also has its rewards. Being able to connect with nature and its many inhabitants is a privilege and a joy. Whether it’s pizza night with the raccoons or watching the birds outside my window, each day is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world around us.
