In 2007, Reddit user Priami found an injured baby squirrel on the side of the road. Nearby wildlife rehabilitation centers were all full, so Priami and his family nursed the little critter back to health on their own. After the red squirrel–who they named Arttu–had recovered, Priami discovered that the animal's eye was damaged, rendering him partially blind. Knowing that Arttu wouldn't survive on his own in the wild, Priami decided to raise the squirrel and provide him with a loving home.
Arttu quickly became a wonderful, affectionate pet. He was free to run around the house and even roam outside under supervision. No matter how far he strayed, the adorable creature always came back to Priami, who he recognized as family. According to the Finland-based Redditor, Arttu became so tame that he liked to have “play fights” with his humans' hands, curl up in their pockets to sleep, and climb onto their shoulders.
After six years together, Arttu passed away in his sleep due to old age. In his memory, Priami and his family set up a small memorial for him outside, where they fed wild squirrels the rest of the berries, nuts, and mushrooms that they had saved for Arttu.
via [Reddit], [Distractify]
