For many animals, fur is essential because it offers much-needed insulation from the cold. Additionally, it gives them their unique appearances; there are some creatures that you might not even identify when they are fully bald.
A more rarer critter that resembles a hairless cat was just taken up by rescuers. Continue reading to find out more about this unusual species and her improbable survival.
The strangest animal was adopted by Hope for Wildlife, a charitable conservation organization in Nova Scotia, last month. A couple in West Arichat found the animal, suffering in the cold, in their backyard, according to the Canadian Press.
The creature appears to be a Sphynx cat at first glance, but it’s actually a fully hairless raccoon!
Without their distinctive fur pattern that resembles a mask, raccoons are definitely difficult to identify. This small animal, a northern raccoon, suffers from severe alopecia, which has left it entirely bald.
There have been examples of balding raccoons in the past, but nothing like this, according to the rescue: “It’s just tufts of fur around the snout, ankles and feet.” The Canadian Press was informed by Hope Swinimer, director of Hope for Wildlife, that the situation was serious.
Despite being female, the raccoon has been named Rufus in honor of the character from the Kim Possible cartoon who is a naked mole rat.
The rescue said on Facebook that they are still in the process of diagnosing the reason for her hair loss and that it might be an autoimmune condition causing harm to her hair follicles. Not only did they rule out fungal infections, mange, and parasites, but they also noted that her skin looked healthy.
Since raccoons rely on their fur to remain warm and shield their skin from the weather, Rufus’s survival for this extended period of time astounded the rescuers.
“We are astonished that this small lady survived the winter without fur and without getting frostbite or worse!” the Facebook post stated.
They went on to say that she was “her own doing” and that she had a “feisty” personality. Nevertheless, given that she was apparently “down and out upon arrival,” it appears that she was saved just in time.
For a few brief hours, we were in a panic, but then she became hungry and came out. We’ve noticed a significant change since she first came, and she’s becoming really feisty now, Swinimer told The Canadian Press.
Given the situation, Rufus may end up staying at the shelter permanently. In addition to having a dedicated habitat, an outside area with a place to crawl into for warmth, and other facilities like hammocks and nesting boxes, Rufus will have all of these.
We’ve never before seen a raccoon without hair! Rufus’s prolonged survival in the wild is amazing, and we’re happy that she was discovered and is receiving quality care.
Janice is the best mom I could have ever asked for, the boy wrote in his post, he asks for help on internet for…
Janice is the best mom I could have ever asked for, the boy wrote in his post. She has been so unbelievably kind and Ioving to me and I absolutely adore her. The problem is that I don’t call her mom, I just call her Janice. I want to start calling her mom but have no idea how to without making it awkward. PIease help me internet strangers.
A young man’s message to Redditors for advice.
Commenters were more than happy to share their advice, and some of their ideas were absolutely heartwarming! Of course, everyone was also eager for him to update them when he finally started calling his foster parent “Mom.”
1. This person suggested a subtle approach.
Calling your foster parent “Mom” for the first time is a big deaI, but that doesn’t mean the moment has to be a formal event. Naturally slipping it into everyday conversation can be pretty special, too!
2. Of course, sometimes a little fanfare can also be sweet.
Another commenter suggested the opposite tactic. Find a creative way to ceIebrate this moment like the special occasion it is!
3. One user had a helpful anecdote to share.
What a sweet story! This is such a cIever way to start calling a foster parent “Mom,” and it clearly worked out pretty well.
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4. However, the direct approach is often the best.
Here’s an option with no beating around the bush! If you aIready know what you want, you can literally just ask for it.
5. Calling this foster parent “Mom” would make such an incredible gift.
Here’s a sweet way to call her “Mom” without saying it out loud. Not only would this make things easier, but it would also be an extra special gesture!
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