Have you heard about imprinting?
Many have heard the term in Twilight, but that’s not what we are here for. In real life, imprinting in animals happens shortly after they are born.
It’s a way for babies to learn and bond as it fixes its eyes on a certain subject – most of the time, it’s their parent.
There have been many types of experiments with imprinting. For example, a baby duck that imprints on a human would follow and form a bond with it. Unfortunately, not all baby animals can open their eyes and see their parents.
Three years ago, a woman saw a tiny squirrel in a cat’s mouth. She immediately saves the baby squirrel. She saw that the tiny animal was a bit shaken and scratched up.
She then calls her best friend, and she immediately goes to her along with her husband. They saw that the baby squirrel wasn’t in good shape. They took her and started nursing her back to health.
They tried feeding her kitten formula, and to their surprise, the tiny squirrel loved it!
The adorable squirrel loved her new human parents – especially her fur-dad! It even looked like she imprinted on him. She didn’t want to leave him. In fact, his scent calms her and makes her sleep.
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The squirrel, now named Petiña, imprinted on her furdad, Joseph!
Daddy dearest loves his sweet Petiña, and he admits that he spoils her. Who wouldn’t? Look at this adorable squirrel. She’s so cute, sweet, and definitely knows how to show her love for her furparents.
Joseph built her a tiny house, her own Instagram and YouTube channel, and of course, he trains her every day.
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He knew the time would come that she would need to go back into the wild. That’s where she belongs, and because her human parents love her, they want her to be prepared when that day comes.
Each day, Joseph would train and play with Petiña. He would make sure that she spends her energy on being more agile and fast.
The day came when Joseph started introducing Petiña outside. They would spend time outside, and he would put her on a tree. She would play, but around ten minutes, she would be back on Joseph’s shoulders.
She didn’t want to leave Joseph and his wife. For Petiña, they were her family, and she was already home.
Joseph didn’t want to force the little girl into leaving. So they decided that they would just create a squirrel-friendly environment for Petiña. She has easy access if she wants to go outside.
Basically, the little squirrel can come and go as she pleases.
Just last year, Joseph posted a video on Petiña’s YouTube account. There, he said:
“Petiña was living out her first year of life on our back porch as a free/domestic squirrel. There, came a few boy squirrels. Some too old, some too young, but finally there came one just right. Romeo as we called him, spent time with Petiña and their love came to light. After a few days and a few nights a family will come as Petiña bears and delivers life.”
Soon, Petiña gave birth to her first litter of babies! Joseph couldn’t be more proud of her little princess.
Last September 12, Joseph posted a photo of this cute momma squirrel who just turned 3! To everyone’s surprise, he also posted that Petiña is actually pregnant – again!
Looks like Joseph is expecting another litter of grandsquirrels!
Be updated with his beautiful family on their YouTube and Instagram accounts.
Check out their adorable friendship in the video below!
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