What you doing in there??

This morning while feeding Ollie and Spirit I noticed a shadow in the sun shelter.  I built these shelters with an acrylic top hoping the cats might use them in the cooler months to stay warm with the sun beating down (as much as winter sun can beat down ;)   ).  Last winter both Ollie and Spirit did use these shelters.  

 

What's in the sun shelter?

 

Upon closer inspection I discovered a little raccoon sound asleep in the shelter.  Awww, it's a youngster. 

 



Snoozin

 

Sun shelter (left) sleeping shelter and Ollie

 

This little raccoon has no idea how good he has it!

UPDATE:

I've just returned from feeding Ollie and Spirit their dinner.  I checked the shelter and the little raccoon was still there but then the thought occurred to me that this little fellow may not be sleeping. He was in exactly the same position as this morning.  After tapping then jiggling the box I have come to realize this little creature has died.  

Tomorrow I will come equipped with the electric screwdriver to remove the acrylic roof and remove this wee creatures body then I will find a place to bury him.  I read recently that there is a lit of distemper among the raccoon population and in particular this area of the city.

RIP dear little raccoon.

 

Winter shelters are ready

They ain't pretty but they are fixed and ready to keep Ollie and Spirit warm and dry for the coming winter.  There are lots of shelters for sleeping and three shelters for eating which is more than enough for two little cats.  Both cats have their favourite spots to sleep but sometimes they like to move around.

Here it is November 1st and the hydrangea I was going to throw out but planted near the East Side Gang earlier in the summer still has flowers.  I hope it survives and really takes off in the spring.

Straw for shelters

Every year about this time I drive out to my sister's farm to pick up bales of straw for my ferals cat's shelters.  Today I picked up 13 bales.  I delivered them to where my ferals are and covered with a couple of tarps until Sunday when I will get to work.

My van was full with little room for anything else.

 Rain is expected tomorrow so the straw has been covered with tarps.  As I unloaded I saw a number of holes in the bales that have been made by mice. I hope that none of the mice, if they were still in the bales, came out while the straw was in my van!!