Jamie Richards- Dotori, the Flying Squirrel (Topic of choice #3)

Dotori is the Korean language term for "acorn," and also the name that was once adorned upon a helpless critter that unexpectedly fell into my care three years ago. Working in a pet supply retailer, we were accustomed to seeing customers enter the establishment accompanied by their animal companions. However, when a couple and their two young kids walked in one Winter night, the ragged cardboard box in their arms of the youngest boy insinuated that this would be an atypical experience. "We found a mouse-- and we're keeping it!" exclaimed the boy in utter excitement as he waved the box in the air. I glanced inside to find a terrified creature huddled in the corner, with labored breathing and one eye crusted shut. Its fur was extremely greasy and it was forced to curl up atop cedar shaving (widely known to be detrimental to small animals' respiratory systems). "That's not a mouse, it's a flying squirrel, and he's very sick." I explained to the family. "Well, we are keeping it and we just want to know what to feed it." Frustrated at the thought of this this mother forcing this poor animal to endure a slow and painful death at the hands of her clueless children, I advised that they bring it to a wildlife rehabilitator. "No.. we're going to keep it as a pet." After a bit of negotiating, the family proved to be extremely resilient. Finally, my manager (at the time) stepped in and proclaimed, "wild animals are illegal to keep in the state of Virginia, and as a company that works in close relation to the Wildlife and Game Dept, we are required to confiscate it." Little did they know that this was not completely true, but I absolutely feel that this "fib" was well-warranted. I personally took the little gal home at first, keeping close contact with wildlife rehabilitators as I handfed her around the clock and administered a number of antibiotics. Once fully healthy, despite a close bond with me as her caretaker, I returned her to a sanctuary. Looking back, it is tragic to contemplate how many naive individuals out there endanger the lives of innocent animals out of sheer ignorance. I feel content knowing that I was able to make a difference in the well-being of Dotori, the flying squirrel.