Animal Talk - I Got the Message

A squirrel was in this scene.

For sure, God has enabled humans and animals to communicate with each other.  Of course we pet lovers know for certain our pets speak with us.  But so do other animals.

A squirrel and I just had a wordless conversation.

Looking out the window, admiring my newly installed fence surrounding the perimeter of the back yard, I saw a squirrel.  He was foraging in freshly overturned soil at the fence where the lawn was disrupted with the installation. 

That squirrel held my interest.  You see, it had crossed my mind that perhaps the lovely fence would be a problem to free ranging squirrels and other small animals I’ve seen in the neighborhood and in my yard.   (I’ve never seen deer or bear - although I have seen deer grazing in a forest-like lot across town.)

Going to sleep last night, my cedar wood fence having been installed that day, my mind was busy.  I worried a bit about the changes I will experience now that my estate is fenced in.  One thought was if any animal made its way into the enclosure, how would it exit?  Will it be a panicking, anxious experience especially for the raccoon, possum, ground hog, squirrel, and yes even the homeless cats living roundabout when, once inside and needing to get out, they are stymied?  There are only three fence panels where the smallest ones might come and go between the slats if they work at it.  Those panels are distant from each other, around an otherwise solid fence wall.  Quickly, though, I realized squirrels would have no problem coming into the enclosure.  For sure, it was an easy jump from any tree. But, “how would they get out?” 

This morning, closely observing my lone squirrel enjoying himself, mentally I struggled with the question.  A probable answer was the bushy tailed rodent could scale the fence, from one supporting horizontal bar up to the other.  Once on the top, it would be a painless squirrel jump down to the other side. 

Continuing to intently watch Mr. Squirrel taking care of his business, my mind still envisioned a dilemma.  Then I was startled out of my thinking as Mr. Squirrel turned from what he was doing, sat on his haunches and stared at me.   Yes, that squirrel, from a distance of at least thirty feet, looked directly into my eyes peering at him through the windowpane. Our visual connection was strong and long enough for me to feel weird.  Why was he watching me?

Then squirrel turned away to only momentarily consider the solid wall before he gracefully climbed, as I had imagined, from one wooden brace to the other to the top of the fence.  From there he leaped into the long-needle pine tree and he was GONE.

It was then I knew my animal neighbor’s pronounced ‘stare’ was telling this human being, “watch me, you’ll see just how easy it is for us to leave after a visit.  Have a good day!”

Our minds had communicated.   My question was answered.  I give God credit for the experience.