waltappel 1 #101 August 12, 2005 QuoteI've been the supporting actress in too many sad scoonie stories. I'm hoping for a happy ending this time. You did good, Walt. rl My heart really goes out to you, Rhonda Lea. Seeing this raccoon suffering was tearing my heart out. I'd say the chances for a happy ending for this raccoon story are really, really good, and please take some credit for that. This raccoon has a lot of people pulling for her. For the most part, I'm the go-fer guy and the messenger. I'm just glad I was there to help. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juliebird 0 #102 August 12, 2005 Raccoons are cool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #103 August 12, 2005 QuoteRaccoons are cool! They are really beautiful animals and a few of them have really wonderful personalities, but they are also some of the most potentially dangerous animals I have ever been around. The rehab people I visited today have raccoons running around freely in their home. One of them is *huge*. I read recently that raccoons can get as large as 45 lbs. Their raccoon is 47 lbs! They told me that the big raccoon sleeps with them and is *incredibly* gentle and nurturing to the other raccoons. He also refuses to leave. He has chosen to be a permanent resident in their home and it's pretty cool. They do have to take a lot of precautions for the raccoons in their home. Each raccoon has its own favorite set of things it likes to screw with. For example, the big one likes to drink alcohol so they have had to put locks on their liquor cabinet. They have woke up with a flooded house because one of the raccoons turned on the water in the kitchen sink and then blocked the drain. Raccoons can open refrigerators and freezers too. What's really funny looking is that they have mousetraps leaning up against everything on shelves that a raccoon might screw with--glasses, boxes, that kind of thing. They say the mousetraps "discourage" the raccoons from screwing with things. They dearly love raccoons and I am grateful that they do and are willing to care for raccoons like the one I have been so worried about. I don't think I *ever* want one for a pet, but yep, I think they are really cool too. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #104 August 12, 2005 Ok, before I let this thread hibernate for a couple of weeks, I want to let the people who live in the west Houston area know about the first-rate veterinarian who worked on the raccoon. As I said previously, his name is Larry White and he owns Briarcrest Veterinary Clinic. It is roughly in the Memorial at Beltway 8 area in west Houston. Here's a link to their website. Dr. White is a big man with a big heart. He works on pretty much anything that walks, wiggles, flies or crawls. Everything from venomous snakes to large cats. Speaking of cats, if you like cats, you'll enjoy the infestation of cats he has in his waiting area. They're pretty much everywhere. They're well-mannered cats and know when to stay clear of certain animals and people. They stayed well clear of the raccoon. All except for one cat, anyway. Even he approached with extreme caution, and I would shoo him away when he got too close. In his patient treatment rooms, he has a lot of pictures of his clientele. Among the pictures in the room I was in yesterday with the raccoon, I saw pictures of a mountain lion, a jaguar, a leopard, an iguana, a ferret, many cats and dogs, and (of course) a raccoon. I wholeheartedly recommend him. I've been taking my cat Zoe to him for a while now. She hates going there but I know she's in good hands when I take her there. One thing I will warn you about, and I have seen him do this several times. Let's say you take your cat or dog to him because it appears to have a cold. He will give the animal his usual thorough examination and, as he tells you about what he is seeing, he makes comments like, "...well we sometimes see that symptom in animals with [insert the name of the most horrible disease you can think of], but only a very few animals get that...". He doesn't do it to be mean or anything. You'll get used to it after a while. So back to the raccoon. I already posted pictures of the raccoon at the vet's office (clicky). The hand you see in one of the pictures is Dr. White while he is using a diamond-edged blade on a Dremel tool to cut the glass off. I've never seen anything like it. Dr. White is a BIG man. He's got really big hands. He used that dremel tool with the kind of precision that would make a brain surgeon truly proud. He made cuts that were so precise in their depth that when he was done he simply put his fingernails in the cuts and peeled the glass away as if it were Scotch Tape. He did not cut into that raccoons leg at all. Remember, this was a broken bottle neck he was cutting. You should have seen it. I could go on and on about him, but suffice it to say that I feel really good about putting animals in his care. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #105 August 14, 2005 QuoteI'd bet that it is what AcmeSkydiver is calling growling. Yes, that was the noise I've heard them make! Good to see all the pics (well most of the pics...some made me ill to see, eegad! ) and updates. I'm glad you saved the little pain in the ass. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #106 August 14, 2005 Thanks. You'll appreciate this. When I took the raccoon to raccoon rehab, that wonderful woman who dedicates her life to these creatures asked me if I had named the raccoon. My reply? "No, but if I did, it would probably be something like 'shithead'". Since she is a real expert on raccoon behavior, she thought that was pretty funny and knew exactly where I was coming from on that. I also showed her this thread--specifically the post I made after I nabbed the little bitch. She thought it was hysterical. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #107 August 14, 2005 QuoteYes, that was the noise I've heard them make! Quote I forgot to mention in my other response that when an ex-girlfriend was at my place reading the thread, she played the .wav file with the pissed off raccoon sound. As soon as the file launched she immediately jumped, and she *knew* it was just sound from a computer. It's a scary sound, for sure. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #108 August 17, 2005 The latest updates are: The raccoon has been named Melissa. Melissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. Looks like she'll be ready for release in a week or so and there is a good change that a television crew will be there for the release. Thanks again for everyone's help and good wishes. Melissa is not going to feel the least bit appreciative, but that's just the way Hell raccons are. I, on the other hand, am grateful for your help and support. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Misslmperfect 0 #109 August 17, 2005 who'da thunk id have a raccoon named after me seriously though....thanks....im proudyou have a wonderful heart, and i wish more people out there had it in them to do what you did....the world would be a better place.Oh Canada, merci pour la livraison! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites RhondaLea 4 #110 August 17, 2005 QuoteMelissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. What's the actual condition of her paw, Walt? rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites masterrig 1 #111 August 17, 2005 QuoteThe latest updates are: The raccoon has been named Melissa. Melissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. Looks like she'll be ready for release in a week or so and there is a good change that a television crew will be there for the release. Thanks again for everyone's help and good wishes. Melissa is not going to feel the least bit appreciative, but that's just the way Hell raccons are. I, on the other hand, am grateful for your help and support. Walt _________________________________ Glad to hear that things are going good for the little critter. It won't be long till the little furr-ball is back into the wild. Hell, it coulda' been worse for her... you coulda' made a cap outa her! Good going, Bud! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #112 August 17, 2005 QuoteQuoteMelissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. What's the actual condition of her paw, Walt? rl I don't know for sure, but the rehab person said last night that Melissa's "hand is looking really good." It was such great news that I didn't think to ask for details. From the pictures, it's obvious that she doesn't have any claws left on that hand, if that's what you are asking. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #113 August 17, 2005 Quotewho'da thunk id have a raccoon named after me seriously though....thanks....im proud She's not kidding folks. MissImperfect named the raccoon! Quote you have a wonderful heart, and i wish more people out there had it in them to do what you did....the world would be a better place. Please don't let that rumor get started! I have worked very hard for my reputation! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #114 August 17, 2005 I just got an e-mail from the raccoon rehabber: Quote Melissa was given a special breakfast this morning...she received sliced up blueberry muffins with grapes, honey nut cheerios and dogfood...she took one sniff of the blueberry muffins, snorted and went for the bowl...as for her "potty" habits....she used the box, rolled up the newspaper with her "business" inside and threw it out of the box....she is quite neat...she is just a gorgeous coon maybe that's why she's so snotty! I have always been able to do physical and/or water therapy on critters including coons...I wish Melissa would let me help her, all I can do is talk to her and get her moving...during the day, I let her nap in her "house" which she naps on her back feet straight up in the air...this is good because it means she is comfortable where she is at, but is always reminding me that this only a temporary situation... Our raccoon is in good hands. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #115 August 18, 2005 I talked with Anne, the wonderful rehab person a short while ago. Our raccoon, melissa, is not eating. We're going to try her on the brand of cat food that I feed the raccoons and see if it is a case of her refined palate rejecting anything less than the best. Another piece of interesting news. It's starting to look more and more like Melissa may end up on local (Houston) television. Anne asked me to write an article on the whole Melissa story, so I copied and pasted much of what I had posted on this thread, plus put some pictures in there. Anne forwarded the article to a TV crew who had done a story on her and her awesome efforts with these creatures. Right before she called me, she had talked with a *very* excited news guy who was pitching the idea to his producer. He wants to cover the release of the raccoon, which will probably be sometime next week. This would be a wonderful thing because it would help raise awareness of these beautiful creatures. I continue to be in awe of Anne. Walt p.s. I'm embarassed to admit this, but the title of the article was "Saving Private Raccoon". I know I deserve to be punished for that, but I am throwing myself on the mercy of the court. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gravitymaster 0 #116 August 18, 2005 I feel a TV series in the works starring you Walt. I suggest we call it "Coonboy" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #117 August 18, 2005 QuoteI feel a TV series in the works starring you Walt. I suggest we call it "Coonboy" Great idea, but I'm quite sure that I would be easily upstaged by the raccoons--they are infinitely cuter looking and slightly less obnoxious! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ACMESkydiver 0 #118 August 18, 2005 Cool, that's all good news! (well, except the lil' shithead not eating...but y'know, she's gotta keep that girlish figure! ) If I ever find myself in Houston (I have no idea how that would happen, but you never know! ) I will have to look ya up Walt and say 'Hello'. You sound like a pretty cool cat. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #119 August 18, 2005 QuoteIf I ever find myself in Houston (I have no idea how that would happen, but you never know! ) I will have to look ya up Walt and say 'Hello'. You sound like a pretty cool cat. It would be a real pleasure to meet you in person. I make it up to Seattle every now and then, so next time I'll let you know when I'm headed your way. (Of course you should be prepared to be massively disappointed--I'm really kind of evil and vile.) Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites RhondaLea 4 #120 August 18, 2005 Quote(Of course you should be prepared to be massively disappointed--I'm really kind of evil and vile.) No, he isn't. Sorry, Walt, but the catoon's out of the bag. rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #121 August 18, 2005 I just got an e-mail from Anne (actually, Anne Marie) about our raccoon Melissa, who has not been eating. Just wanted to let you know that Melissa does prefer catfood...When I checked on her this morning, "Miss Priss" was not in her house as usual, she was sitting on her butt looking around, food had been eaten and the rest was dumped....and, as par for the course, newspaper was rolled up and taken out of her doo doo box.... Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #122 August 23, 2005 Here's the latest. Anne, the raccoon rehabber says that Melissa the evil raccoon seems to calming down slightly, which is a good thing because she is getting close to being ready for release. Anne has given her more antibiotics as a precaution. She has also been putting some sort of special spray on her injured leg. Melissa instantly transforms into The Antichrist when she sees Anne approaching with the spray can. Last night I saw two baby raccoons together at the feeding area without a mama raccoon. That is highly unusual. I wondered if Melissa could be the mama raccoon. I have never seen Melissa with little ones in tow, so I can't be sure. Accoding to Anne, if I separated Melissa from her little ones, that would explain a lot of her behavior. The little ones seem to be doing fine and are eating ok. I'm going to try to figure out if they have a consistent feeding time so we can try to time Melissa's release with their feeding time. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #123 August 27, 2005 QuoteAN ARMADILLO? I don't think I've ever seen an armadillo before. Poor little guy... there has to be someone who can help him. Good luck! I finally got a couple of shots of an armadillo. I was out there tracking the feeding patterns of some baby raccoons that I think might be Melissa the Evil Raccoon's kids, when an armadillo, an oppossum, and a couple of adult raccoons showed up. I had put out the usual dry dog food and as a treat, some cooked egg yolks. Armadillos are very reclusive creatures that normally dig for bugs to eat. This armadillo decided he likes cooked egg yolks. The raccoons didn't seem to know what to think of the armadillo. They didn't like him, but didn't attack him. They may have actually been a little scared of him. In the first shot, the armadillo is a bit curled up while scarfing some eggs. In the second, he is walking away. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #124 August 27, 2005 you know you can make hats out of armadilos that protect you frrom the brain reading waves the aliens have.... or so they told me when i watched dukes of hazzard at the movies.... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites prepheckt 0 #125 August 27, 2005 Quoteyou know you can make hats out of armadilos that protect you frrom the brain reading waves the aliens have.... or so they told me when i watched dukes of hazzard at the movies.... Are you drunk Dave?"Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet." -9 toes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Page 5 of 6 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
waltappel 1 #108 August 17, 2005 The latest updates are: The raccoon has been named Melissa. Melissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. Looks like she'll be ready for release in a week or so and there is a good change that a television crew will be there for the release. Thanks again for everyone's help and good wishes. Melissa is not going to feel the least bit appreciative, but that's just the way Hell raccons are. I, on the other hand, am grateful for your help and support. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Misslmperfect 0 #109 August 17, 2005 who'da thunk id have a raccoon named after me seriously though....thanks....im proudyou have a wonderful heart, and i wish more people out there had it in them to do what you did....the world would be a better place.Oh Canada, merci pour la livraison! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RhondaLea 4 #110 August 17, 2005 QuoteMelissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. What's the actual condition of her paw, Walt? rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #111 August 17, 2005 QuoteThe latest updates are: The raccoon has been named Melissa. Melissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. Looks like she'll be ready for release in a week or so and there is a good change that a television crew will be there for the release. Thanks again for everyone's help and good wishes. Melissa is not going to feel the least bit appreciative, but that's just the way Hell raccons are. I, on the other hand, am grateful for your help and support. Walt _________________________________ Glad to hear that things are going good for the little critter. It won't be long till the little furr-ball is back into the wild. Hell, it coulda' been worse for her... you coulda' made a cap outa her! Good going, Bud! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #112 August 17, 2005 QuoteQuoteMelissa is a mean, snarling raccoon from Hell. She does not like the captive life, but is healing very nicely. What's the actual condition of her paw, Walt? rl I don't know for sure, but the rehab person said last night that Melissa's "hand is looking really good." It was such great news that I didn't think to ask for details. From the pictures, it's obvious that she doesn't have any claws left on that hand, if that's what you are asking. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #113 August 17, 2005 Quotewho'da thunk id have a raccoon named after me seriously though....thanks....im proud She's not kidding folks. MissImperfect named the raccoon! Quote you have a wonderful heart, and i wish more people out there had it in them to do what you did....the world would be a better place. Please don't let that rumor get started! I have worked very hard for my reputation! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #114 August 17, 2005 I just got an e-mail from the raccoon rehabber: Quote Melissa was given a special breakfast this morning...she received sliced up blueberry muffins with grapes, honey nut cheerios and dogfood...she took one sniff of the blueberry muffins, snorted and went for the bowl...as for her "potty" habits....she used the box, rolled up the newspaper with her "business" inside and threw it out of the box....she is quite neat...she is just a gorgeous coon maybe that's why she's so snotty! I have always been able to do physical and/or water therapy on critters including coons...I wish Melissa would let me help her, all I can do is talk to her and get her moving...during the day, I let her nap in her "house" which she naps on her back feet straight up in the air...this is good because it means she is comfortable where she is at, but is always reminding me that this only a temporary situation... Our raccoon is in good hands. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #115 August 18, 2005 I talked with Anne, the wonderful rehab person a short while ago. Our raccoon, melissa, is not eating. We're going to try her on the brand of cat food that I feed the raccoons and see if it is a case of her refined palate rejecting anything less than the best. Another piece of interesting news. It's starting to look more and more like Melissa may end up on local (Houston) television. Anne asked me to write an article on the whole Melissa story, so I copied and pasted much of what I had posted on this thread, plus put some pictures in there. Anne forwarded the article to a TV crew who had done a story on her and her awesome efforts with these creatures. Right before she called me, she had talked with a *very* excited news guy who was pitching the idea to his producer. He wants to cover the release of the raccoon, which will probably be sometime next week. This would be a wonderful thing because it would help raise awareness of these beautiful creatures. I continue to be in awe of Anne. Walt p.s. I'm embarassed to admit this, but the title of the article was "Saving Private Raccoon". I know I deserve to be punished for that, but I am throwing myself on the mercy of the court. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #116 August 18, 2005 I feel a TV series in the works starring you Walt. I suggest we call it "Coonboy" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #117 August 18, 2005 QuoteI feel a TV series in the works starring you Walt. I suggest we call it "Coonboy" Great idea, but I'm quite sure that I would be easily upstaged by the raccoons--they are infinitely cuter looking and slightly less obnoxious! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #118 August 18, 2005 Cool, that's all good news! (well, except the lil' shithead not eating...but y'know, she's gotta keep that girlish figure! ) If I ever find myself in Houston (I have no idea how that would happen, but you never know! ) I will have to look ya up Walt and say 'Hello'. You sound like a pretty cool cat. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #119 August 18, 2005 QuoteIf I ever find myself in Houston (I have no idea how that would happen, but you never know! ) I will have to look ya up Walt and say 'Hello'. You sound like a pretty cool cat. It would be a real pleasure to meet you in person. I make it up to Seattle every now and then, so next time I'll let you know when I'm headed your way. (Of course you should be prepared to be massively disappointed--I'm really kind of evil and vile.) Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RhondaLea 4 #120 August 18, 2005 Quote(Of course you should be prepared to be massively disappointed--I'm really kind of evil and vile.) No, he isn't. Sorry, Walt, but the catoon's out of the bag. rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #121 August 18, 2005 I just got an e-mail from Anne (actually, Anne Marie) about our raccoon Melissa, who has not been eating. Just wanted to let you know that Melissa does prefer catfood...When I checked on her this morning, "Miss Priss" was not in her house as usual, she was sitting on her butt looking around, food had been eaten and the rest was dumped....and, as par for the course, newspaper was rolled up and taken out of her doo doo box.... Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #122 August 23, 2005 Here's the latest. Anne, the raccoon rehabber says that Melissa the evil raccoon seems to calming down slightly, which is a good thing because she is getting close to being ready for release. Anne has given her more antibiotics as a precaution. She has also been putting some sort of special spray on her injured leg. Melissa instantly transforms into The Antichrist when she sees Anne approaching with the spray can. Last night I saw two baby raccoons together at the feeding area without a mama raccoon. That is highly unusual. I wondered if Melissa could be the mama raccoon. I have never seen Melissa with little ones in tow, so I can't be sure. Accoding to Anne, if I separated Melissa from her little ones, that would explain a lot of her behavior. The little ones seem to be doing fine and are eating ok. I'm going to try to figure out if they have a consistent feeding time so we can try to time Melissa's release with their feeding time. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #123 August 27, 2005 QuoteAN ARMADILLO? I don't think I've ever seen an armadillo before. Poor little guy... there has to be someone who can help him. Good luck! I finally got a couple of shots of an armadillo. I was out there tracking the feeding patterns of some baby raccoons that I think might be Melissa the Evil Raccoon's kids, when an armadillo, an oppossum, and a couple of adult raccoons showed up. I had put out the usual dry dog food and as a treat, some cooked egg yolks. Armadillos are very reclusive creatures that normally dig for bugs to eat. This armadillo decided he likes cooked egg yolks. The raccoons didn't seem to know what to think of the armadillo. They didn't like him, but didn't attack him. They may have actually been a little scared of him. In the first shot, the armadillo is a bit curled up while scarfing some eggs. In the second, he is walking away. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #124 August 27, 2005 you know you can make hats out of armadilos that protect you frrom the brain reading waves the aliens have.... or so they told me when i watched dukes of hazzard at the movies.... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prepheckt 0 #125 August 27, 2005 Quoteyou know you can make hats out of armadilos that protect you frrom the brain reading waves the aliens have.... or so they told me when i watched dukes of hazzard at the movies.... Are you drunk Dave?"Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet." -9 toes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
