Rosco the Squirrel

 

All the forest creatures knew Rosco as the most mischievous squirrel in the woods. One morning, as he scurried along the fence separating the woods from Farmer Harvey’s yard, he put on the brakes and stood up on his hind legs. His nose frantically wiggled back and forth, sniffing the air. The aroma of fresh seeds and nuts filled his nostrils.

Concentrating on lunch, Rosco set his sights on a bird feeder attached to a post on the side of the farmer’s carport. Harvey had filled it with a treasure trove of delectable delights—all the squirrel’s favorites. With his eyes on the prize, he failed to notice a guard watching him from the roof. Red, the mighty woodpecker, glared down from his perch.

When Rosco looked up, he saw the dreaded woodpecker and promptly slid to a stop behind a rosebush. From his hiding place, he observed Red’s routine. Determined to satisfy his ravenous appetite, Rosco concocted a daring plan.

When the guard took a break, with nimble paws and saliva dripping down his chin, Rosco made his way up the post. With one swift movement, he pried open the lid and plunged his tiny paws inside.

A flurry of wings caught him off guard. Red returned in time to see the squirrel pilfering the bird’s food. Furious, the woodpecker swooped down and attacked Rosco’s tail with his sharp beak. Startled and in pain, Rosco leaped from the post and scurried away.

That day, Rosco learned a lesson. The farmer hung the feeder for birds, not squirrels. By taking food without permission, he would have been guilty of theft, and he didn’t want to be a thief.

Rosco scampered off in search of a snack and a trick to play on some unsuspecting critter. As he ventured deeper into the forest, he stumbled upon a majestic pecan tree near Rancher Willie’s pond, its branches heavy with plump, irresistible nuts.

About to climb the tree, he remembered the lesson he learned from his encounter with Red and the birdfeeder. Taking something without permission is wrong, no matter how tempting.

Instead of eating his fill, Rosco played a different game. He devised a plan to gather the pecans and leave them as a surprise gift for his forest friends. With nimble paws and a heart filled with joy, he collected the pecans one by one and carefully arranged them in little piles near the tree.

Noticing Rosco’s unusual behavior, all the forest creatures gathered around to watch. They couldn’t believe their eyes—the mischievous squirrel had turned into a thoughtful and generous friend. As Rosco arranged the last pile of pecans, the birds chirped their approval, while the squirrels chattered with delight.

From that day forward, Rosco became a symbol of transformation and the embodiment of the forest’s newfound spirit of togetherness. He spent his days exploring the woods, not for mischief, but to lend a helping paw and bring joy to his fellow creatures.

***Side note: I believe Rosco wrote this story to make himself look good. He came back when we weren't looking and ate the suet put out for the woodpeckers.