Larry the raccoon is a remarkable example of resilience, despite being a special needs animal. Discovered abandoned in a field when he was merely four weeks old, Larry was not only blind but also unable to walk, suffering from cerebellar hypoplasia. His journey took a critical turn when he was brought to a veterinary clinic with the intention of euthanizing him. Yet, destiny had a different path in store for this little raccoon.
Elizabeth, a Florida-based licensed wildlife rehabber, got a call from a colleague about a raccoon named Larry who needed help. With a soft spot for animals with special needs, Elizabeth decided to take Larry in and give him a chance at life. Over the years, she has rescued and rehabilitated over a thousand animals, including a remarkable 180 squirrels at one time.
When Elizabeth first brought Larry home, he was in critical condition and needed round-the-clock care. It took about a month for him to start showing signs of improvement, but Larry’s strong will to live shone through. Now, he is a happy and healthy raccoon, thriving despite his disabilities.
Because of his blindness and inability to walk, Larry can’t be released back into the wild. But he has found a loving home with Elizabeth and has formed a bond with another raccoon named Pixie, who also has cerebellar hypoplasia. Since raccoons are social creatures, having each other’s company has significantly enhanced their quality of life.
Elizabeth has not had a vacation in nine years due to her dedication to rehabilitating wildlife. She cannot leave Larry with a pet sitter because he is considered wildlife, but she finds her work incredibly rewarding. Larry has become a source of inspiration for her, helping her through her own health issues and giving her a reason to get out of bed every day. Captive raccoons can live up to twenty years and Larry is only a year old. Raising Larry is a big commitment that Elizabeth hasn’t shied away from, and she says she never will.
Feeding Larry is the highlight of Elizabeth’s day, as he gets such joy out of eating. Larry lovingly holds Elizabeth’s hand through each feeding, knowing she is his lifeline. If she leaves the room, Larry will call for her, and he listens for her voice when she is nearby.
Though Larry will always require special care, he has defied the odds and continues to bring so much happiness to those around him. His story proves even the most vulnerable animals can thrive with the right support. To meet Larry and experience his sweet, loving nature, click ‘play’ on the video below.
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