December - A Month of Raccoons

December is Raccoon month at Country Mouse Studio

I recently received an email from a US Marine who had a request.  

He wanted to know if I'd paint a special Raccoon for him.

Him and his wife had an encounter with one while dating

and now after many years of marriage he wanted

to get her a special gift that would mean

a lot to both of them.

Being a raccoon fan myself how could I resist?

Their little fellow needed to have a top hat, a cane and a pocket watch
so here he is!

I know they can cause a lot of grief by getting into your house and garbage but I also know there are many people who love them so this is their month.

I found this sweet story about a Raccoon rescue named Pumpkin on Instagram
Pumpkin the Raccoon


I have always been fond of Raccoons and they were the first wild animal I drew.  I was so pleased one day to meet a kid who had one as a pet.  I was surprised to find that his fur looked soft but was rough and bristly but all the better to shed water, I guess.

Later, we moved to an area that had Raccoons.  I only heard about it because they'd get into everyone's garbage at night.  No one had a good thing to say about them but I hoped I'd see one.

A few more years passed and we moved into a community by a creek.  Then one night on our deck one peered into the patio door.  Before long we had quite a few of them who would come by and visit.

The Old Goat

One summer, when I was about 10 years old my parents acquired a couple goats.  We lived quite a distance from neighbors so after the goats escaped their fence for the 100th time they were given their freedom.

Curious, playful, friendly and so darn cute, these wonderful creatures quickly became my entertainment and although I don't remember much about those years, I'll always remember the goats.

Years later, when I married, they got a small herd of goats.  My parents were going to raise dairy goats so they carefully build an escape proof fence but from then on the most commonly heard comment was, "#&*#!, the goats are out again." 

This one was my favourite.   Her name was Blossom and she would follow you around everywhere tugging at your clothing, pulling at your hair and just being a lovable nuisance.

Lovable Old Goat, Farm Animal by countrymousestudio

Humor Lovable Old Goat, Animal, Farm Pet by countrymousestudio

Birthday Brother Over the Hill Old Goat Humor, by countrymousestudio

Otters

I doubt if it's possible to see an otter up close and not fall in love with them. What other wild animal has so much joy in playing.

Nature programs on television always show the ones wrapped up in seaweed lying on their backs cracking oysters on their bellies with a rock. A quick look through Google images will reveal incredible photos,their faces are so expressive.

We lived near a river that had otters but unfortunately, I was never able to catch them at play. I could only find the mudslides they made all along the banks. Anywhere there was a bit of a stream pouring into the river, they would slip down it until they had created quite a well shaped muddy slide. I'd find little footprints and could imagine the fun they'd had but I'm not sure what time of day or night they came so our paths never crossed.

This little fellow I drew seemed to have that curious look on his face that typifies the species.

Funny River Otter & Footprints, Tracks Neck Tie by countrymousestudio

Fun Otterly Adorable Cute Otter Animal BooginHead Pacifier by countrymousestudio

Cute Watercolor Otter Wildlife Animal art T Shirt by countrymousestudio

Just Ducky

Before moving to this city, my only experience with ducks was the tame ones we tried to raise on the farm.

Maybe because this is a city, where hunting is prohibited, the ducks are friendly.

The previous summer was extremely hot so we spent a great deal of time at one of the lakes, sitting at the beach, enjoying the cool water. Every time we went, a couple female ducks came to visit. After the third visit we realized they'd formed an attachment to us and wouldn't leave even if we tried to send them away.

They would roam along the banks, looking for scraps and bugs but it was obvious they'd been fed before, because the moment they spotted our food, they became a pest.

The duck pictured here has that expectant look on her face just like the one we spent the summer with. It didn't matter if we fed her or not, she hung around or swam very close to shore within reach should we decide to pull out some food.

Unfortunately, one day, when we arrived at the beach,her friend was gone. At first, we thought it was her because we found a handful of feathers in her favorite spot. It wasn't long before she appeared, but this time alone. It could have been a dog I suppose, because it was a public beach and people disobeyed the leash law frequently or even a coyote as there are many and they aren't afraid of people or public places.

I wonder if I will see her again this summer.

Have you had any wild duck experiences?

Original Watercolor Curious Duck Throw Pillows by countrymousestudio

Duck, Farm Animal, Pet T Shirt by countrymousestudio