Meet Trouper

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love animals. In fact, like my grandfather used to say, there are many animals that I meet and like more than people!

On Saturday, March 17, I had the pleasure of meeting Trouper, and of course Miss Dot and Ms. Miller. Trouper is a 3 year-old raccoon and he is absolutely adorable and quite charming. Unfortunately, Trouper is blind, unable to smell, climb, feed or defend himself because he suffered a blow to the head by a golf club at a mere 8 weeks old!

Thankfully for Dot, Trouper has a loving mom and a home. Because Florida allows humans to apply for wildlife permits to care for such animals, Dot and Trouper moved from North Carolina to Florida. Dot cares for Trouper by hand feeding him, taking him out to play in the yard and even spending time at the beach.

Being a retired teacher, Dot thought is was time for a book to be written about Trouper and she met the perfect person in Kyle Miller. Miller had already written children's books about wildlife, volunteered at CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation Of Wildlife), as did Dot, and lived right here in southwest Florida. Together, they have appeared on NBC-2 as well as visited many schools to teach children about respecting and protecting wildlife.

Above is a picture of me meeting Trouper. He let me hold his hand and actually loves to be touched by humans. Trouper serves as an animal ambassador and demonstrates the true meaning of love. I bought their book, Trouper: The True Adventures of a Blind Raccoon, The Beginning. For more information, please visit: www.trouperraccon.com.