His tail

My friend Kirstin was asking me how I could tell it was Joey. I must admit I have never spent a lot of time trying to tell Chippies apart, but since hand raising one, you can see the variations clearly. This is Joey digging into some seed outside this summer. His tail is rather spindly (great doesn't he know I hate mice) and not very furry. We have one with a break half way up so his tail goes off at a 90 degree angle, one very, very fluffy tailed chipmunk and one with half a tail. Thanks to the barn cats we used to have. Also Joey has one very large toe (from his injury I suspect) on his hind left foot. So when he is in my hands or on my lap, you can see this. Of course the mere fact he is in my hands tells you who it is!

Joe's funny little face

Just like a puppy, trying to get a grip on my hand. Gosh I hope she has enough hoarded food. But she know's where to come for more.

Joey's funny face

I wanted to include this picture in her album. If you click on it it will enlarge so you can see the expression on his face. Like a puppy. She is so cute. Hope she hoarded enough food! Well she knows where to come if he needs to.

Joe joe

So I haven't written for a while and those that know me, know why.

I haven't seen Joey for several months now. She is in Torpor and trying to stay warm, I'm sure with the temperatures above ground registering - 36.

How warm is it underground I wonder.

We are still feeding the birds and squirrels galore out there, so come spring it will be a chippies heaven.

The last time I saw her, was just after Halloween. Don had been in and out of the hospital from his surgery and subsequent infection and I was in a low mood. Looking out the back window there she sat on a big decorative birdhouse I made a few years ago. She was looking in the window she knows he can catch me at. I went outside immediately and he jumped right into my hands. So after not seeing her for 2 months she had remembered where to come when she needed some food, love or attention. I can't wait to see her. When the spring comes I will feel as if my sparing her life from the clutches of Skye's jaw and later the cats attack was a good thing to do. I miss her pretty much every day which I know is silly, but that's me. What can I tell you.