Cheryl Stephen believed that no dog would ever be able to replace her German shepherd, Sarge, after he unexpectedly went away. The kind spirit had been a guardian of the rescued fawns his mother frequently nursed back to health as well as a closest friend to all creatures, big and small.
So she wasn’t sure the “low-rider” would be able to handle her busy household full of wildlife when a young corgi mix called Chief joined Stephen’s family. Fortunately, Chief quickly showed he had the same kind and compassionate nature as his predecessor.
While Sarge had loved fawns, Chief has developed a bond with a different wild animal: raccoons.
Last year, Stephen raised a trio of orphaned raccoons and released them into the wild. The raccoon siblings still come to visit when they want a special snack or need help. One of the rescued raccoons, named Magnolia, even started bringing her babies — and Chief instantly fell in love with the mischievous kits.
Stephen told The Dodo, “She lives wild now, but sometimes brings her kids home for meals and allegedly to play with Chief.” “Despite being bigger, I’ve never seen Chief bite or damage the raccoons, so he shares Sarge’s gentle nature.”
Chief and the four raccoon cubs are frequently spotted playing hide-and-seek and tag in the yard. Although Stephen doesn’t know how they do it, it is obvious that the animals can comprehend one another.
“They roll and hop and wrestle — it’s adorable,” Stephen said. “Sometimes, the little ones tug on Chief’s tail or jump onto his back. Chief rolls over in surrender, and they climb all over him. They often eat together.”
“Maybe Chief thinks he’s a raccoon,” she added.
Stephen has no idea if Chief’s friendship with the raccoon babies will last past the summer, but for now they’re the perfect playmates.
“I love it that all the animals here get along — even the wildlife,” Stephen said.
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