Squirrel Appreciation Day

As trays were delivered to my patients today, I found myself being asked questions that were totally non-medical in nature...  Some questions made me laugh out loud.   Some caused me to admit that I had absolutely no clue ...

On the trays that allowed for such, little souffle cups filled with mixed nuts were an unexpected treat.  On the trays of those who were not allowed nuts, a little card sat next to the beverage --- announcing "Squirrel Appreciation Day." 

REALLY ? !   Squirrel Appreciation Day?  You've got to be kidding me!

A couple of my patients commented that they had never had nuts on their trays in the hospital.  One lady, who had been very straight-laced all day, took me completely off guard when she quipped "You don't think that the entree is squirrel meat, do you?"  This comment alone was worth the whole experience.  I had to laugh out loud.  There was no holding it in!  That was just too funny!

So, even though my twelve hour shift turned into a fifteen hour shift, I immediately went on a google search when I got home this evening.  And, sure enough!  January 21st is Squirrel Appreciation Day!  And has been for ten years now!

Squirrel Appreciation Day was founded by Christy Hargrove who is a wildlife rehabilitator in North Carolina.

So this revelation begs a question or two...
First,  have you shown YOUR squirrels how much you appreciate them today?
And then, Squirrel Appreciation Day today... What's next?