This adorable orphaned raccoon thinks she’s actually a dog. It’s not surprising when you understand that she was raised by two dogs (and their sweet owner) since she was a month old. Pumpkin was found by Rosie Kemp when she was a month old. The little raccoon literally fell out of a tree and onto Rosie’s head.
The baby raccoon was abandoned by her mother and there are no raccoon rescues in Nassau, The Bahamas for Rosie to surrender the raccoon. In fact, these animals are legal to own on this little island paradise.
So, Rosie and her daughter, Laura Young, raised the cub, feeding her, mending her broken leg, and keeping her warm and toasty, just like her mom would.
Young told The Dodo in an interview, “Raising her was (and still is) a full-time job. They are so unbelievably intelligent, very aware, and I would say they are even able to express emotions.
Now that she is better, little Pumpkin loves to hang out and play with her fellow animal friends Royal Bahamian Potcake rescues Toffee and Oreo. The trio can often be found cuddling around the house, lounging on the couch, and getting into mischief.
Rosie Young explained of the little raccoon, “She instantly bonded with us and our two rescue dogs and follows me and our two dogs everywhere we go.”
Little Pumpkin even things she’s a dog. Rosie explained, “She is able to play and be rough with them and she respects them when they have had enough.”
Young cautioned that, while Pumpkin seems tame, “Raccoons are NOT pets.” She added, “They are wild animals, so they are quite moody. Unlike dogs and cats, they are not domesticated.”
However, Pumpkin missed out on the chance to have a life outside in the wild. So, her family is devoted to making sure she has what she needs to thrive.
Young added, “We are very lucky with her and always want and will do what is best for Pumpkin. But for now she is very happy with us and the dogs!”
You can check out more photos of pumpkin and her doggie friends on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
