We have a dog named Norman. He’s a furry, energy-filled akita. Unfortunately, akitas are very prey-driven. One day in the summer, said Norman caught a young squirrel and killed it.

Horrified, I ran outside and pulled my hound from his victim. We rushed the little animal to the nearest wild animal rehab but it died soon after arriving. Norman, oblivious to the horrors he had just imposed on the little creature, continued to run about the yard, happily.

The culprit opening up his Christmas gift. Not an ounce of remorse on his face.

I couldn’t bring that little squirrel back to life but I wanted to do something to help them, so I started leaving out some food on the snow. It’s bird seeds with sunflower seeds originally meant as bird food. I wasn’t sure if the gesture would be accepted. But one day, there was a slim squirrel eating away. And then, it came back. And returned again. And then it wasn’t that skinny any more.

You can’t really tell but he’s quite the chunky squirrel.

I continued to put out food and suddenly, the word was out and his friends started to come.

Our 24 hour buffet was a hit and over they came, squirrel after squirrel eating away. They even brought friends. We’ve seen a rabbit, chipmunks and an assortment of birds.

Now, I know some people could say it’s silly to feed the squirrels. We’re certainly going through bird seed like crazy. And they’ve certainly made a mess of our front lawn. But I can’t help but smile when I see them.

And then go out to buy more bird seed.