They’re tearing down the building I used to work in, right across the street from where I work now (for the same company). Okay, they’re actually preparing to tear it down, but they’ve come a long way. It seems most of the computer equipment, printers, and the like have already been moved and based on the empty parking lot, no one is left working in that building.
But I worry about the squirrels. They built quite a community in the space between the ceiling and the roof–some might call it an attic, but it’s really too small for that. Anyway, the squirrels had nests there, and we’d hear them scampering around quite frequently. Sometimes one would get caught in a trap, and one time the victim of one of these traps put up quite a fuss, banging the cage and crying out for help. There was a catch and release policy for those squirrels, so no doubt they just came back.
So what happens when the building gets torn down? Do the squirrels perish? The thought bothers me, but no one has an answer and management doesn’t seem to care.
Today some of us had quite a discussion about it, and one thing became clear: I work with a group of people who care about animals. Not my whole department, mind you, but the few gathered around me definitely have a heart for our furry friends. We talked about how our pets had chosen us–in my case, Walter and Mimi showed up at my door, although my neighbors took them in first. When January came around and those girls cast these two helpless kittens out in the sleet and ice, I relented from my firm stance against adopting any animals (I was out of work and owed the Cat Clinic quite a bit of money) and took them in. We were immediately a family.
Rita and Sherry had similar stories, and both had lived on farms where they never turned an animal away. Cats and dogs came and went. Sherry relayed how one Pomeranian had become best friends with a calf, and the two would snuggle up together. Sherry’s dad taught that little foo-foo dog to help with the cattle, and she’d run out with her calf buddy and hang out in the pasture with all the cows.
We never did reach a satisfactory conclusion on how to address the squirrel situation. I just hope the company makes a compassionate effort to clear out as many as possible before demolishing the building. Maybe it’s because my birthday is also Squirrel Appreciation Day, but I really don’t want them to meet a disastrous fate.
Image Credits: Header (cartoon squirrel) © JJAVA–stock.adobe.com; Pomeranian © Olesia Bilkei
My World With Words 
Oh, dear! Does management know the squirrels are up there? You can probably call a company to release the squirrels before the building is demolished, but will the company scoff at the notion or even want to pay for that? Can a group of you write something or schedule a time to talk to someone about this?
I mean, it’s not like you’re asking for anyone to adopt them as pets. You just want to set them free so they can have a life outside of the building.
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We’ve talked about different options, but no one seems comfortable implementing a plan. I decided after writing this that I’ll send an email to someone and see where that goes. It could be they’ve already done something, but I don’t know. I do work for a good company so I think I’ll be heard.
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Sending the email is a good start, Belinda. If you can hear the squirrels scampering around, chances are good other people have, too, and there is a plan. I hope so. My fingers are crossed!
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I have heard of instances where concerned folks have enlisted the help of local reporters, especially if it appears those hired to do the work haven’t even been given any prior notice an animal situation exists. Local news reporting could be most helpful in obtaining the best result possible.
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That’s a good idea, and I’ll keep it in mind if my email(s) don’t get any results. My journalism background could prove useful here!
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I love the idea of you all sitting around swapping animal stories. What a great group of people to work with!
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They are great, and I loved their stories. It was good to get to know that aspect of their lives!
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I think if we continue to believe businesses will be compassionate, then we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. It may be better if the community does something, so these squirrels are safe.
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I asked today what were the plans for tearing the buildings down, and apparently they’ve changed, but no one is quite sure how. So I’m trying to find that out so I know how to proceed.
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This sounds good, Belinda. I really do think it’s in the community’s hands.
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I hope the management does. But people in power usually are not very concerned about the lives of others. Hope the squirrels find avway out.
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As it turns out, they’ve been doing what they can to get the squirrels out of the attic. Alive. Apparently it’s very difficult because the squirrels keep coming back and they don’t know how they’re getting in. But I was assured they are working on it and have gotten some help from a pest control company experienced in the matter.
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You do whatever you can, right… 💗 It is nice to read that people care because it’s not the squirrels fault. I’m glad the plans have changed because I could see you walking around with a petition to save them. You have to stand up for matters that truly matter. Just because they are small doesn’t mean they have any less right to be here than we do.
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I have no idea what’s happening with that building now, but I do plan to stand up for the squirrels if need be!
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