For more than two decades, Jim Thebarge and his family in Connecticut have been dedicated animal lovers, finding joy in caring for the stray cats that frequent their area.
Their kindness didn’t go unnoticed, and soon, other animals started showing up at their door, hoping for food or assistance.
The Thebarges welcomed each visitor with open arms, never turning away an animal in need.
One particular visitor, however, turned out to be quite a surprise.
A Mysterious Guest
One evening, strange noises from their front door caught the family’s attention. Assuming it was another hungry animal enjoying the food they regularly left out, they went to check.
“We have heated food and water bowls on our back porch for the cats during freezing weather, plus five heated pet beds in our garage in case they need a warm place to sleep,” Jim told The Dodo.
When they looked outside, they saw an animal, unlike the usual cats or dogs. Its head was stuck in a jar, and it was struggling to eat or drink from the bowls.
“We believe he showed up knowing we’d help him,” Jim said.
Upon closer inspection, they realized it was a distressed raccoon, clearly hungry, confused, and unable to fend for itself.
A Plan to Help
The raccoon’s plight tugged at the family’s heartstrings, but helping him wasn’t easy. Each time someone tried to approach, he panicked and tried to flee.
Determined to assist, the Thebarges contacted multiple wildlife organizations.
Eventually, a local wildlife rehabilitation team responded and arrived to set a humane trap. Unfortunately, the raccoon managed to escape before they could help.
Undeterred, Jim devised a plan.
He suspected the raccoon would return to the food and water, so he rigged a rope to close the porch door once the raccoon entered.
A Successful Rescue
Jim’s hunch was right. The raccoon returned shortly after, desperate for food.
“I tied a rope to the porch door and waited. Within 30 minutes of the rescue team leaving, he showed up at the bowl. I pulled the door shut, trapping him on the porch, and called the rescue team back,” Jim explained.
When the wildlife rescuers arrived, they gently approached the raccoon and removed the jar from his head.
After a quick health check, they released him back into the wild.
The family and rescuers shared a moment of relief and joy, knowing they’d saved another life.
A Grateful Visitor
Two weeks later, the raccoon returned—but this time, without the jar.
He seemed to remember the kindness he’d been shown and started visiting daily to enjoy the food, fresh water, and the warmth of his new friends.
Now, he’s a regular visitor, and the Thebarge family couldn’t be happier to see him thriving.
A Word of Caution
While this story has a happy ending, it’s essential to remember that raccoons can carry rabies, a potentially fatal virus transmitted through bites.
If you encounter a raccoon or any wild animal in distress, resist the urge to approach them. Instead, contact your local wildlife rescue professionals, who are trained to handle such situations safely.
The Thebarge family’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of animals in need.