Earlier this month, Jannet Talbott was doing some yard work at her ranch in Alberta, Canada when she noticed a small squirrel eating from her finches’ bird feeder. It was immediately clear to her that the squirrel was struggling, and then she noticed something odd sticking out of his head.
As she got closer, Jannett realized that the squirrel could not eat his normal diet of nuts and bark because his teeth were so long and overgrown. Somehow, the squirrel’s four incisors were curling backward into his mouth!
Jannett was heartbroken to see the plight of this squirrel, as she realized he would soon starve to death if she did not do something. That’s why she grabbed him and brought him into her home to perform some dental work on him. Jannett first went on YouTube to learn how to trim squirrel teeth. She then wrapped the squirrel, whom she named “Bucky,” in a towel and got to work.
Jannett owns the Double J Freedom Ranch near Barrhead, Alberta, and she has been helping animals there for years.
“I feel a deep connection with animals, and a duty to advocate for them and be their voice,” she said.
As she examined Bucky, Jannett found that his two incisors were so long and curly they nearly pierced him right in the eyes.
She described Bucky as a “model patient” who remained calm during the delicate DIY dental work. She explained that he did not feel much pain because squirrels don’t have nerve endings in their incisors.
“I do believe animals know when you’re trying to help them,” she said.
Jannett used a standard cuticle trimmer to trim Bucky’s exceptionally long teeth before she released him back into the wild.
After releasing him, Jannett looked on in delight as Bucky ran up the tree and was able to rub his cheeks on it for the first time.
“I watched him sharpen is newly trimmed incisors on a tree branch… fingers crossed he keeps them worn down,” she said. “Just look at that smile.”
God bless Jannett for taking the time to help a squirrel in need! SHARE this story so your family and friends can see this as well!
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