Baby Squirrel Recovers From Pneumonia and Stars in Adorable Newborn Photoshoot

In 2018, a tiny baby squirrel was found frozen and laying still on the ground in the front yard of a home in Jacksonville, Florida. Thankfully, the homeowners discovered the little squirrel before it was too late and brought it to the Merrill Animal Clinic, where the poor thing was barely breathing.

(Photo Credit: Polly Weldon)

Luckily, clinic volunteer Polly Weldon, an expert veterinary technician who has been rehabbing squirrels for more than 10 years, was there when the baby was brought in. Knowing exactly what to do, Weldon immediately grabbed a heating pad and a small towel and swaddled the small animal like a child. The staff gave him a cute name — Cardboard! — and watched over him for a while as he slowly began to stir.

(Photo Credit: Polly Weldon)

“His breathing seemed labored and the veterinarian was concerned about pneumonia,” Weldon wrote in a personal essay that’s published on the blogging site Love What Matters. “We did radiographs, and Cardboard was given antibiotics. After lots of care and attention (and late nights), he seems to have made a full recovery and is growing every day!”

(Photo Credit: Polly Weldon)

To celebrate the little guy’s fresh new start, Weldon decided to do an adorable newborn photo shoot for him. It didn’t take long for Weldon to find out that Cardboard is a natural — a natural sleeper, that is!

“There is a heating pad under his blanket in the picture, so he was sleeping very soundly and didn’t even wake when I put the ribbon over his head,” Weldon said.

Doesn’t he look so peaceful and cute all curled up? While this is a new twist on an adorable newborn photo shoot, we have to say that we like it a lot — and could stare at these photos all day.

(Photo Credit: Polly Weldon)

Just look at that furry little face!

(Photo Credit: Polly Weldon)

Now, Cardboard is thriving. Aside from snuggling in warm towels fresh out of the dryer, sweet and tiny Cardboard is gearing up to return to the wild where he belongs.

(Photo Credit: Polly Weldon)

He’s so close to “graduating” that Weldon’s cousin made him a squirrel-sized cap and gown. How cute! They sure do grow up fast, don’t they?

In the mood for more animal cuteness? These furry families and heartwarming quotes will make you smile.

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