We all know the feeling. January rolls around and we find ourselves struggling to fit into our favorite pair of pants. So, we sigh and make our New Year’s resolutions. This year is going to be the year that we finally get our act together and lose a little weight.

Well, as we all struggle to get back in shape after the holidays, it’s nice to know that we aren’t the only ones who are feeling like our holiday indulgence went a little too far!

Apparently, even raccoons can find themselves in need of a weight loss plan!

And, You Think Your Holiday Weight Gain is Frustrating

With winter in full swing, the City of Zion Illinois Police Department received a call about an animal in distress. Apparently, a plump (we bet his friends call him cuddly) little raccoon had managed to get himself stuck in a sewer grate.

The responding officer, finding the little guy a little… shall we say, well fed… to be removed by one person, referred the case to the Zion Public Works Department. Fortunately, this second team were able to extract the little critter and send him on his way.

The officer made it clear that the raccoon, while undeniably adorable, was at least partially to blame for his own predicament. He said, “It seems this little guy has been eating a little too well and got caught in the sewer grate.”

On a More Serious Note…

While this is, at its heart, a “feel good story” about a raccoon, I just want to take a second to thank the police officers who responded to this call. When we treat all creatures with kindness and respect, it contributes to a society that understands the value of life.

If these police officers can take time out of their day to help one small little creature in distress, perhaps we can all treat each other a little more kindly every day!

Have you ever helped an animal in distress? What happened? Let’s have a chat!