One poor squirrel family was attacked by their natural predator – a massive owl. When the family disappeared or died, only one little creature remained. A baby squirrel from the nest had survived, but barely. A nearby wildlife rescue and a dedicated family decided they weren’t giving up on the little animal.

The squirrel’s life wasn’t guaranteed, but they would try anyway.

To most people, a squirrel family getting “removed” is a good thing as they are considered pests. They can get in houses and attics and cause some serious property damage. This little squirrel proved that they could be much more than just pests, however.

The baby squirrel was named Bella.

The Harrison family decided to take in Bella to help rehab her. When the shelter reached out, it was an easy decision to help save the tiny animal. They assumed she would heal rather quickly and move her along to the woods, but Bella had something else in mind!

She didn’t even have her eyes open yet!

When she was found, she didn’t even have her eyes open yet. That meant she was still a literal newborn when everything happened. The Harrison family had years of squirrel rehab experience and even had other squirrels in their care named Larry, Moe, and Curly.

They started to feed and care for the little ones with plans to release them.

Placing them in an outside release cage with formula and food, they helped all the squirrels in their care recover. As they recovered, the family would slowly release them back into the wild.

Bella seemed like the other three squirrels – at least initially!

They took care of all the squirrels in their care until the big day came; it was time to release them! That April day, the Harrisons got everything ready for a big release.

When it was finally time, something wonderful happened.

Larry, Moe, and Curly immediately went out and scampered away, ready to explore. Bella, however, wasn’t interested.

“She started to come back for a treat or two within days of being released.”

After the treats, Bella would sit at the door or window and stare in, wondering why her family wasn’t letting her in!

Now, eight years later, Bella still sits and hangs out with the family whenever she has a chance!

She’ll come and say hi, get a treat, and then cuddle up in their laps for a daytime nap and snuggle! She isn’t exactly a pet, but she isn’t fully wild either! It’s like she is independent but loves her family too much to say goodbye forever.

Bella just knows where to go when she needs a bit of love.

We never forget when people are kind to us. Bella doesn’t seem to, either. She has a long life ahead of her, and we expect it to be absolutely full of snuggles.

Check out the adorable video below!

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Source: YouTube, The Dodo