In a touching reflection on an extraordinary pet, Gill Waters shares the unforgettable tale of Mishka, a spirited raccoon whose antics and affectionate nature captured the hearts of all who crossed her path. From her unconventional diet to her playful mischief, Mishka’s life was a whirlwind of joy and chaos that left an indelible mark on her family.
A Unique Beginning
The story of Mishka began in 2004 when Gill and her husband, Graham, were living in Dibden, New Forest. Initially searching for guinea pigs, Gill stumbled upon an advertisement for a raccoon on the secondhand site Preloved. Having cared for a raccoon in Florida during the 1990s, Gill felt an instant connection. After extensive research and a meeting with a breeder, they welcomed Mishka into their lives, adding her to their family alongside two other raccoons, Nigel and Casey.
Raising a raccoon is no small feat. Gill recalls how Mishka, at just eight weeks old, required a special diet starting with kitten milk, as cow’s milk would lead to severe digestive issues. Gill lovingly bottle-fed Mishka before transitioning her to porridge and a mix of dog kibble, berries, and even cheese—though she stubbornly refused to eat meat. As Mishka grew, she was diagnosed with diabetes, necessitating daily insulin injections, a routine that became easier for Graham over time.
Mischief and Mayhem
Mishka’s personality was as vibrant as her upbringing was unconventional. Living in an enclosure in the utility room, she would often roam freely in the lounge, where her mischievous nature shone through. The couple’s chorkies, Kennedy and Elf, were often banished to the bedroom during Mishka’s escapades.
“She had a way of letting you know when you’d crossed her,” Gill explains. “If she was in a bad mood, she’d bite and growl, but mostly, she was loving.” Mishka’s strong personality was evident in her interactions with the other raccoons. Not particularly fond of her companions, she would occasionally assert her dominance by playfully swatting them on the head.
One of Mishka’s most memorable moments was her infamous leap into the family Christmas tree, a sight that left Gill and Graham in fits of laughter. Mischief was her middle name, and her antics included tearing down wallpaper alongside Gill’s dog, creating an atmosphere of constant amusement and affection in their home.
A Heartbreaking Farewell
Despite the joy she brought, Mishka’s health took a turn for the worse in her final weeks. Gill recalls the heartache of watching her beloved pet struggle without a clear diagnosis from the vet. “I suspect she had a brain tumour,” Gill reflects. Mishka passed away in May, at the tender age of seven, leaving a profound void in the hearts of her family.
Though the laws surrounding pet ownership in the UK have changed, preventing the acquisition of raccoons as pets, Gill and Graham cherished their time with Mishka, who was a cherished member of their family. “Everyone thought we were crazy,” Gill shares, “but anyone who met Mishka fell in love with her.”
Why it Matters
Mishka’s story is a testament to the profound bonds that can form between humans and animals, highlighting the joy and chaos that our beloved pets can bring into our lives. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the unconditional love and laughter that pets provide, along with the responsibility that comes with caring for unique and often misunderstood creatures. In a world where many animals face the threat of invasive species laws, Mishka’s tale inspires us to cherish and advocate for the diverse relationships we can cultivate with all of nature’s inhabitants.
