‘If you crossed Mishka, she would let you know.’ This phrase perfectly encapsulates the spirited nature of a raccoon who became an unforgettable part of a family’s life in the New Forest. Mishka, a surly yet deeply beloved raccoon, left an indelible mark on her owners with her unique personality and antics.
A Surprising Start in Dibden, New Forest
In 2004, while living in Dibden, New Forest, the search for guinea pigs led to an unexpected discovery on the secondhand site Preloved: an advertisement for a raccoon. Having previously nurtured a raccoon with a bad leg during their time in Florida in the 1990s, the owners were immediately intrigued by these curious creatures. After some research on Google, they connected with a breeder and eventually welcomed three raccoons into their home. Two were purchased, named Nigel and Casey, and later, Mishka was given to them as a gift when she was just about eight weeks old.
Raising a Raccoon: Challenges and Joys
Caring for Mishka involved specific dietary needs, starting with kitten milk from the pet shop, as cow’s milk could cause severe diarrhoea. She was bottle-fed initially, then weaned onto porridge. Her diet expanded to include dog kibble, chicken sticks, berries, pumpkin, and cheese, though she notably refused to eat any meat. Later in life, Mishka was diagnosed with diabetes, requiring daily insulin injections from her husband. While she eventually tolerated these, she did bite him in the early days, showcasing her feisty side.
Mishka resided in an enclosure in the utility room but often ventured into the lounge, having the run of the house. To ensure harmony, the family’s chorkie dogs, Kennedy and Elf, were kept in the bedroom during her outings. Despite her occasional bad moods, where she might bite or growl, Mishka was predominantly loving. Her owner could hug, kiss, and brush her, though she had a strong aversion to water, refusing baths unless they were dry and necessitating the use of wipes for cleaning—thankfully, she didn’t smell.
Mischievous Antics and Household Havoc
Mishka’s mischievous streak was evident in her interactions with the other raccoons, whom she would terrorise by hitting them on the head. Her playful nature extended to household adventures, such as climbing on top of her cage and leaping into the Christmas tree, creating hilarious moments. Together with the family dog, she managed to strip the wallpaper off the walls, earning her a reputation as a naughty but gorgeous raccoon.
Legal Changes and a Heartbreaking Farewell
During Mishka’s lifetime, it was initially legal to keep raccoons as pets in the UK. However, the introduction of an invasive species law later prohibited buying, selling, or giving them away. Existing owners were permitted to keep their raccoons until they passed away. In her final weeks, Mishka fell ill, with the vet unable to pinpoint the cause, though her owner suspects a brain tumour. She died in May, aged seven, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
Mishka was described as her owner’s pride and joy, bringing immense fun and joy to their lives. While family and friends initially thought they were crazy for keeping a raccoon, anyone who met Mishka was quickly won over by her charm. Her story is a testament to the unexpected bonds that can form with exotic pets, highlighting the quirks and challenges that make such relationships so memorable.
