Animals

The Rescued Raccoon Who Is About To Make Your Day

This story starts off incredibly sad: this raccoon was found in the under-cabin of a boat at an impounded marina, in a filthy cage full of rotten food where he had been living since he was a baby. Harbor was left 80% blind due to his poor nutrition and lack of sunlight, and he was turned over to rehabilitator, MaryEllen Schoeman, who named him Harbor. In his new home, Harbor didn't just recover well enough to survive, he found a boundless exuberance and a love of life that should inspire us all.

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Summer Anne Burton
Summer Anne Burton
BuzzFeed Staff
Flickr: maryellen

Harbor playing in his new outdoors enclosure

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youtube.com / Via care2.com

Schoeman determined that it would be some time, if ever, before Harbor could be released back into the wild, so she built him this outdoor enclosure. "I was astounded, and continue to be, at his utterly incredible capacity for joy. He plays, ecstatically, with anything at hand, and accepts everything that comes into his life with an open heart."

Flickr: maryellen

Harbor taking a walk in the garden

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youtube.com / Via care2.com

"I have worked with raccoons for many years, and I can honestly say that I have never encountered one who greets each day with such happiness, and who loves so fully and so deeply. He loves his pool, his toys and every single person he meets." -MaryEllen Schoeman

Flickr: maryellen

Harbor romping cutely

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youtube.com / Via pawnation.com

I may or may not have already watched this video upwards of ten times.

Flickr: maryellen

Mary Ellen's YouTube channel

youtube.com

More videos of Harbor including such highlights as "Harbor eating a watermelon," and "Harbor getting a bath."

Harbor's story from The Great Animal Rescue Chase

care2.com

"I have learned from Harbor, as well. I have learned that it is possible to come from a place of unimaginable darkness and despair, and still move forward into a life of joy and love; that we do not have to carry our darkness with us, and that every day is a gift."

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