Posted on 11/08/2009 7:59:57 PM PST by Steelfish
A Shrine To A Squirrel: Town's 'Diana Style' Show of Grief For Dead Albino Rodent
By DANIEL BATES 09th November 2009
Well-loved: Albi the albino squirrel pictured in the churchyard where he lived [Pic in URL]
Beside the grave lie gifts, flowers and heartfelt messages, some in verse. A tribute page on the social networking site Facebook has attracted more than 250 members.
And the cause of this remarkable outpouring of grief? Albi the albino squirrel is no more. Albi, also known as Snowy or Percy, fell foul of a hit-and-run driver outside the churchyard where he used to live and play in Dorking, Surrey.
Dozens of tearful mourners have made the pilgrimage to his grave in a flower bed and turned it into a shrine to their 'light that has gone out'. Cards, flowers and bags of nuts surround the small wooden cross which marks the spot where his body lies. One message reads: 'Bye my beautiful albino squirrel. Miss you. I will always remember you forever. Rest in peace. Love you.'
Another reads: 'We can't believe you've gone little friend. 'Everyone loved to see you running in the churchyard with your fellow – but grey – squirrels. We will not forget you.'
One mourner has brought a bathroom tile to the grave on which is scratched the words: 'Albi no more.' And a poem on a card laments his 'untimely death' at the hands of an 'evil driver'.
Only one in 100,000 squirrels is an albino. Since he appeared about two years ago Albi had become such a celebrity that his fans would wear white squirrel costumes at fancy-dress parties.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
I find it hard to believe that there can be 250 people in one town whose lives are this empty in a country that did not elect Obama.
That is so funny!
It was a cute little critter.
Sad. Albinos usually have poor vision, so it’s a wonder he lasted two years without some special protection. Sounds like he had a good life, though, short as it was.
Dorking indeed!
Squirrel self ping (for harvesting pics tomorrow at work)
Wow- thanks for the pic post.
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