The heartwarming story of a truly enchanting grey squirrel 

Squirrels are so cool and they are all smarter the average congressman. 🤓❤🐿

Wow I mean........just wow. Now that's a real man. A big strong man, that has respect for all God's creatures. SO much to take away from this lovely story. What an absolutely amazing story of love, trust, companionship and testament to the sentiment "If you love something set it free. If it comes back it's yours. If it doesn't it never was". The fact that they were so unselfish and even though it was so hard for them to let him go, hearing him calling out to the other squirrels from his cage was heartbreaking. Yet seeing him curled up in his Woolen hat in his cage was a lovely moment. As was him busying himself burying his loot for later on. Good bounty to attract some lady squirrels I bet. You can see how gentle and kind his children are as well. Traits passed on from parents who have clearly loved and laughed and shared so much together. Including this bond with their little "funny man". I'm so glad that he comes back to see you all on the daily. But that he has a strength about him now.......that he's 'different.' Like him not wanting to be held as much as he used too when he was living in the house - but this is because, he is wild and he is where he is supposed to be. Yet your bond with him is always supposed to be. Thank you SO much for filming and sharing this. We all loved it. We don't have squirrels in Australia and I just love them. Loved the music too. 🥰🇦🇺💜♥️

He loves his human family....especially his dad. Thank you Doug for sharing this with us. It made my day!!!

What a beautiful story. Lovely family and what a little cutie-pie. The dog was very understanding too.

Fantastic video……making a grown man cry……well done guys.

This is the type of video to watch if you're feeling low or stressed out with personal problems. It can change your state of mind and sometimes that's all you need to get back into life. Very well done! Thank you!

Sometimes a soulmate comes in the form of an animal! The connection between the man and the squirrel is almost palpable. Beautifully filmed and thank you for sharing. ❤

Sooo adorable! God’s creatures are definitely here for our enjoyment and for us to watch over them.❤Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming connection you have with this amazing little squirrel.🐿️ May you have many more wonderful moments and memories with this beautiful little guy!

What a miraculous gift from our Creator. Just amazing. As a 52 year old man, I have tears in my eyes and thank you Doug and family for sharing. Precious.

Good video! My wife and I rehab the little guys and gals. We have for several years now. I agree that they have and can give love to us. They are so smart and playful as well. We have had some of our females come back to the inside of our porch where we have squirrel boxes set up for releases and have their babies! During Hurricane Ian one of our gals that did this gathered up her three young adult "kids" and brought them all in our porch to ride out the hurricane. They stayed for a day then back up in the trees again. That says a lot about their intelligence, insight and instincts. We feel blessed to be able to help these little guys and gals grow and go out into the wild and live the life they were intended for. Many stick around the same as Funny Man has done. they are welcome to stay as long as they like. They definitely enrich our life.

That squirrel knew and loved these kind,precious people. Thank you for being kind to an animal in need. Beautiful story. Yes,they are souls.

Aw, this is a cute story. My bf just rescued a tiny ground squirrel from a cat's mouth. The squirrel was covered in mites. We're trying to bring it back to health and happiness. He seems to be doing so well. He's just so small he couldn't survive on his own yet. I can see this will be a fulfilling, bitter-sweet journey. Great work with The Funny Man. He is blessed to have been raised by your lovely family.

Beautifully done video! I had a little female squirrel years ago. Her name was Feisty. She had fallen out of a very tall palm tree and landed in another tree that broke her fall. Her mother had been hit by a car in the street. I ended up taking her home. I loved her dearly…SWEETEST little creature! My dog and 2 cats had no problem with her either. Sadly, she got Westnile virus and didn’t survive it. I had her for 4 1/2 years. Had I known then what I know now, I would have released her back to the wild too. I just thought that since she hadn’t had a mom to teach her how to be a squirrel, that she might not survive. I couldn’t bear the thought of that so I kept her. But she ran around the house, and I made a pillow case out of a towel and she slept with me in that right on my chest. I had a bond with her that was different than my other animals. It’s hard to explain. I was devastated when I lost her. Anyone who says negative stuff about squirrels has no idea about them. So smart! And sweet and affectionate and funny! There are a lot of squirrel haters on RU-vid. Really sad that they can’t appreciate something so special. Oh well…their loss. Thank you for doing this video. Reminds me of my Feisty and how much I miss her! ❤️❤️❤️

Could have watched this story all day. It’s amazing how one can bond with a wild animal, sometimes giving you more joy than a human

Struggling with the demands of life today. The realities of how we humans treat not only one another but other sentient beings…. it was weighing especially heavily on me this morning. Thank you for taking the time to care for this critter and share your bond. It makes the world just a little bit of a better place. Imagine if we all could do that…..

This was adorable making a fuss, not wanting to go in the cage.

Years ago I raised a gray squirrel my cat had brought to me. He wasn't as furred out as yours but he was still old enough so that he survived. I named him Link, wintered him over and released him in the spring. He was the sweetest, most affectionate thing, just like a cat, never bit me. He used to drape himself over my shoulder and squeak while I scratched his back ❤ ❤

Such a sweet story. They day the definition of love is to set them free and see if they will return. Funny man definitely loves your family💜

How wonderful, his freedom and still a super relationship with the people that helped him 😊

I hope Funny Man is still around, when I was a kid we raised a baby squirrel but she stayed with us her whole life, she lived about 9-10 years, we called her MO, they like many of God's creatures have a spirit, so to hear him say that, touched my heart, this video reinforces my faith in humanity.

What a beautiful family you've got, and so kind hearted!

Your 10000% right, they are living souls

Some people cannot understand why someone can love squirrels when I look in their eyes all I see is love ❤

Doing the same again, this time with a male squirrel. Nine years ago I had the honor to raise a female back to the wild from a hairless pup. She hung around for years. It's really a wonderful experience. I get joy when I hear them fuss at you for something you did wrong. I'm 37 days in with this one. Weaning from formula to solids.

You should write a children's book about your funny man Great story. I'll be waiting for the book ,because we need a story like this in this crazy world we are in now. Blessings to you and your family. I want the first copy

Well done Doug, it's great to see the little fellow bringing you so much pleasure

That was so touching and well made! I hope Funny Man has many more years of being free and coddled at the same time.

I raised one so young he had no fur. He was a snuggle bug and a riot with the family cat. He say on my shoulder at night and picked fruit out of my bowl and sat eating his favorite fruit .

I have 3 or 4 wild squirrels that have no problem coming into my garage because I have peanuts for them. After about 3 weeks I was able to feed a couple of them by hand. Such beautiful, intelligent and inquisitive creatures.

I see it as that lovely little squirrel having the very best of both worlds .. family AND freedom.💞

It was such a heart warming story of grey squirrel ❤ I almost cry when the squirrel came back from the wild nature to gentle “funny man”! Yes! This little creature is really beautiful and cool ! The world is created as to live with this kind of relationship between human and animal ❤

What a wonderful story. Wish we had more people in the world like you and your family!

This is a wonderful story! Scientists are not sure how sensitive and feeling squirrels are. This story shows that your little squirrel came back not just for food but for back rubs and playtime! What a lucky and precious little darling!

I am so moved by this kind loving sweet family.

Чудесная история❤❤❤ Спасибо за такое милое и полное любви и заботы видео❤

Thanks for sharing this beautiful story. I love animals. I was crying watching this. It’s wonderful to witness other people who show compassion to animals as I do too. It’s truely heart warming. Thank You. I love the little funny man too and you and your whole family😊 God Bless you all always ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

How precious 💕I reached a baby squirrel that was in my yard,thought the baby was dead.Took to vet they took care if the baby and took to sanctuary.

You released him in the best way possible, a little at a time with helping hands, food, and leaving his cage there for him. Wild animals should be free. Look at him, just flying around those trees! He truly has the best of both worlds. Wonderful, sweet story!

This guy is SO SO lucky to have this treasure because he is a total treasure. He is gorgeous. Blessings to all of you.

Oh my goodness. I am obsessed with squirrels, which is how I found this found and I cried SO much. Beautifully done and it is incredibly heart warming to see a family love a wild animal so much.

We had a adult female grey squirrel who came back (for pecan halves) to visit four 4 seasons. Each time I would think, this wild animal has so much to deal with out there that she might not come back. Then she came back! We played with her just like she never left. Until one day, that she was missing from our routine. We try not to dwell on it, but we miss her the way that you do. We are grateful that CrookTail let us peek into her life and her offsprings as well. Thank you God 🙏🏻

Man some of that was hard to watch. I could feel the older gentlemans hurt strongly. Glad he came back. God is good, but you did the right thing letting him explore

A beautiful love story like no other! The most beautiful part is the decision to let him go free, and that, of course, he comes back to visit. There's a lesson about love there. Meanwhile, I wouldn't mind being adopted by these people. Gotta go now. It's time to feed the family of squirrels in my yard. 💕🐿🐾

It's 12:30 am . I watched this and am going to bed. What a nice thing to have on my mind before sleep . Thank you

What a beautiful family.....and even the human children and the squirrel child...we loved it....😂

Aww, he's adorable. You are so lucky to have such a special friendship with him. Precious.

Hopefully he or she will bring all the friends and families to meet this guy.

One year later, this story and the Funny Man still touching someone...♥️ Thank you for allowing us to see how intelligent nature really is...! I'm sure the Funny Man had no idea how huge his legacy would be...!! 🌍 And you are a wonderful bunch of people! We so need more like you... Healthy planet! 💛👍☺️♥️🐿️🐿️🌿

Beautiful story…… Right now my husband and I are raising a baby squirrel, she was under our deck steps last Friday night, our Pomeranian was standing near the steps sniffing, well the baby thought he was her momma and came out, needless the chase started, we got the baby safe inside, I’ve been bottle feeding her and giving nuts etc to her, but we both know that day is coming soon, I’m really dreading it to 😢❤️, will be bittersweet, but we know it’s best, as we have 3 bigger fur babies as well inside, but you did give us one great idea and that was to leave her pen hanging in a tree, I pray she does come back at night to sleep in it, God Bless y’all……

Thank you Jesus for letting us borrow all your wonderful critters

What a beautiful story ! You're funny man's family and your bond will last a lifetime. He'll continue to visit you regularly.. Thank you for sharing this story !

What a wonderful story thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It's people like you that make the world feel that bit softer,,,,, Thankyou Love Australia

This makes me so happy. I have a rescued squirrel that my daughter and I raised too. Her name is Hazel and she is precious.

My brother rescued a baby squirrel 1955. He was an amazing pet. We lived in a mill camp. When the camp closed he turned the now adult pet free. I went back in 10 years and was looking around the now empty site and heard a squirrel chattering. I called him by name and he came right to me. I fed him some of my picnic lunch and we said goodbye. So intelligent and loving. I hope he lived a very long and happy life. So happy your family were able to enjoy your sweet squirrel. 🙂

That was an incredible and moving documentary, very well done.... I will not soon forget your family, and "funny man" ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

Your family did a beautiful thing.

'I never thought that a squirrel could weave it's way into my heart'. Oh, mate, they really do. I love my little Sean Connery so much :)

Such good people. If only the world had more of this. Thanks for looking out for him and loving him enough to let him be free to live his squirrel life.

My goodness, that's cute gymnastics from the lovely baby. These cute animals can add a great cheer and quality to our lives. Excellent.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of Funny man. Yes “ ALL” animals have souls. 💙

How absolutely beautiful and precious- thanks for uploading this and for your great compassion!!!!

Thank you for this beautiful story. I feed the squirrels that live in the little park behind my building, from my balcony. I also put peanuts on my balcony railing and the bluejays come and carry them off. It takes so little to be kind to all animals, and it gives back so much. Thanks again for loving Funny Man.

Thanks for giving nature a helping hand We are supposed to live close to animals ❤

This totally blew my heart open!! It's so moving and all too rare to see human beings treating other creatures with the love, respect and connection they so deeply deserve and clearly thrive on!! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story of innocence , pure love and joy in a time of so much darkness and despair.

This story ls truly touching. To watch your family take such good care of him when he was a baby, and to watch him grow up to be let free is heartwarming. I'm sure it was quite difficult to release Funny Man back to the wild. But, your special relationship with him truly warms my heart. All God's creatures are a gift to us and we should be stewards of all of nature. You show a good example by allowing him to be the squirrel he was intended for and this is wonderful. I wish all humanity could have the compassion and unselfishness toward your furry friend. Thank you for this video. It was a wonderful story of the best in people. 🐿💕

What a great story, you guys are awesome

Thank you for helping one that couldn't help himself. Sweet little baby. So cute.

Such a lovely family; beautiful airy home; pretty gentle wife; handsome gentle sons.. lovely grounds; Wonderful squirrel.. A Story Of Life & Friendship.. 💕

Yes, my heart was definitely touched by this beautiful story of the FUNNY MAN. I love squirrels as well! They are so trusting and entertaining. Long life to FUNNY MAN.

What a beautiful little soul!

Loved this! Thank you for saving him. The world needs more extraordinary people like you & your family. 🕊❤️🐿

This is one of the best animal human interaction video I have ever had the pleasure of watching thank you so much I now see squirrels in a different light thank you...Peter 65 yrs old in Vancouver BC a new squirrel fan⛄🎇😺

That's one lucky squirrel... He's free and has everything a squirrel could possibly want. Thanks for sharing this

Made me cry like a baby. It is so hard to do the right thing. But,like you,I have raised stray baby animals and they keep a piece of your heart 💔❤️‍🩹

Wow! This video actually made me tear up! So touching and very well done but the love and care that you and your family gave to this little funny man is incredible!

This is just beautiful. I have pet rats and I think rodents are so misunderstood. What you and your family created with the funny man is so sweet and special. Bless you and your family!!!

Your adorable pet squirrel could've made a top movie career in Hollywood or Disney land !

This beautiful video surely captures the real meaning of life.........love for every "little soul".

Gentle giant and little buddy..Adorable and love this..❤

Funny Man chose to enjoy the best of both worlds -- lucky squirrel!

I made it through the first half then lost it and tears rolling down my cheeks. Such an amazing cross over into 2 worlds. Precious story of your little funny man. I'm so glad he still visits and know how painful it was when you set him free, so beautifully. What a precious little guy and wonderful experience for your family.

So nice too see how a little squirrel can make people more aware that all animals have souls and personalities. This little guy was domed if you didn't take him in. You saved him during his biggest time indeed. Your kid's probably leaned the most out of the whole interaction.... GOOD LUCK

Having a squirrel at home is pure joy and music guys , I love it and I too feed squirrels of my garden 😎👍.

Thank you for a beautiful story of a human kindness, love, patience, joy, and resilience.What a joy to behold…to see the happy little squirrel 🐿 playing with the family who saved him❤

Such a beautiful story, and the music was appropriate. The music was soothing. Thank you for sharing ❤

This was so beautiful. Crying of course. 🐿️♥️

What a beautiful story of love n respect for God’s creatures. We have a family of squirrels in our yard that we feed daily. I just have to open my deck door n if they hear it, they come running to get their peanuts. We love watching their antics. They are so entertaining.

Lovely story. I love squirrels too. So cold here in Quebec in the winter so I feed the squirrels every day so they can survive without too much stress, thanks for sharing your story !

Great heartwarming story. Thanks for filming it all and sharing.

We need more people like you and your family.

This is awesome!❤ My husband and I had a similar experience with two abandoned babies a boy and a girl. The girl always came back for her walnuts at our back door, she’d look in when she wanted some and jump on the glass .She’d watch for our car to come in the driveway then wait at the door.♥️♥️Thanks for sharing and your kindness to the wild ones.

I have very recently saved a fox squirrel. 5wks old that had been injured falling from a tree. Mommy did not come back. She got to me and my quest with God's help is to get her leg fixed, love her, and give her what she needs. Then release her. Your video was an inspiration. I had fears I would fall short of the mark but no more. Had her xrays today so I have a direction for Buttons. Thank you for being like me! We are stewards of this earth, to help when we can. Bravo Funny Man! I cried watching your story you precious creature. God bless you, your wife, and sons!

Loved it...so glad you rescued him

Oh my goodness!!! I have recently made friends w the squirrels in my yard and I have fallen in love….I’ve even named myself squirrel girl on RU-vid lol…. I never knew what a treasure was all around me my whole life 😊❤️🐿

Many people don't realize that when a baby squirrel or raccoon or skunk "chase" you or follow you, that's their way of asking for help.

I am surprised to be crying...this is ONE OF MY FAVORITE stories ever💙💙💙

The love that animals bring us is unmearsurable! I would be a miserable unproductive person without them!

So heartwarming, I love squirrels!

That was a great story and the violin really added to it. I wonder which of you played that piece? Thank you for putting a heartfelt video for the world to experience and make a positve difference 💓