This is what happens when you're bored. You're still in Christmas buying mode. And it's a slow day at the antique mall.
A few days after Christmas, my son and I drove down to a favorite antique mall a few towns over. It was more or less to just get out of the house and NOT go to a regular retail store.
I was sick to death of Target by then (blasphemy?) and wanted something tamer and more relaxing.
I had high hopes for a leisurely stroll through the antique mall, possibly finding a few leftover vintage Christmas items. But there wasn't a lot of vintage Christmas left at the antique mall.
Not a kitschy Santa blow mold in site.
Nary a Shiny Brite to be found.
And even though it's not Christmas related, you and I both know I had my eyes peeled for thermoses. No such luck.
We were about ready to head out and call it a day when we spotted HIM.
Not him as in Him, but him as in Dusty.
The cutest, rattiest stuffed squirrel you ever did see!
I playfully texted my husband a photo with the caption "Look who wants to come home with us!"
He, of course, took one look at the photo and said "When are you ever going to find a stuffed squirrel for that price again?"
Uh, not sure if that meant - "Buy him, he's fabulous!" or "You are NUTS and I'm just being sarcastic!"
But I chose to not have him elaborate any further and proudly purchased Dusty and brought him home with us.
To his forever home.
Oh, wait. Why did I name him Dusty?
Well, the years in the antique mall were not good to him.
Can you vacuum a squirrel? Does Dyson make an attachment for that?
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage
LOL Pam. Dusty is so cute. Glad he found a forever home with no dust!!!! Happy New Year.
xoxo
Kris
Diane
Dusty looks pretty darn dust-free to me! You did good tidying up his cute little face and furry self. Seems pretty content in his new forever home. Do we know for sure that Dusty is a 'he'?
Pam
Well . . . I didn't want to check that closely 🙂 We're just assuming at this point!
Teri
Oh Pam! I see such potential in Dusty just as you must have. A tiny Santa hat? Easter bunny ears, holding flowers and so much more. Maybe starring in a diorama.
Such fun.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
Dusty found the perfect forever home with you, Pam...besides, your deer needed a buddy.
Kirby
Totally something I would buy. My husband would just shake his head and move on.
chris aka monkey
pam i have to quit reading your blog when i am drinking coffee, first i spit it all over my monitor then i choke from sucking my breath in so hard, you are the only one who would buy poor dusty well maybe i would too he is kinda cute xx
Pam
I saved him, right?
Amy
I just BAA HAA HAAA'ed out loud and my family is worried. Great squirrel, great blog. Thanks for the laugh.
Ann
Um, I'm getting a little worried about you....Happy New Year! 🙂
taryterre
This is so sweet on so many levels. I mean who doesn't want a squirrel to hang around the house nuisance free. Quick note when we were looking at houses and chose the one we live in, one of the bedrooms had a menagerie of stuffed critters. I think Dusty is a keeper, no doubt about it.
Carole Prisk
Love Dusty and all the scrumptious chintz in the photo. I would have been broke when I left.
Bonnie Schulte
I've seen a little guy like this at a friends (man) house. His squirrel is holding an acorn, I think he is pretty cute...
Brenda Kula-Pruitt
Well, I don't quite know what to say. A rarity for me! But then I'm purging and not buying right now for lack of room. So I'd have had a ready excuse...
Brenda
Fonda Rush
Our kitties would LOVE to have Dusty! He IS pretty darn cute. Enjoy him, and give him all the love you can! My wife and I lived in Ohio where there were plenty of squirrels. Down here in southeastern NC, not so much. The ones we see are small, short-tailed and elusive. Enjoy the little fellow!
Pam
We've been playing with him with the dog. I'll set it outside looking in the back door and wait to see how long it take the dog to notice him. She gets all excited and wants to go out and "play" with him. But of course, she only gets to look at him from afar!
Fonda Rush
What a hoot!!!
Ginger
Dying laughing!!!! Glad he found a home with you. I would have walked on by because squirrels are not my thing. Live or stuffed!
Naomi S.
All I can think to say, Pam, is "Oh, dear!"
Paulette
That is hilarious! Let me know if you do vacuum Dusty. I have a pheasant who needs similar detailing.
Pam
I saw a small attachment set for a shop vac I might pick up. It's made to clean keyboards and detail cars I think, but it might be just what I need to clean him up without sucking the hair right off him 🙂
Fonda Rush
LOL!!!
Vickie
Congratulations on the newest member of your family, Pam!! He is absolutely adorable! They say great minds think alike, and believe it or not, I held a distant cousin of Dusty's in my hands a few years ago, but unfortunately I put him back on the shelf and to this day I regret that decision. Please tell me you are a fan of the movie Funny Farm. If you're not, I suggest you watch it just to see if Dusty plays a small part in the movie. I'm laughing just thinking about Chevy Chase....hehe.
So, what are we looking for next? Perhaps a Scaredy Cat (Hope Floats)?
Thanks for a good chuckle and stay warm!
Pam
I had totally forgotten about the animals in Hope Floats!!! Yes, a Scaredy Cat might be on my list!
Pat Miller
Glad to know someone else thinks squirrels are cute! A while back, a squirrel fell off the power lines by our home. We rescued it...it had died...so, decided to take it to the taxidermist.
Well, whataya know, he never called us back to say it was ready! So, HE thought it was cute, also!
I know you'll find he perfect place for Dusty. Hmmm...wonder if he was OUR squirrel?? 🙂
Pam
He doesn't have that burnt, hair sticking straight up look that I imagine when I picture a squirrel being electrocuted 🙂
Pat Miller
Yep, he looked normal...surprise, huh?
FLORENCE L SALMER
Uhhhhh.....OK. I'm thinking you WERE bored. What did your son think of him? But I guess he's kinda cute.
Pam
He got VERY excited when we found him that day. He's sitting on my son's dresser right now 🙂
Laura
Pam what a great quirky find- I look forward to seeing more of dear Dusty.