The King of Friendship

 

When Rex the squirrel was ten weeks old, he left the nest where he lived as a baby and embarked on a journey in search of new territory—a place to call home. Rex kept his eyes out for a welcoming area of the neighborhood, one that would offer him plenty of food and water. 

Soon he was delighted to find a large acorn tree in the middle of a medium-sized yard. Under the tree was a wide concrete dish filled with water. Rex enjoyed drinking from the dish, but he was perplexed by the birds that seemed to think it was a bathtub. One day he asked a mourning dove why she spent time splashing inside of the dish after drinking from it. 

“That’s our birdbath AND our water dish,” said the dove, ruffling her grey feathers. 

“But that’s MY water dish,” argued Rex.

“You’re new around here, aren’t you?” The dove asked. “I’m Terri. If you have any other questions about the area, I’m happy to answer them.”

Rex walked away and continued his acorn hunt across the yard. He thought about his conversation with the dove, and how he didn't like what she'd said about his water dish. But still, he thought, he'd really enjoyed talking with her. He’d been on his own searching for a new home, and he had to admit that it had been a bit lonely.

The next day, Rex positioned himself near the water dish. While he turned to bury a new-found acorn in a patch of dirt, another mourning dove landed on the rim of the dish. Rex had a thought...

He quickly turned toward the dove and took a series of heavy steps in his direction. Surely the bird would be startled and fly away! But instead, the dove stayed put. In fact, he lifted a wing high into the air, spreading his feathers in a way that made him seem much larger than before! Rex looked on in awe.

“How did you do that?” Rex asked, trying to stretch his tail in the same grand manner.

“That’s my little secret,” answered the dove. “But I’ll tell you my name—it’s Tommy. My sister Terri said she met you yesterday.”

“I’m Rex." 

Once again, the squirrel felt a little jolt of happiness after talking with another creature. Then he had an idea! Maybe the dove could stretch his wing, but could he jump from the grass to a nearby chair with the strength of an acrobat? 

Rex braced himself for the stunt, gave a short bark to get Tommy’s attention, then lunged toward the arm of the chair. With paws outstretched, Rex grabbed on. But he was NOT expecting the chair to be as slick as a banana peel! As quickly as he’d grasped the chair’s arm, he slipped off and fell into the grass with a thud!

“Are you OK?” Tommy shouted as he quickly flew to Rex’s side.

 “Sure,” Rex answered, still shaken up from the fall. Rex was surprised. He hadn't been very nice to Tommy, yet the dove stuck around to help. 

“I’m sorry for charging you at the birdbath,” Rex began.  

“That’s OK,” said Tommy. “You and I are going to be friends.”

This news made Rex very happy! If being friends meant showing kindness and helping out, Rex knew he had some serious work to do. The next day he let Tommy have the first turn at the water dish, then led Terri to a pile of twigs that could be used to build a nest. Rex even helped the blue jays and cardinals find the tasty sunflower seeds among the birdseed that fell to the ground each evening when the nearby bird feeder was refilled. Soon the neighborhood creatures began talking about Rex’s helpful deeds! Rex enjoyed spending time with his new friends, and they enjoyed spending time with them too. He couldn't believe how many things they had in common!

“I’m really glad you came to the neighborhood,” said Terri one evening while Rex waited his turn for a sip of water. 

“Why is that?” Rex asked.

“Because you’re the nicest squirrel I’ve ever met. Tommy and I call you the King of Friendship!”

Rex rolled joyfully in the grass. He’d found a new home full of food and water. But never did he imagine that it would also be filled with good friends. Yep—he was one lucky squirrel!