Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/pit-bull-fosters-raccoon/

When a baby raccoon was found orphaned in a tire wheel, it could’ve been the end for the little guy. The poor kit was all alone, scared, and seemingly had been without his mom for a few days.

He was desperately underweight and in need of some nutrition and special care. Even then, it wasn’t clear if the kit would survive.

Kate decided to take on caring for the little orphaned baby and tried to rehabilitate him, but she didn’t have to do it alone. Alongside her was her blue-nosed pit bull, Ashlyn.

Kate named the raccoon baby Eto and after a few days of care (and a whole lot of food!), Eto began to perk up.

Ashlyn quickly took on the role of foster mom and looked out for baby Eto. She didn’t leave his side, and as Eto began to grow, Ashlyn followed around as he explored further and further from the home.

Ashlyn taught Eto how to sniff around the grass and even how to swim! It wasn’t long before Eto seemed strong and confident enough to venture out on his own – and that’s exactly what he did.

At Kate’s house, they have an open-door policy with wildlife, so their fosters are free to come and go as they please. They didn’t want to confine Eto to a life in captivity if he was ready for the wild.

One day, Eto disappeared for weeks. He went outside and didn’t come back. However, he soon reappeared and stayed with Ashlyn and Kate for a few more months! At that point, they knew little Eto was not so little anymore and was ready to make his own life in the wild world.

Eventually, he did.

While they loved having Eto around, Kate is happy to know that he’s now living his best, wild life. He’s free and maybe he’ll come back on occasion to visit, but maybe he won’t. Either way, they’re content knowing that he’s strong enough to survive on his own.

They’ll also never forget the bond they shared together. Ashlyn was a phenomenal foster mama and mamas never forget their babies!

Check out the sweet video below:

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You can see more of Ashlyn and her foster on Instagram, @ashlynthewonderdog.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog