Memories Of Spike
"My Little Boy in Fur"
Judith Eggleston

About the book:

Memories of Spike takes us through 2 1/2 years in the life of a brain-damaged raccoon. We see how he came to be in captivity and chart his amazing progress and transformation from a pitiful clumsy creature to a beautiful and agile animal, despite his limitations.

Written from memory and prompted with photos, the author tells of a relationship between a human and a wild animal that was based on trust, kindness, and love. We see how limited freedom and time allowed for the physical rehabilitation and mental rejuvenation of an animal, that many had given up on. We see that with hope, just sometimes, love can beat the odds if only for a little while.

SELECTED REVIEW

Judy Eggleston is a dear person who gives of herself in a truly unique way to help animals that are in need of physical care, love and nurturing. Her story and pictures made it a worthwhile reading experience.

...Recommended reading to everyone, especially those who love and recognize animals as creatures created and loved by God. --Terrie Willman

Acknowledgment...

The two and one half years of Spike's life in our home would not have been possible without the love, patience, and support of my husband, Bob. I'll always be grateful for his acceptance of the situation, it was truly a gift of love.

Barbara King was there for me and Spike at the beginning of his life with us; it was Barbara who gently eased Spike into the final, peaceful rest he deserved. Barbara had accepted the role of "foster parent" in the event something happened to me during Spike's life. I called on her often for feedback and advice. She was a great source of strength and comfort for me in the final days.

Spike's doctors played important roles for which I'm very thankful. Dr. Cynthia Almond was the first veterinarian to work on him and get him on the road to wellness. Dr. "Charlie" Bocholis, my old friend and caring, humble veterinarian; helped us over some rough spots in later months. Dr. Richard Evans, who is only a voice on the telephone, diagnosed Spike's distemper from tissue samples in 1993; his explanation was invaluable, especially at the end.

My first cousin, Kathleen Doughty gave me encouragement and her offer to help me write this story. I'm sure without her efforts I may not have put my feelings and thoughts on paper. So, to Kathy and all, thank you.

About the author:

Judith Marden Eggleston was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, grew up in and graduated from high school in South Portland, Maine. She has two grown sons, Patrick and Michael, a step daughter, Kim and four grandchildren. She and her husband Bob currently reside in Ararat, Virginia with six cats and a squirrel that cannot be released due to brain damage.

Judy became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in 1984. Before moving to Virginia in 1996 she had accepted approximately 600 orphaned, sick, and injured animals for care while residing in North Carolina and upstate New York. Rehabilitator certification courses and training seminars in both states have helped her achieve a very high success rate in releasing animals back to the wild.

Although a disabling medical condition now prevents her from taking in all but an occasional animal, Judy hopes to continue helping needy wildlife by educating others through writing about her experiences with the animals she cared for and the problems they presented. Some like Spike, have a very special story to tell.

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