A REAL SHOWBOATER
Lou Ann Best has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned squirrels for 35 years,
Most pet owners would do anything for their cherished companions, but can they speak for their furry or feathered or finned friends and tell us what they’re thinking? We’re putting pet owners to the test with the personality questionnaire made famous by French novelist, Marcel Proust. Meet Lou Ann Best and Twiggy: As the star of the Toronto International Boat Show, Twiggy the waterskiing squirrel “takes her celebrity status seriously.”
On the road nine months of the year, the 8-year-old eastern grey squirrel entertains boating enthusiasts across North America. She’s in Toronto until Sunday.
Perched on her skis behind her custom-crafted Nautique boat and sporting a squirrel-sized life-jacket, Twiggy is all about safety first when it comes to water sports.
In the off-season, she makes guest appearances in movies, commercials and music videos.
Best has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned squirrels for more than 35 years.
When not on the road, Twiggy and her pals luxuriate in Central Florida in their own spacious squirrel room.
When it comes to Twiggy’s favourite eats, it’s a tie between pistachios and cooked oatmeal topped with butter, sugar and milk.
And if she had her way, high-fat goodies such as sunflower seeds and avocado would be staples rather than treats.
What is Twiggy’s current state of mind?
Happy — especially about being in Toronto for the boat show. She loves what she does and really enjoys the people who watch her shows. The more people around the pool, the better. She loves to play it up.
When and where was Twiggy happiest?
In Florida, running around my house with the other squirrels. I bring tree limbs inside and they have a ball on those.
Which talent would Twiggy most like to have?
Wakeboarding. She’s already mastered hand gliding and jet skiing and only recently tried wakeboarding.
What is Twiggy’s greatest fear?
Cranes. One actually came right up to our door (at home) and pecked on the glass to get at Twiggy.
And an eagle that was at least 275 metres from the house actually spotted her in her cage when she was a baby.
It flew straight to the window and right into the glass to try to get at her. Twiggy jumped and screamed and I jumped and screamed. It was really scary.
What does Twiggy consider her greatest achievement?
During a demonstration at a water park, the kids were in the water learning to float. After the show a little boy came up to me and said, “I learned how to float just like Twiggy said.” That’s the magic of the whole thing.
What is Twiggy’s most marked characteristic?
She’s really docile and people are always in awe that they can come up and pet her after a show. I always make sure to tell them to not try to pet squirrels in the wild, though, because they can bite.
Who is Twiggy’s hero of fiction?
Air Bud (star of the Disney movies of the same name).
What is Twiggy’s favourite occupation?
Besides water skiing, she would really like to drive the boat.
What is it that Twiggy dislikes?
Loud music — in particular heavy metal. Think you know what your animal companion is thinking? Email petpsyche@gmail.com.