Seattle Woman Battles Wild Raccoon for Parents' Affection

A Seattle woman named Stacy Rost has found herself in an unusual family competition. Her opponent? A wild raccoon that has stolen her parents' hearts.

How It All Started

The story begins with loss. Stacy's parents recently lost their beloved dog. Her stepdad Rick found comfort in an unexpected place - befriending a local raccoon.

This wasn't just any raccoon. The family first spotted the young critter with an injured foot. They watched him heal over time, and a bond began to form.

Rick named the raccoon after himself - Little Rick or just Rick for short. What started as casual interaction has turned into a daily ritual.

Moving Up the Family Ranks

Little Rick now enjoys special treatment that has Stacy worried about her standing in the family. Each morning, her stepdad prepares breakfast for the raccoon. The wild animal has claimed the family's porch as his new home.

Stacy fears the raccoon might be working his way into her parents' will. While that might sound extreme, the evidence is concerning.

The Raccoon's Growing Privileges

Despite claims they don't want another pet, Stacy's parents have given Little Rick his own dog toys. The raccoon doesn't just get breakfast - he receives a fresh meal and multiple snacks throughout the day.

While her mom claims to be against the whole situation, Stacy suspects she's secretly just as fond of Little Rick. She believes her mom is working with her stepdad to care for their new wild friend.

The raccoon has grown so comfortable that he now comes up to the windows, begging for attention. Stacy's parents watch from inside as Little Rick enjoys his royal treatment.

Acceptance of New Family Dynamics

Stacy has offered to help her parents find a proper pet - perhaps a cat or dog. But they insist they don't want another pet. Their actions with Little Rick tell a different story.

With a mix of humor and defeat, Stacy warns that Little Rick's puppy dog eyes shouldn't be trusted. For now, she has accepted her new position as second favorite child in the family hierarchy.

The tale serves as a reminder that family love can extend in unexpected directions - sometimes even to wild raccoons with charming personalities.