Abused Raccoon Turned Ambassador Is A Huge Jackie Evancho Fan
Trouper the Raccoon had a rough start to life as a victim of animal cruelty. His life quickly changed for the better when he was brought to Miss Dot, a wildlife rehabilitator. Now, he finds peace in Jackie Evancho songs!
As a tiny cub, Trouper was attacked on a golf course. Since then, he has struggled with neurological issues that affect his ability to walk, smell, eat, and see. But Trouper isn’t giving up and neither is his handler, Miss Dot.
After a friend called Dorothy “Dot” Lee for help, she took the baby raccoon into her care. But after several days, it didn’t appear he would make it. Miss Dot was prepared to euthanize him, worried that he was suffering. But that’s when a miracle happened and the raccoon received his name “Trouper”.
While working with Trouper, Miss Dot found that there were certain things that soothed him. One of those was listening to music. Though he enjoys many different styles, his favorite singer by far is Jackie Evancho. He even has a favorite song, “Come What May”.
WATCH: Trouper The Raccoon Meets His Crush Jackie Evancho
Now 7 years old, Trouper is on a mission to help other animals. As an ambassador for the Wildlife Education Project (WEP) , Trouper is working to teach younger generations how to respect animal wildlife. Through classroom visits and speaking engagements, Trouper and Miss Dot are sharing their story through Trouper & Friends Fan Club in hopes of encouraging others to follow their lead to put a stop to animal cruelty.
Trouper finds peace through his music. It is this way that he connects with the world. After hearing his story, many other vocal talents have stopped by for a jam session with Trouper. These next amazing videos show how happy Trouper is to be surrounded by love and music!
WATCH: Becky Schlueter Sings ‘It Had To Be You’ for Trouper
One of Trouper’s other favorite songs is “Amazing Grace”. He has his own cd player with headphones to listen to his music when he feels anxious. (Miss Dot holds him and helps him keep them on!) He also enjoys having music played when he’s roaming the house and working on his mobility exercises.
WATCH: Michelle Caulkins Sings ‘Amazing Grace’ to Trouper
It’s amazing how Trouper responds to music. Seeing him relax and happily take the hand of those who are singing is so sweet! Miss Dot explains that he is able to feel the vibrations of the notes and connect with what he cannot see.
WATCH: Diana Ascher Sings ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man’
Trouper knows that he has hold of our heart strings! His story is an inspiration to respect all and never give up on yourself or others. Well done, Miss Dot!
“Hi I’m Chewy, My owner was in an abusive relationship and couldn’t afford me to get on the flight. She didn’t want to leave me with all her heart but she has NO other option…I love Chewy sooo much. Please love and take care of him. xoxoxoxo”
Kingsley doesn't sleep a lot, so coffee is her best friend. She loves livestock, airports, historical fiction and satire. When she’s not planning her next painting, she's chauffeuring her girls to ballet.
