The spirit of Nutkin

Sadly, I have not seen my "pet" squirrel, Nutkin, all winter. She came around our back door for peanuts from my hand for 3 years. I knew her by her "smiling" face, notched ear, extra bushy tail, and of course, by her bravado. But this winter I did not see her, and did not throw out many peanuts for her skittish friends.
Suddenly this morning, a little mini version of Nutkin showed up. I am sure she must be an offspring! She has two notched ears, a beautiful tail, and most importantly, the bravado to come right up to Laney and ask for peanuts.
Laney was delighted to oblige, because whenever I get peanuts out for the squirrels, Laney gets a peanut, too.