I got to sit with a sick animal yesterday and it was an emotional experience. Friday driving home we saw a raccoon at the side of the road and he was very slow moving and we thought he might have a broken leg. We stopped the car, then watched him walk across the road into the woods. His body looked fine but he appeared drunk and I knew he was sick. I wanted to stay with him so Animal Services could locate him, and to offer him a little comfort from a distance if I could. I called the City of Palm Bay, whose offices were closed for the New Year holiday. My partner walked around the corner to my house, got on the computer and texted me the numbers for Brevard County Animal Services. There was no answer at any of them. Interesting that if it was a person, I’d simply have dialed 911 but was stumped who to call about an animal. I posted on Faceboook: “There is a sick raccoon in the woods in front of (address) in Palm Bay and I cannot get animal control on the phone. If you can help, please do.” It takes a village — I got an immediate answer. A friend who works in law enforcement suggested I call the Brevard County Sheriff Office Non-Emergency number 321-952-6371, extension 7 for Animal Services. They notified dispatch and I knew it might be hours until they arrived. A asked on Facebook to send Reiki and prayers please.
The raccoon had found a nice bed just inside the woods near the road, so I stayed with him, a few feet away. I pulled something out of the car to mark the entrance to the path in, and I walked across the street. Since I was hovering around in the woods in front of several homes, I knocked on their doors to let them know what I was doing and to keep pets and kids inside. Rocky seemed to be resting peacefully but I knew not to approach him.
I drove home and changed clothes, then walked back over just as the Animal Services Officer called. She was only 20 minutes away. While I waited for her, I talked to him and whisper-sang a few hymns that came to mind. Then I sang him his song as best I could. He seemed to be resting comfortably, his breathing seemed normal. The officer arrived and gently caged him. 
He was very large, an older raccoon. He didn’t seem in distress but she said it could possibly be distemper. I said a prayer for his comfort and painless passing. Sweet dreams, little Rocky, we shall meet again on that beautiful shore in the sweet by and by. We Loved you even if only a short time .
Golden slumbers fill your eyes, smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep pretty darling do not cry, and I will sing a lullaby.