I enjoy feeding a colorful flock of birds in my garden. About three years ago, I noticed a newcomer to this festive display. It was a baby chipmunk, apparently on its own. Over that summer, I watched it 1. The brown stripes on its back darkened. The next summer, when the chipmunk was 2, I wondered whether it would 3 me to feed it by hand. I named it Chip.
I decided to employ the 4 I used to persuade wild cats to come close for food: patience, a soft voice, slow 5 and repetition.
Before Chip would approach, I'd 6 its favorite food — sunflower seeds, bend down and keep very 7. I'd leave my open hand in place, unmoving, 8 the animal would know I wouldn't 9 it. I continued doing this for a few weeks.
Finally, late in that second summer, Chip did 10 more trust. One day as I 11 a seed in my palm, it 12 and carefully took the seed into its mouth.
After about two months of this 13, I went further. With my index finger, I touched its back 14 for the first time. Chip stayed put, eating seeds, before rushing into the bushes. Today, the chipmunk comes out of 15 when I call its name, and lets me pet its soft, silky body.
A friend once mentioned that after she 16 a dog, she noticed that her elevated blood pressure had approached 17 without medication, and she became calmer and could handle stress better. I think I, too, feel calmer from my 18 with Chip.
I've also developed a greater respect for nature and its 19 and the opportunity to 20, protect and save wildlife.
