Pumpkin the raccoon is sure she’s a dog, not a raccoon

Watching Netflix

She was rescued by a mother and daughter and raised with their two dogs that she now sees as siblings. Mom Rosie Kent told The Dodo, “She now thinks she is a dog… she is able to play and be rough with them, and she respects them when they have had enough.” Apparently, they also think they’re human because here they are lounging in front of the TV.

Baby Pumpkin

Baking

Now Pumpkin’s just another member of the family. Sure, she gets into trouble sometimes, but what furry child doesn’t? 

Raccoon hug

“Raising her was (and still is) a full-time job,” Young told The Dodo. “They are so unbelievably intelligent, very aware and I would say they are even able to express emotions.”

Hide-and-seek

“Smart” is a mild way of putting it. One day, Pumpkin was just hanging with her owners and the dogs when she decided she wanted to go out. Since no one was paying attention to her, she grabbed a basket, placed it by the door and jumped on it to try and turn the handle by herself. Now that’s what I call intuitive!

Best buds

Posing

However, Kemp and Young still recognize that she’s a wild animal. “Raccoons are not pets,” Young explained. “They are wild animals, so they are quite moody. Unlike dogs and cats, they are not domesticated. Like a spoilt child if she doesn’t get her way, she will let you know.”

Bundled

Normally it’s illegal to keep a raccoon as a pet, but thankfully in Nassau, Bahamas, where she dropped into Kemp and Young’s lives, it is legal, though somewhat unorthodox. 

Nap time

Since the little raccoon cub was raised in captivity, she probably wouldn’t survive if she were turned loose in the wild now, so it’s good she has a loving family looking out for her. 

Yawn

“We are very lucky with her and always want and will do what is best for Pumpkin,” Young said. “But for now she is very happy with us and the dogs!” Yup, that definitely looks like a happy and contented face.

What?

Naturally, Pumpkin is becoming pretty Internet famous. Her owners post pictures of her and the dogs all the time, so if you want to keep up with her latest antics, you can follower her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.