Masking troubles

It’s the mask. Just be honest and say it. It’s basic bandit black.

Another color might improve perception? Think Mardi Gras?

Probably not.

Wouldn’t matter.

Black is his thing.

Nothing to do with Roscoe’s heart, though.

Not black-hearted at all. 

People confuse him with a bank robber when they should be thinking the Lone Ranger?

Who was that Masked Man?

Classic Lone Ranger. (Image: WIKI/Pleasure Island)

Apparently there’s a new one with Johnny Depp, as Tonto, riding next to him.

Just chuckling over that: characters seeing truth and justice from different perspectives.

He’s unconventional: never be confused as polite society’s darling or pet.

(Image: http://www.Washington Post/Peter Mountain:Disney)

Better if Depp sheds that pirate image thing?

Pirates.

Not the sort you’d want living next door to you.

Not the best reputation.

A little rabid about not following rules.

And they steal stuff.

Makin’ out like bandits on the water.

Forget that.

It doesn’t matter.

It’s the black mask.

Masked swashbuckling Zorro
(Image: WIKI)

Flamboyant or just a bad costume choice?

Masks just look like trouble.

But what about the Green Hornet, the Lone Ranger’s nephew? (Possible there’s a Masked Good Guy gene?)

And there are other Superheroes who wear masks: masked in order to accomplish good.

See? Jumping to conclusions about masks and intentions.

Now you’ve got an open mind about the masked ones, consider this case.

Roscoe didn’t ask for the controversy.

It’s not his fault.

Had a rough upbringing. Bounced around. Lived in shelters.

(OK, I see you rolling those eyes.)

Now he’s at the mercy of the Court in McKinney, Texas.

According to the state, the death sentence is applicable.

They must be sure he isn’t a threat – a risk to society.

But a Collin County judge granted an injunction to keep Roscoe alive while things are sorted out.

A McKinney spokeswoman, Anna Clark, says the city sees this as a special case – and they, too, are asking for mercy.

Attorney Paul Sheldon represents Roscoe and the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wild life Sanctuary.

The 4 year old male Northern raccoon found a home there after being taken from the wild as an infant, kept illegally as a pet, abandoned, captured by Dallas animal control, and then transferred to the Holifield Center in Plano. Finally, he ended up at the Heard Sanctuary in 2009.

A Texas raccoon. (Image: John L. Tveten)

They were thrilled to have him.

Working as an “animal ambassador”, he has an insurance plan. Roscoe  is given regular exams by a vet and has been given numerous immunizations, including rabies vaccinations.

All his care follows the American Zoological Association Standards.

He definitely hasn’t been exposed to any other animals at high risk for having or transporting rabies.

Unfortunately, Roscoe recently bit another employee.

(Well, he could have scratched her eyes out – but didn’t.)

State law requires raccoons and other high risk animals to be euthanized immediately and submitted for rabies testing if someone is bitten. (Rabies tests are done on the brain of the suspected animal. Animal is dead when tested.)

The employee bitten is also pleading for a reprieve for Roscoe. She is voluntarily is undergoing rabies treatment although she does not believe Roscoe has rabies. (So why kill him is her question.)

Roscoe has been in captivity – not in on the streets – not stealing, thieving, consorting with bad sorts and getting into trouble.

He hasn’t been exposed to sick characters and bad habits.

One friendly Texas raccoon. (Image: http://www.khou.com)

He may be masked, but he’s no villain.

Only trying to do what he can for good – like the Lone Ranger.

The Lone Ranger.

Ambushed, wounded, left for dead – only to be rescued and survive to reinvent himself.

Interesting guy who fought for truth and justice.

Who chose to use silver bullets to remind himself that life is precious and should never be wasted or thrown away.

A judge (in somber black robe, but not masked) will preside over Roscoe’s hearing this summer.

Hope he’s a fan of the Lone Ranger.

So he’ll be able to tell the good masked guys from the bad.

Kermit the Frog as the Lone Ranger
(Image: http://www.Washingtonpost.com/Chris Pizzello

Hi ho, Silver! Away!

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Read more: 

“Museum goes to court to save Raccoon” (DFW news. Raccoon travels to schools to educate people about urban wildlife. He’s got 45 days. Now living securely at a vet. clinic)

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. (Click to hear the birds chirp if nothing else. Roscoe lives here. Check out the motion detector camera shots under “Animal Image Gallery” from the “Sanctuary” info page.)

The Lone Ranger’s Creed is here. (Scroll down page. Also list of novels, comics…)

The Lone Ranger’s Official Fan Club  (Hear the famous music and opening of the show)

Some Lone Rangers episodes on Hulu