When a large, stately oak tree is diseased and needs to be cut down, there are limited options. One could cut it down to the ground and grind up the stump, leaving no trace that a tree ever existed in that spot. One could cut it down and leave the stump. Or one could get creative.

 

Rose Musser chose the latter so that now a nearly 4-foot-tall carved oak squirrel is perched on a stump right by the roadside to greet travelers along Oak Lane as they pass. Counting the stump, the whole piece is roughly 7 feet tall and hard to miss!

 

As to why Rose chose a squirrel for such an honor, she offers this reflection. “I think I felt sorry for the squirrels who were losing a home!” she shares. “Squirrels have given me a lot of trouble over the years; they’ve gotten into my house several times, and they get into the seeds I put out for the birds, but I always enjoy watching them skitter around the yard!”

 

Expertly crafted by David Sabol, the squirrel has a pleasant demeanor, perhaps because she has snagged a rather large acorn. Mr. Sabol was recommended to Rose from another carver she had initially reached out to. A highly-respected carver, he has received many “Best of Show” awards at carving shows and has authored several books on carving. There are many examples of his impressive work with smaller figures online.

 

According to Rose, the oak tree came down on March 11, 2020 and David started the sculpture the following week. He worked on it a few days each week until he finished in early April, leaving the large, attractive bushy-tailed rodent to work her charms on passersby.

 

“I haven’t had any negative comments,” says Rose. “A lot of people stop and take photos with her.” 

And why not? When you are greeted along the way by a cheerful-looking squirrel perched taller than you and strong as an oak, it’s worth taking a few shots together to share the cheer! That said, given her size, it’s probably best to not try to take that nut from her!