Friday

Pyotr Pankratau And Minsk: Soldier Rescues Squirrel, Takes Him To New Job (PHOTOS)

Pyotr Pankratau was a soldier in the Belarussian army when he rescued a weak baby squirrel on the verge of death. Two years later, Pankratau is now a taxi-driver, but the squirrel never leaves his side.

 Soldiers in Belarus found the feeble baby squirrel and brought him to Pankratau, who was their warrant officer. Pankratau took in the tiny squirrel, feeding it like a baby every four hours until it returned to health.

"He was lying unconscious under the tree. There were worms in his mouth and right eye, I took them out. However, two weeks later everything got back to normal. I fed him with baby food and milk through a syringe ... Then his teeth came out and he started eating himself. Half a year later I vaccinated and registered him," Pankratau told Euro Radio.


The squirrel, dubbed Minsk, stayed with Pankratau throughout his military service. Now, two years since the rescue, the pair continues to be inseparable.

 Pankratau has left the army and works as a cab driver. Minsk is never too far from him, taking up the role of assistant cab driver. Minsk is very well trained and keeps to his designated areas in the cab, lying in his bed on the dashboard or peeking at Pankratau through the wheel.

"I don't show him to everyone. I mean, what's the point? Why disturbing him all the time? I show him to kids," Pankratau said. (SOURCE)

 Check out these totally adorable photos of Pankratau and Minsk:





Photos courtesy of Sodahead.








Responses to "The Story Of A Soldier And The Squirrel Who Never Leaves His Side"

  1. SASS says:

    sweet...

  2. Anonymous says:

    sooooooooooo cute

  3. Anonymous says:

    Such a heart-warming story!

  4. Anonymous says:

    Love This <3

  5. Anonymous says:

    nice story xx

  6. Anonymous says:

    awww!! that is just the most adorable story!! :)

  7. Unknown says:

    Sooo cute! I love it! What a sweet guy to save him and take care of him! That's awesome!

  8. Anonymous says:

    What a lucky squirrel to run into such a blessed being...May all humans show anilmals and humans such kindness...

  9. Anonymous says:

    This world is blessed to have people like this who care about all of God's creatures.

  10. Anonymous says:

    All humans should take this as a lesson in compassion for others,no matter what species .....all life is precious! Dk

  11. Anonymous says:

    fantastic story and photos just goes to show that there are still some good people about

  12. Anonymous says:

    So very precious!! :)

  13. Anonymous says:

    who wouldn't like to have a little friend like that
    sleeping by your side, and go everywhere with you ?

    it proves that true love realy exists

  14. Anonymous says:

    You,sir, have a life long friend and your cat too :)

  15. Anonymous says:

    What a heartwarming story!

  16. Anonymous says:

    These are the most precious photos.please take a look at them <3

  17. Anonymous says:

    JUST SHOW'S YOU, YOU NEVER NOW WHEN YOU'LL MAKE A NEW FRIEND

  18. Unknown says:

    Oh my God, that is such a wonderful story and the ending is amazing. That little creature loves you and your cat. The pictures melt my heart. You are a good person and these beautiful animals are so lucky to have such a good friend. God be with you and his beautiful creatures. <3

    Estella

  19. Anonymous says:


    Renews your faith in mankind...

  20. gwenda west wales says:

    thank goodness that there are people that will help animals instead of hurting them. that story was so lovely and i hope they enjoy each others company for many years to come.

  21. Anonymous says:

    OMG I love you!!!!

  22. Anonymous says:

    Such a sweet story ! He is so cute . Blessings to the man who rescued him, it is good to see people still care about and helping

  23. Unknown says:

    I THINK THIS ONE OF THE BEST ANIMAL STORIES I HAVE EVER SEEN.SIMPLY AMAZING.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Beautiful story :)

  25. Anonymous says:

    I have always loved squirrels, this was just heartwarming..bless the kind soul.<3

  26. Anonymous says:

    congrats!

    humanity should embrace all kinds of living species in the world care for them and respect them I believe, instead of destroying them or worse, getting profit from that destruction and devastation.

  27. Anonymous says:

    What a heart-warming story. Just so special - Thank you :)

  28. Anonymous says:

    this site is a source of great joy in my life, so many wonderful stories like this. Thank you for sharing, I emailed it to the other animal lovers in my life. ;)

  29. Anonymous says:

    The bond of love is very strong..

  30. Anonymous says:

    awesome now if more people could do the same for others humans or animals blessings

  31. Unknown says:

    What a nice man.
    Linda

  32. Anonymous says:

    very nice story.kind.

  33. Anonymous says:

    So cute this unbreakable bond. Love IT!!!!!! xoxoxo

  34. Anonymous says:

    A very beautiful story. Good luck ! Yvan (from France)

  35. A amizade dos animais quando bem tratados. Uma bela História !

  36. Unknown says:

    we do have ppl out there that have a sweet sole bless you for what you have done.

  37. Anonymous says:

    True love. Just being kind. We had one when i was a kid. Followed my grandmother around all the time.

  38. Unknown says:

    What a wonderful story...so cute!

  39. Anonymous says:

    I tried to save a baby red squirrel but it died 4 days later...very nice story!

  40. Anonymous says:

    That is awesome!

  41. Unknown says:

    You should be commended, sir

  42. Anonymous says:

    beautifull story and a sweet lil creature,and a man with a heart of gold

  43. traci says:

    We had one for 10 years.. chip..she played just like a cat.. we lost her in a house fire.. :'( they say they live up to 20yrs in captivity..have fun :)

  44. Anonymous says:

    Wonderful story but can he trust that cat?

  45. Unknown says:

    that is love and kindness ..thank you for your story ,nice to see people everywhere on this planet who are caring for all creatures in need !

  46. Anonymous says:

    Aaaaaaaah, I'm dying of cuteness!!

  47. Anonymous says:

    Awesome story!...My parents had one that they rescued, it was fun going over there and having it climb on us, but they didn't keep it, when it was big enough, they brought it to their cabin, and let it go free...My mom also nursed a Blue Jay back to health, when I was younger, and when she set it free, it kept coming back, and pecking on our door, to come in...

  48. Anonymous says:

    how sweet!!!

  49. That is super adorable! Very sweet of the soldier to nurse the squirrel back to health. You don't usually see that.

  50. Anonymous says:

    That is just Awesome you found the one thing that was meant for you to find and that was that sweet little life that you saved.

  51. Anonymous says:

    God works in mysterious ways between human's & animal 's. Brought tear's of joy to our heart's to witness the compassion between the three 😂! God bless the man who took time to aid the little squirrel & bring back to life. The little squirrel showed his love for the guy ,who help him & nursed him back to a healthy little squirrel. God bless,Punchy & Kevin 😊 😏

  52. Anonymous says:

    What a Wonderful Heartwarming story, absolutely loved reading this, and the photos are great

  53. Anonymous says:

    What a wonderful story.God bless you for being so kind!!!!! Amazing the cat welcomes him too as his friend! :)

  54. Unknown says:

    Now that's a REAL MAN....How precious.

  55. Anonymous says:

    Dang, that's too cute!

  56. Glad says:

    I wish all men and women where this compassionate and wonderful.

  57. Morgana says:

    So heartbreaking, I love them both

  58. Unknown says:

    Wonderful story! We humans can certainly learn from this 😀

  59. Wonderful Story Thank you

  60. What a lucky squirrel being nursed so lovingly and carefully, well done young man, good karma will come to you. Isnt it wonderful to know that there are caring people in this world. Thankyou :)

  61. Unknown says:

    If I were that squirrel, I would never leave his side either !!

  62. Anonymous says:

    looks like the cat is planning something.

  63. This is a lovely story! And what a lovely man!

  64. Anonymous says:

    he is so adorable so glad u took the time to rescue him,, I have rats and they are too adorable so happy he is ur pet and he is so cute and so spoiled I can see,thank u for rescuing him

  65. Unknown says:

    SO SWEET!!! I LOVE THIS!

  66. Anonymous says:

    What a wonderful man! When you give love it comes back 1,000 times over in joy and love returned.

  67. Unknown says:

    I rescued a squirrel as a tiny baby with his/her front teeth broken out from a fall from a nest to the concrete. He/she lived in my house and the teeth grew back. However, as it grew older it always had a choice to go out the window and leave. As time went by it gradually became independent and moved outdoors and started a "squirrel life" with its own kind.

  68. Anonymous says:

    What a great story, after reading about the cruelty in this world..It is refreshing to hear of such kindness..May God bless you for your kindness...

  69. Anonymous says:

    what an amazing story.

  70. mimsie says:

    you can see the love this man has shining through his eye's.

  71. Dawn Llewellyn-\price says:

    This is just wonderful. So uplifting. :)

  72. Anonymous says:

    Pyotr & Minsk, what's up mates? Pyotr, thanks for saving Minsk. Hi-5 to both of you. You're both totally awesome. Peace be with you always. Please take care. xoxo Trevor :)

  73. He's a real hero. A real man!

  74. Anonymous says:

    Great job, a TRUE HERO you are

  75. Unknown says:

    Great story...a great guy and a pet full of love.

  76. Unknown says:

    I wish I had a squirrel like that! I feed the squirrels at a park everyday. They only let me get so close to them, but I will protect them the best I can. They mean the world to me. My dream is to have a squirrel sanctuary and they wouldn't have to worry about getting hit by cars. There would be no birds, dogs or people. It would be climate controlled and they could live their happy lives!

  77. Laura says:

    That is amazing and adorable!

  78. Anonymous says:

    wanna marry me? any guy that caring is a keeper

  79. Anonymous says:

    Squirrel is cute, moose (daddy) is cute and kitty too.

  80. Unknown says:

    I hope that your friendship and love of each other will last a long long time. Your story is wonderful and I'm glad you have each other. Hugs to you both.

  81. Sunshine says:

    God works in Mysterious Ways...................!!! Isn't it wonderful?

  82. Anonymous says:

    Priceless

  83. barry boobis says:

    2 heroes to this story. The man AND the squirrel, for giving back so much love to his savior..beautiful indeed..

  84. Priscilla says:

    Now that's husband material! I have two ground squirrels called prairie dogs here in the US since they were babies. They are amazing little companions and personalities!

  85. Jill says:

    That is very cool.I used to have a pet Robin the bird

  86. Anonymous says:

    That is true love right there. You both deserve each other... Thank god for an amazing soldier who not just thinks of people but an a amazing part of wild life. I just love this story

  87. Unknown says:

    Such a wonderful story. Thank you for saving this little fella. We need more people like this in the world. So happy that I came across this article today.

  88. Unknown says:

    This heart-warming tale brightened my day. Thank you!!

  89. Unknown says:

    Adorable............ <3

  90. Unknown says:

    I think I am in love. I would take the man just to get to the squirrel ;)

  91. Unknown says:

    An amazing man who has compassion and heart

  92. Luis says:

    Beautiful story. Remarkable man with a nice heart. The world needs people like this man; if most of us showed empathy and love for other living creatures instead of hurting them we would be living in a more peaceful and harmonious world. God bless his soul!

  93. Unknown says:

    Great story of compassion and friendship, but I have just one question. Is he potty trained? ;)

  94. Soraya says:

    OMG!!! That's so cute. What a great story and a wonderful soul, thanks for take care of this adorable squirrel. Blessings for both.

  95. Anonymous says:

    I'm so happy for the squirrell and the man who gains so much enjoyment in allowing a beast to love him unconditionally like this. Yes, we all should be this way with each other and all animals.

  96. how awesome is this? Sir, you rock! Thank you for loving the furry kids among us. Love the cat too!

  97. Unknown says:

    Awesome,,LOVE THIS.

  98. Unknown says:

    Bless you for your kindness! It looks like Minsk and his love and trust of you are your reward. All humans need to learn we are only one of Earth's many creatures.

  99. Unknown says:

    Thank you for saving this baby.... he is beautiful and so are you for showing how real men should be.

  100. Anonymous says:

    Fantastic, and this guy is a REAL man, a warrior with compassion. The best.

  101. Anonymous says:

    Very nice Sir: He is a great pet and i see he loves you much ;o) Staff SGT US ARMY

  102. Anonymous says:

    Your kindness has touched many people and set a fine example of compassion for animals. Bless you.

  103. danielle says:

    Thank you for sharing your happiness, may you have good health and eternal frienship. Bless your hearts.

  104. maggspie says:

    thats awesome we rescued a baby squirrel as well he went back to the wild tho when he was grown but as a baby he loved to sleep in a shirt pocket so everyone in my family wore either button up shirts with pockets or t-shirts with pockets lol!! very sweet loving little creatures !!!

  105. krcsr178 says:

    Heaven must have a special place for
    people that adopt, rescued cats, dogs,
    Squirrels & other Animals.

  106. Unknown says:

    This is simply a wonderful story! This is a real man! Thank you so much for the joy and love you have given me!❤️��❤️

  107. Kathleen says:

    So lovely. What a beautiful man. Thank you for sharing this story!

  108. Anonymous says:

    what a great job saving the lil' fella.......having chocolate in one photo......please, do not feed him anymore, it is not good for them no matter how much they may like it...........thx

  109. Judi G. says:

    Such a loving, caring man you are. Love this connection between the both of you. Thank you for saving this little squirrel. God Bless you.

  110. Anonymous says:

    Great Story, Kudos to him for saving that little squirrel. Karma will reward him.

  111. Anonymous says:

    Glad he has you...world needs more people like you

  112. Anonymous says:

    wonderful man, kind and caring. they make a great team. man is happy, squirrel is happy too. this is a love affair of the sweetest kind. i hope they have many years together!!!

  113. Unknown says:

    Animals are a gift from our Creator. They make us smile and warm our hearts. I doubt anyone reading this story isn't grinning just reading about the love shown here. The bond between man and wildlife inspirers. Thank you kindly for sharing your story. Now I'll go share it with my Grandbabies and inspire them.

  114. Unknown says:

    Beautiful story - thanks for sharing.

  115. I absolutely love this story. Thanks for posting it.

  116. sharon reid says:

    this must be the best friendship ever . love and blessings to you both.

  117. Zoltan says:

    Good people are everywhere ,we have the same blood , there are lots of good guys , just like this warmharted belorussian guy ! Szpasziba ! :)

  118. Squirrel is so cute to see that activity.It very awesome.

  119. Anonymous says:

    isn't he adorable! and he has a squirrel as well :-O

  120. Loved the story----a great guy and an adorable squirrel.

  121. Anonymous says:

    Every life is precious! What a big heart this man has...and the little squirrel pays him back with love for saving his life! I raised two little babies with eyedroppers...

  122. Nalissa says:

    Another great story. Thank you

  123. Thank you for Loving this so wonderful Little Furry Friend. May you be Forever Blessed for your Love for Animals. Hugs from us at #PAWSFLORIDA

  124. Unknown says:

    Adorables los dos que tiernos !!!

  125. Rossa says:

    such a kind caring man...thank you ...gives me hope God Bless you

  126. Unknown says:

    I love squirrels too! Especially the gray squirrels ... they are so sweet! I have 3 grays that come to my back deck twice a day, every day! One of them has come here for 3 years now! But they are a little afraid of me. The one who has come here for 3 years will come right up to me but if I extend my hand, she backs away! Thank you to this man who rescued the little guy. He is a very lucky little squirrel and Pankratau is lucky to have a little friend like Minsk!

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