This raccoon could have never suspected that humans would remember him so fondly.
When a dead raccoon was found on the sidewalk at a street corner in Toronto on Thursday, Animal Services was notified to come retrieve it.
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But by 3 p.m., the raccoon was still lying there, so nearby residents decided to turn the sidewalk into a tribute as a farewell.
It started simply enough, with a rose and a framed picture:
@311Toronto It’s now after 3 pm and I guess Animal Services hasn’t been by, because someone’s having some fun now: pic.twitter.com/ff0ybbm5cX— Jason Wagar (@jasonwagar) July 9, 2015
But things escalated quickly, with the addition of more flowers, cards and a cigarette. And, of course, a hashtag.
The framed pic of a raccoon waving is killing me. What is air #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/0jLpXHJyxa— Caprice (@HoneyBadger10) July 10, 2015
Toronto Councillor Norm Kelly also joined in, asking residents to open their trash bins in honor of the raccoon, who people dubbed "Conrad."
Residents are being asked to keep their green bins open tonight in honour of #DeadRaccoonTO.— Norm Kelly (@norm) July 10, 2015
By the time Animal Services came to take Conrad away, candles had been lit for the furry departed.
The body is now being taken away. Pic via @KrisReports. #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/n4FnU4IARa— Norm Kelly (@norm) July 10, 2015
A Twitter account devoted to Conrad celebrated the raccoon's life.
thank you @311Toronto for finally picking me up!!!!! #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/O9PxCuClDY— DeadRaccoonTO (@DeadRaccoonTO) July 10, 2015
Even then, Toronto residents continued to leave tokens of their affection on the sidewalk for Conrad.
People are still lighting candles for me!!! Thank u people. #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/XBMbzOz4Jg— DeadRaccoonTO (@DeadRaccoonTO) July 10, 2015
Farewell, little one. You are gone, but Toronto will never forget you.
thank you whoever brought me flowers. I used to love flower :( #DeadRaccoonTO— DeadRaccoonTO (@DeadRaccoonTO) July 10, 2015