The Journey of Peanut: A Squirrel Who Won Hearts Everywhere Peanut, a once-orphaned squirrel rescued from the streets of New York City, captured hearts worldwide and became a social media sensation. His story began seven years ago when Mark Longo found Peanut as a helpless baby after his mother was struck by a car. From that day forward, Peanut became a beloved part of Longo's life, delighting tens of thousands of fans online with his charm and playful antics. Last Wednesday, New York state authorities, responding to anonymous reports, took Peanut and another rescued animal from Longo’s home in Pine City. Despite a flood of public support, including tens of thousands of signatures on a petition to save Peanut, authorities considered the animals state property and, following protocol, euthanized them to test for rabies. Peanut's joyful presence lives on in the hearts of his fans, who remember his love for waffles, his playful tricks, and his signature hats. The outpouring of love and support from his fans has sparked a renewed conversation on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation laws, igniting hope for change so that future rescues like Peanut might thrive in loving homes and bring joy to the world.