“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

It takes nothing to be kind. From a simple smile to just asking someone how they are doing, it all can matter in ways we might not see at first.

For Derrick Downey Jr. his kindness not only helped him, it gave joy to others and in the process, helped give some small squirrels a better life.

It all began with a visit from Richard.

Downey said he was out on his balcony, trying to relax, when a quick and affable little fox squirrel showed up.

He said they watched each other for a few seconds, then Downey asked, “Do you want something to eat?”

“It seemed obvious to me that he did, so I told him, ‘Stay here, I’ll be right back,’” he said.

Maxine likes to toss her shells on the floor whenever she watches TV in the squirrel house. Photo courtesy of Derrick Downey Jr.

Downey went into his kitchen and grabbed some peanuts then headed back to the balcony.

“The squirrel was still sitting in the same spot, so I figured, ‘Okay, he was listening to me,’” he said. “And when I held my hand out with the peanuts, he pulled my hand closer and started eating.”

@derrickdowneyjrBe easy with yourself. It’ll all work out.♬ original sound – Derrick Downey Jr

For Downey, the moment couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I was having a rough time … because of some mental health issues,” Downey said.

Since that day, not only did Richard show up, but the squirrel also brought his friend, Maxine. Downey said the names for the squirrels were just ones he liked the sound of.

He enjoyed his time with the squirrels so much that he posted a TikTok video. It went viral instantly – with more than 30 million views over the past year since it was first posted. His ‘gentle parenting’ of the squirrels struck a chord with viewers.

“Don’t be fighting! Do you want some water? Come here. I know it’s hot — we get agitated, we get aggravated,” Downey tells the squirrels in the clip.

You’re having a moment — it’s okay to have that moment,” he said.

Downey said his time with the squirrels helped him begin to feel better himself.

“Going outside and connecting with nature was my gateway to relief from depression,” he said. “It brought me peace. I would see Richard walking around, and talking to him made me feel good about the world.”

His followers approved of his methods, as well as how kind he was with the squirrels. They even nicknamed Downey. They call him “squirrel dad.”

The house that Derrick Downey Jr. built on his balcony for two squirrels. Photo courtesy of Downey

“Validate their moments and emotions. You’re the best squirrel dad!” one user commented. Downey’s response to him, “Mental health is important. Gotta make sure they’re good mentally and physically.”

Another person commented, “He’s gentle parenting the squirrels.” And another said, “Bro treats squirrels better than my parents treat me.”

Seeing how much joy his followers got from the squirrels led Downey to keep posting videos. The videos often show him feeding the squirrels, and imparting life lessons we all could use.

@derrickdowneyjr Maxine never invite me to watch TV with her #cocomelon #fyp ♬ original sound – Derrick Downey Jr

“You ain’t always going to have the best of days,” he tells Maxine in one video. “But when life is down and you’re going through a moment, just be still, alright? Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

Unlike most influencers, Downey used his platform to help take care of his tiny friends. With donations from viewers, he managed to make a two-story house with a picket fence for Richard and Maxine. His more than 1 million followers lent a hand.

“I created a squirrel wish list so everyone could help me furnish the house and make it cozy,” Downey said, noting that it wasn’t long before he was swamped with miniature furniture and paintings, a birdbath, holiday decorations and tiny dishes and houseplants.

Downey said he never expected his squirrels, or his advice, would help others. But he is really glad that it does.

“It’s bringing people a lot of joy,” he said. “I’ve heard from people all over the world who enjoy watching the videos.”

For a look at the tiny squirrels and their epic home, take a watch below!

Sources: Washington Post | Upworthy