Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
ST. GEORGE — Move over, dogs — there's a new contender for man's best friend. Meet Ellen, the squirrel proving that sometimes, the tiniest critters can make the biggest impact.
"Maybe 35 different weekends she's come out, and we've been able to share our joy of the nature around us," Tia Astle said about her squirrel friend, Ellen. "We love her. And she's hysterical."
Astle and her husband Todd have a knack for staging iconic scenes — everything from Little Red Riding Hood to Starsky and Hutch. Their playful vibes led them to create the same epic scenes, this time starring their squirrel sidekick they named Ellen. Squirrel snapshots have included a mini wooden picnic table, popcorn party, squirrel-sized house, doll playing cards with the squirrel, road with a red convertible and a "Squirrel Crossing" sign, to name a few.
The couple bought their 1.37-acre property nestled among the trees in Kolob's Whispering Pines neighborhood five summers ago. They've retreated there ever since to escape the desert heat and enjoy some off-grid relaxation, free from cell service. During their first three summers, they spotted skunks, owls, wild turkeys and a multitude of deer. But in July 2023, a special squirrel made its debut. And that changed everything.
