“Everyone Has Thier Peculiarities”: The Summer of Jimothy

My dad used to say, “Everyone has their peculiarities.” His reminder taught me humility, acceptance, and the value of celebrating uniqueness. Lately, nowhere has uniqueness been celebrated more wholeheartedly than in my home state of Washington, where this summer has been proclaimed “The Summer of Jimothy.”

Have you heard about Jimothy? In Ballard, a suburb of Seattle, there is a raccoon craze. A little raccoon named Jimothy has captured the hearts of Washingtonians and followers worldwide. Even the University of Washington has awarded this local celebrity with an honorary doctorate.

It all started in July when Seattle resident, Kiana Hall, posted a video on Instagram of a little humpbacked raccoon with oddly shaped legs and a short stubby tail. Her post simply said, “What am I looking at?” The video of the raccoon in her yard went viral, racking up 8 million views in one week. She referred to the raccoon as “Jimothy” because she said, “He looked like a Jimothy to me.” I heard about this little viral sensation when my daughter, who lives in Seattle, texted me, “Mom, are you following this raccoon named Jimothy?”

Jimothy has become a symbol of disability awareness. Some speculate that he has short spine syndrome, a rare congenital condition or spinal deformity that gives him a rounded appearance, makes his legs look longer, and shortens his neck and tail. Despite his unusual shape and wonky gait, he navigates his surroundings well, doing all the climbing, balancing on fences, running, and foraging that raccoons do in an urban habitat.

On Facebook, I read posts about Jimothy, who has inspired a mural, artwork, rock painting, paint and sip sessions, tattoos, t-shirts, coloring pages, mugs, stickers, memes, Lego designs, games, and global media coverage. Here are a few comments people have shared on social media:

“Perhaps Jimothy was created to teach us all about love, acceptance and kindness.”

“He’s living proof that it is ok to be different.”

“Some of us have challenges in our lives that make things harder for us. The thing that is so endearing about Jimothy is that he is just this little animal with challenges who is going about living his best life.”

“His very existence is proof that all life should be valued. He may not walk the same, or look the same, but he is living and bringing joy to those who appreciate all of creation.”

“Jimothy, you are a beacon of light to all those who live with…no, thrive in life despite being different or having a disability. We love you Jimothy just as you are!!!”

It was a difficult summer, marked by the deaths of beloved actors and the unexpected passing of Dolly Parton, a champion of uniqueness. I love her quote, “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.” Amid our grief, it feels fitting to celebrate a plucky little raccoon from the 98107 zip code whose peculiarity reminds us to be resilient, embrace what makes us different, and respect those who look or act outside the norm. I think Dolly and my dad would heartily agree.

*Published in The Facts Brazos Life column Sept. 23 2026