Yukon

“I’m a chinchilla, but I used to get ‘mouse’, or ‘rat’, or even ‘possum.’ How? We’re so different! I don’t get it so much anymore. Since dying my hair pink, I just get some confused looks.” – Yukon

In the search for a better life, Yukon’s parents traveled from South America to Canada, before settling in St. Louis. Yukon was named for their favorite Canadian territory; where they enjoyed hiking. Yukon; however, prefers running to hiking, and has tried out for the track team twice. “I have a small wide body,” he tells us. “So, no one expects me to be fast. They don’t know speed is what Chinchillas are known for. They don’t know me, either.” “I don’t think they even know what a chinchilla is,” Yukon continues. “I got ‘mouse’, or ‘rat’, or even ‘possum.’ How? We’re so different! I don’t get it so much anymore. Since dying my hair pink, everyone just looks confused. I like that. I’m defining myself.” Yukon is proud to be a Cuddly Ambassador and share his truth with the world. And his truth is… “I’m an older sibling, a runner, a dancer—I can sort of play the guitar. I believe that being truly accepted means appreciating yourself and then encouraging others to appreciate their differences as well. I read that confidence means raising up others. I’d like to think that’s who I am.”