Mark Longo — former owner of P’Nut the Squirrel — recently shared a heartwarming video of himself playing with his new puppy, Howard. After the heartbreaking loss of P’Nut, which gained national attention, Longo has found comfort in his new companion. The clip captures tender moments of their playful bond, indicating a fresh start for Longo and his family as they continue to heal.
P’Nut the Squirrel’s owner says his puppy reminds him of the squirrel
Mark Longo and his wife, Daniela Bittner, welcomed the Miniature Dachshund into their home just two weeks ago after adopting him from a neighbor. Initially hesitant, the couple quickly found solace in the puppy’s playful energy and affectionate nature, which have brought comfort as they continue to grieve P’Nut’s untimely demise. “Just watching him run around outside and be best friends with the cat reminds me of P’Nut,” Longo shared, even suggesting that Howard might be the “reincarnated version” of P’Nut.
P’Nut became an unlikely symbol of government overreach after a raid by the state Department of Environmental Conservation led to his tragic death. The operation — which also resulted in the euthanization of Longo’s pet raccoon, Fred — quickly sparked national outrage, especially amid the heated presidential election season. Longo refutes the state’s claims that P’Nut and Fred posed a rabies risk, insisting that the animals did not bite the agents, who wore heavy safety gear at the time.
Since adopting Howard, Longo has found a renewed sense of joy. The 11-week-old puppy’s playful antics remind him of the special bond he shared with P’Nut. “He stole my heart,” Longo shared with the New York Post, describing how the puppy brought “a little bit of a spark back” into his life. Not only that, the new addition has also become a prominent figure on Longo’s social media platforms.
Despite the joy Howard — or as Longo calls him lovingly, “Howie” — brings, Longo admits that no pet can ever replace P’Nut. The bond he shared with the squirrel was unique, and the unresolved circumstances surrounding P’Nut’s death continue to haunt him. Longo’s lawyer is actively seeking answers, but the lack of closure remains a heavy burden.
