Buttonz D. Mouse Biography

Buttons is a male deer mouse that was born in the summer of 2010 just outside the WBTN studios in the tall cattails and pampas grass in the adjoining swamp. The middle child of 276, many of Buttons’ siblings lost their lives to traps, poison and a great-horned owl the Mouse family named “Barney the Terrible.” Seeking both warmth and shelter late in the fall of 2010, Buttons found a way into the WBTN radio station through a crack in the foundation. Looking for something to eat to sustain the poor, hapless little guy, Buttons chanced upon some dog food in the kitchen, but found out that dogs must have strange tastes because it wasn’t very palatable. (You see, WBTN is dog-friendly, so the staff keeps dog treats in the building along with a large water bowl.)

Looking further, Buttons found a few crumbs in the furnace room…traces of a sandwich left on the counter by handyman, Ron O’Dell. Buttons even tried sampling the bars of soap in the bathrooms for the bits of animal fats in them, but found that they disagreed with his digestive system. Moving on to the WBTN broadcast studio, Buttons began chewing on some of the wiring found in the control panel. Suspecting that there was an unwelcome visitor in the building, Station Engineer, Alan Shephard stealthily snuck into the studio one evening only to catch Buttons munching on the wiring casings. (For some unknown reason, Buttons seemed to like the red wires best.) When questioned by Alan, Buttons acknowledged that he was having a late-night snack. Thereupon Alan threatened Buttons with installation of new and better mouse traps in the building.

Quick thinking saved Buttons’ life as he decided to help out WBTN’s efforts to raise funds for all of the upcoming expenses for 2011 which includes painting the broadcast tower, installing a new Emergency Alert System, upgrading the satellite receiver to a new digital one and other repairs to the studio, the telephone system and various building maintenance costs.

Sneaking back into the studio the following night, Buttons even cut his own commercial, somehow figuring out how to use the computer. (Apparently, little Buttons must have been watching from behind the filing cabinet to learn the controls.) Anyway, in his commercial, Buttons made an appeal to the WBTN listeners to send in donations earmarked “Save Buttons,” a tactic he employed to save his furry hide.

Alan found the commercial in the computer the following day and presented it to Executive Director, John Likakis. John agreed to air the spot and give Buttons amnesty if he could actually help raise donations. Since then, some checks have arrived at the studio marked, “Save Buttons.” So our little long-tailed friend has been granted a reprieve and has gone on to become somewhat of a celebrity.

Since this event, Buttons has agreed to an interview with Deerdra Mouse on “60 Mouse-Tales.” The interview first aired on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Now he appears to have higher aspirations wanting to land endorsement contracts with a major computer company or even to make it to Hollywood.

Realizing that the chances of making the big time are relatively slim, Buttons has agreed to continue helping raise funds for WBTN. Alan is watching Buttons very closely to make sure that he fulfills his assigned task or else he may just face the jaws of death! You can help Buttons keep his happy home by sending donations regularly to WBTN, making sure that you write on the bottom of your check, “Save Buttons.”