Oreo, the Real-Life Raccoon Behind 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Character, Dies

Sallie Bent adopted Oreo the raccoon when he was just two days old, but he quickly became part of the family. "Everyone fell in love with his fat furriness, he responded well to everyone and other animals too," Bent said. During his 10-year life, he helped educate people about wild animals and served as the real-life inspiration for the Rocket character in "Guardians of the Galaxy." Most of all, Bent said, he changed people's views on raccoons. "He was a real character. He was always happy, I cannot think of a time when he was really grumpy. He knew when to be calm around people, he was always cooperative. He loved belly rubs and his favorite treat was a small marshmallow."