Evolution

Maybe the raccoon is below the dog on the evolutionary totem pole, but Rai's animal of choice maybe evolving from dog to raccoon and it all began with a deck.
The deck in question is the deck in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard. This particular deck is new, but the labyrinthine recesses under several generations of deck have served as home for a family or two of raccoons. Currently, a family of four resides under the deck, showing their glowing eyes almost every evening. Rai has been lucky enough to spot this family on several occasions. Now, it's almost impossible for Rai not to call out for his beloved "raccoons!" whenever he finds himself at Grandma and Grandpa's place as the evening sets in. To give Rai his daytime raccoon fix, Grandma and Grandpa bought for him a great raccoon stuffed animal which quickly made it's way into Rai's bedtime entourage, joining duck and penguin. Soon, there'll be no room left in the crib!