I like it. And I understand why you decided to go vertical, I probably would have done the same, just to get a more 'intimate' view. Yes, tail ends abruptly... but so nice to have the subject fill the screen!
Love the pose and cute little paws. The leaves coming out through the snow certainly add to the image. BG also looks good. Nice detail in the fur and tufts, great colours and deep tones - works for me Boetie, nice work. Sharp where it matters.
Let us have more squirrels please, I enjoyed viewing this one and ready for more.
PS Waiting for the week-end to find a gap and process something... it's tough out here at the moment with so many hours of 'load shedding', no electricity this afternoon for four and a half hours
Hope you have a wonderful week-end and that you keep warm, here very hot and we are all hoping for some rain