Something I learned while researching "Rascal" - it was adapted for a Japanese anime in 1977 - fifty two episodes!  It was titled "Rascal the Raccoon" and Sterling's name was changed to Robby.  Hayao Miyazaki was the key animator on twenty of the episodes.  And it also created a serious raccoon problem in Japan since children wanted to own their own baby raccoon...  Who knew?