This Orphan Opossum Resisted Being Released Back Into The Wild

Dec 17, 2018 by apost team

When Sheri Kassalias agreed to take in three baby opossums she was not completely sure what she was getting herself into.

Sheri agreed to nurse the orphaned Opossums back to health and care for them until they would be able to fend for themselves in the wild.

Two of the three opossums seem fine with the plan. They seemed to enjoy the rehab just fine and were joyous when released back into their natural environment. The third opossum seemed to have something a little different in mind.

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Kassalias explains that Opie was always the sweetest of the three opossums. He would often climb up her sleeve and seemed to enjoy being held. Opie also began grooming and licking on Sheri in a way that was remnant of a cat. Another rescuer told Sheri he had never seen such a friendly opossum who bonded so well with people.

The rescuer also explained to Sheri that she should cut off all contact with Opie if not planning to keep him permanently. It is two years later and Opie still clings to Sheri. Opie is integrated totally into her life now.

He lives with Sheri and her family in South Carolina. The family includes a husband, a pit bull who is now 14 years old, an even older Boston terrier, and a tortoise the family calls Bubba.

Opie is taken for walks and receives treats like other family members. Recently, the opossum visited with Santa. Opie is more than a companion for the family. He is registered to make public appearances with the USDA.

He is allowed to travel with Sheri to local schools to promote educational awareness of his species. Opossums are ancient creatures and the only marsupials native to North America. They are immune to rabies and dine on ticks.

Sheri loves to explain to people how opossums will rid your yard of pests without harming anything else. They will never dig in your yard or find their way into your attic. Sheri explains that the creatures give back to nature without taking anything in return.

They are also content with cozy places on the ground like a hole in a tree log, a corner in a garage, or a spot in the basement.

Opie has also made special appearances at dog adoption events and appeared in a calendar made for charity. Opie recently celebrated his second birthday. He received a cake made just for him which was made of carrots, blueberries, and bananas.

Opie's birthday party doubled as a fundraiser for orphaned animals which raised hundreds of pounds of food for the animals.

There is also a hint of sadness attached to the birthday party of Opie. Opossums do not live much longer than two years and the signs of aging are clear in Opie. He is beginning to lose weight and at times will struggle with his balance.

Sheri cried a few nights ago while holding Opie. The thought of losing him brought much sadness to her heart. She says she knows she has done everything possible for him and is happy for the time she has spent with Opie. She added that if a lifespan was dependent on love, Opie would live forever.

What did you think about Opie's story? Have you ever experienced a similar bond with an animal? Pass this story on to other animal loving friends.