It takes a gentle soul to rescue an animal and nurture it back to health. When this woman took in three opossums, she expected to release them back into the wild when they were healthy enough. Two of the opossums went along with the plan, but one simply wouldn’t budge. He had his own agenda, and he was determined to get his way.
Sheri Kassalias took in three opossums who were in need of help. Two had lost their mother in a car accident, and one had lost his when a dog attacked her. Sheri would nurse them back to health until they were able to make it on their own in the wild.
When the time came to release the opossums, two of them went willingly. One, however, refused to go. He insisted on sticking around and calling Sheri’s place home.
Sheri had instantly fallen in love with this little guy, and she didn’t want to see him go any more than he wanted to leave. “Opie was so sweet he demanded to be held,” the woman shared with The Dodo. “He climbed up my sleeve.” This little guy wasn’t going anywhere.
The opossum then began to groom Sheri, a sweet gesture which these shy creatures rarely exhibit around humans. This behavior, known as “slubbing,” is one of the ways an opossum shows friendliness.
The two bonded instantly. Sheri knew that she could not let this adorable fellow leave her life. When she contacted the rescuer, it became clear that this human had a decision to make: “she would either have to completely cut off all contact with Opie, in an effort to make him releasable – or else commit to keeping him forever.”
It was not a hard decision. The woman’s heart melted when she looked into this opossum’s eyes. Opie has now lived with Sheri, her husband, and their three dogs for two years.
He travels everywhere with his owner, and he is even registered with the USDA. Opie and Sheri make public appearances at schools and other locations, educating people about these magnificent marsupials.
Opossums eat pests, but they do not destroy property. “I love that they give back to nature instead of taking from it,” shared Sheri. “They are gentle even when injured.”
Opie has done a lot of good since he was adopted. He recently had a huge birthday celebration.
The opossum’s second birthday party doubled as a fundraiser for The Opossum’s Pouch Rescue. Thanks to Opie, tons of food, blankets, and supplies have been provided to rescued animals.
Unfortunately, two years is the average life expectancy for an opossum. Opie’s loving owner is already dreading the day she will lose him. She might be worried about her pet, but she will always cherish the time they have spent together.
“Regardless of how much time I have left with him,” Sheri said, “I know I have done absolutely everything in my power. If his longevity was based on love, he would live to be 100.”
Sherie and Opie share a bond that can never be broken. Their sweet story shows that love can come from the most unexpected places.
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Source: The Dodo
