The Pups and the Possum

I awoke this morning to a very familiar beach scenario. It was a bit overcast but with the promise of glorious sunshine to follow—at least that is what the weatherman told me.

As I headed out the door, it was with the expectation of an early morning workout at the gym followed by spending time with the shelter dogs. I was particularly interested to see which little charmer was adopted over the weekend, and which ones were still eagerly awaiting my customary red leash and the time we cuddle after the walk.

I saw that little Cosmo was still with us, but he has changed a lot in the weeks since his arrival. He is no longer cowering in the back of the kennel, but rather he runs to greet people with his tail wagging, eager to take a walk and have a lap to cuddle up in.

cosmo-collage

I was sad to see Lady still there. She is a little sweetheart.

At 10 years old, people acknowledge her mild and loving disposition and even the fact that she loves to have tummy rubs, but pass her by after reading her placard.

2018-06-04_151940

I was just finishing up another walk when I entered the kennel to see a man looking at Lady!

I immediately went into information mode and told him how sweet and mellow she is. But he beat me to it, and said he and his family had visited this past weekend and were now going to adopt Lady. I did my happy dance?snoopy

After finishing up at the shelter, I started to walk back to my car which is parked several blocks away.

A few paces ahead of me there was a lady and her daughter walking their two dogs. I watched as suddenly they both leapt into the air and screamed RAT!

They ran around what I saw to be a furry lump on the sidewalk. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was a baby possum. With little beady eyes, it looked up at me with a hopeless expression and halfheartedly bared its teeth.

possum

The only thing I had with me was an unused doggie waste bag. I somehow managed to collect the little guy in it and continue walking back to my car.

I don’t know if people realize that there is a marvelous Wildlife Rescue in Huntington Beach, and it’s quite close to the shelter I volunteer with. https://www.wwccoc.org/

I honestly can’t say enough about this wonderful organization. Many times I have brought injured birds to them and never have I been turned away—They are awesome!

I drove to the rescue with my little furry passenger, and once again they were there to help.

After carefully putting the little guy (or girl) in a comfortable container complete with a soft towel, they entered him into their care facility. I left him with the thought that at least he has a chance of survival now.

You know, even though possums are not packaged in cute wrappings, they are quite beneficial critters. They eat snails and bugs and mean us no harm. The fact is they are a protected species, but have somehow managed to get a bad (and undeserved) wrap.

I hope baby possum lives to tell his great grandchildren about his humble beginnings, and the saga of how he came to have a stay at the ‘hotel’ Wildlife rescue.

 

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Having lived these good many years, (71 to be exact), has given me the opportunity to reflect on what I value most. Family, good friends, and the precious pets that have shared my life  have enriched me as a person. I’ve evaluated what is most important to me and what lessons I’ve learned, and what I’ve determined is that I want to leave this world a better place for having lived here. It is one of my deepest desires to be able to help those who have no voice — because animals have always played an important role in my life. They were constant friends when the world around me was changing.  One, (a small parakeet named Petie), accompanied me when as a child my family moved across country twice, (New York to California and back again)-I can still see Petie in his small travel cage sitting on my lap as I explained to him where we were stopping for the night and feeling that his company as well as my dear parents were all I needed to feel safe and secure. My pets were with me in good times and bad, often being the consistent non-judgmental voice my heart needed. Although I spent my working years as a commercial artist, both teaching the craft at a local college and in my own studio, it seems that in my later years it is by painting with words that I am now able to reach out to people, and it is my joy to do just that. I hope my stories help to connect people to kindred souls that wear fur on their faces but are just as capable as we are to feel great love in their hearts.  Rescue animals particularly deserve another chance at a happy life and it is my honor to bring their stories to light and hopefully be the catalyst that joins two different species on their journey. The connection we share with our pets is like no other, There is no need to be anything other than who and what you are. No amount of money or privilege will impress them as much as your kindness and attention. I do know that in the final analysis, life is good and most people honestly want to do the right thing. If that includes opening their home and heart to another living being, then my purpose is accomplished. I hope in some small way I can contribute to that greater good. Bio- Born in Middle Village, New York- 1945 Mother to a wonderful son, Michael who truly would be a cherished friend even if we weren't related--and fortunate in meeting my kind and thoughtful soulmate, Burt, in later life- I am blessed indeed. Retired teacher/ Orange Coast College/ former owner and operator of a commercial art business in Huntington Beach, California.
 Lucky to have had the opportunity to work in the art field where I was often quoted as saying, "You mean I am being paid for something I love to do?!"

 Interests: travel, enjoying local points of interest, movies, volunteering at the Newland Animal Shelter and writing about the wonderful personalities I have been honored to meet there, both human and furry-faced, and generally enjoying the retired life.