The Opossum's Pouch Sanctuary, Rescue and Rehabilitation

11/16/2025

Many of you have asked for an update on the older boy in such bad shape in the post below. Its not the best photo but he deserves his sleep so I didn't want to wake him. Its pretty safe to say, after a warm bath, Capstar for the fleas and a full tummy.... Jonah has slept for the past 2 days. He wakes to eat, potty and back to sleep and it does my heart good for him to finally have some comfort.

His fur is missing and thin. Jonah had so much flea dirt on him. I'm treating for anemia and we've started his worming. He looks so much better (and fluffy) after a warm bath and he actually seemed to enjoy it. I'm sure it feels so nice to be clean. THANK YOU all who have donated. The Pouch is now caring for 84 opossums. We have old ones, blind ones, we have several with 3 legs from traps, many hit by cars with head trauma, neurological issues with some and also 19 too small to be released so they will winter over.

We will have a full house for Thanksgiving! And I am Thankful they found their way to me!

11/14/2025

According to 2023 data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, animal cruelty cases increased by nearly 40% from 2020 to 2022. https://www.wate.com/news/tennessee/bill-would-increase-animal-cruelty-penalties-for-adults-juveniles/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WATE_6_On_Your_Side

11/14/2025

The cold is much harder on the older ones and this old guy had just given up. Most at this age are unable to find food and fleas still cause such misery even in the cooler weather. This poor guy has some puncture wounds that appear to have been made by a younger and probably stronger male opossum.

Tonight he's clean, he's warm, wounds have been medicated and he has a full tummy. I believe for the first time in a very long time, he's going to get some much needed sleep and he will never go to bed hungry again. The mouths needing fed are mounting. To all who have sent donations in various ways, thank you. My days seem to run into the next (its already near 5 am) so sending out thank you notes seems impossible however I have every name from those of you who help.

11/11/2025

Cut open bails of straw left where opossums can find it is so welcomed by them to build a next for cold weather. This little guy is working hard gathers bedding material. They grab leaves with their mouth, push it under their tummy and kick it into their tails with their back legs. Its such an interesting behavior! https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuietOrganicYards/posts/4557451941009712/

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11/11/2025

Many of us are experiencing extremely cold weather. If you find an old cooler at the thrift store, one beside the road or in the dumpster, these make excellent warm shelters. You can even ask on your page if anyone has an old cooler they would like to donate. 18 gallon totes with a styrofoam cooler inside also works.

Here is an important tip. Wildlife in most cases, will not use a shelter like this if there is only one hole in and out. They need a second hole cut in the back side in case a predator enters. If a male and another male enters, a fight is inevitable. Having an escape helps them feel safe and they are more likely to use the shelter.

Keep in mind, cat kibble can be put out in freezing weather and its still eatable. Water freezes, please put out luke warm water as often as you can. I spent most of the day tarping up pens for the outdoor chickens, ducks and quail. All have heat lamps. I put out straw for all the outdoor opossums and raccoons in the area I know they sleep. Remember - "Compassion is free" it can help much more than you will ever know.

11/09/2025

If anyone following The Opossums Pouch here receives a message appearing to come from me "offering to help you", PLEASE KNOW ITS NOT ME! I believe its this stupid AI that I have yet to find a way to turn it off. The message some of you receive never shows to me when some of you respond that "you do not need help". I am so sorry this is happening!! I try to spend time when the day allows dissecting my messenger to try and stop this. I am so sorry this is happening!!! Facebook is becoming very difficult to work with lately. There is no way to speak with anyone with Facebook.

11/09/2025

I've mentioned this before and want to remind everyone again... If you open the door to allow your dogs out at night, please make a noise! Clap your hands, hit a spoon on a pot etc... Give an opossum a chance to run and get away before letting the dog/dogs out, please.

In one week, I have taken in 3 opossums attacked by dogs. The third one came in today and was really afraid so I didn't take a picture. She was treated and now sleeping on a heating bed. The average dog bite is about 269 pounds per square inch. Small dogs naturally is lower and really large dogs is higher but the jaw pressure can cause significant internal damage. So again a little noise made cost nothing and could save a life.

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11/07/2025

Older opossums in the wild average 1.5-2 years. They age so fast and life is really hard for them. If you find one laying in a yard this way, please bring them in and get safe. Google your state and wildlife rehabbers for the closest rehabber near you. I'm always wiling to help as well.

This dear old man was found to exhausted to take another step. He was pale and after removing the massive amounts of fleas, we're treating for anemia. He's resting tonight after syringe feeding him and he's on an iron rich vitamin. Anemia can take many weeks to recover from. This dear fellow however is too old to return to the wild so he'll join the "Pouch's Bed and Breakfast"...

11/04/2025

This little lady must’ve had a hard life. Her little nose has been injured and healed. Something has mangled her foot. It’s extremely swollen and infected. She’s pretty afraid and we don’t want to x-ray until we get the infection under control.

To all of you who rescue these little guys and bring to us…..THANK YOU YOU!!! I could not save as many as I do without the help of those equally as compassionate who get them out of harms way. The finders deserve so much credit and just know you’re appreciated. 

11/01/2025

These are a few of my nightly visitors. The weather has been nasty and cold. The 1st photo is an older guy who is at my backdoor no matter the weather. He was soaking wet but he gets a full meal every night. He's showing signs of his age and when the temps drop below freezing, he'll be coming in. There's a female also who visits every 2-3 days. Leaving out a little helps so much.

There's a new dark opossum with one white back foot! He's young and a big boy. I worry he'll challenge my older boy at some point. My old lady raccoon who's mask has turned grey. She comes and brings the kids and grandkids as well. Then there's Wally or Juanita, the armadillo. We are not sure which name to use! Yes we have dozens of holes to cover up every morning, but its just dirt to kick back in a hole. Its nothing to get so angry about like some do.

10/30/2025

What a voice!

10/30/2025

I stay involved with as many disaster relief teams for animals as possible. (these dogs have now been rescued, they survived!) When I posted for prayers needed due to the hurricane, I had one very negative comment under the post about the people there not caring about animals and prayers was not what was needed! I want everyone to know... The Zoo and small rescue moved animals to safer locations. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Network for Animals, Wings of Rescue, and Greater Goods Charities have sent and are preparing to send even more emergency support to Jamaica. They are gathering veterinary medical supplies, pet food, and generators. I have 3 friends, one being a veterinarian who are helping a disaster relief team right now. Many animals are indeed needing help and given shelter. Help is there and it will be weeks of hard work but animal rescue people are some of the toughest!