Last night I released the adult opossum that had the burns.

I took her to a nature preserve and released her by a pond and near a stream. It was a perfect spot and the weather is perfect and I couldn't help but have a little selfish sadness in me. I only had her about two-three weeks but every time i'd walk in the door she'd come to the corner of her crate. She would let me change her papers while she was in there and I even pet her head the other day.

I opened up her crate door and she ever so slowly walked out sniffing.

She sniffed the ground and then walked to me and sniffed my feet.

She walked around a small radius checking things out. I thought at one point she was headed back to the crate. then she smelled the kitty food and broccoli that I  left out for her. I left her eating at the perimeter of the woods. I know she needs her freedom, but I think, gosh, here I am putting this sweet gal into a harsh world where she has to hunt for food and protection.

She did mark some spots with her scent. I know she belongs in this environment, but I'll  miss her and I actually don't look forward to opening the door to an empty spot this afternoon.

On the walk out I was thinking how different opossums are in comparison to other animals and wondered what all it was that engulfs me  and how I don't think I'll ever enjoy being without one in my life....either temporarily or permanently.

Just sumpin' about opossums

Brigette (bdgb_13@yahoo.com) ** member of opossumrehab@yahoogroups.com **