You know you are in the country when a trip to collect the washing turns into a rescue operation.
It was one of those uneventful and ordinary days. I had been back and forth most of the afternoon, but on this trip I discovered a possum lying lifeless on her back at the bottom of the clothesline.
Sadly, my initial assessment was that she was dead and her demise could only be due to the dogs. I was about to run back inside to get something to put her in, when out the corner of my eye I notice something protruding from her pouch.
It was a small, hairless, humanoid little fist. As I looked closer, thinking the baby was probably dead too, I noticed the tiny fingers moving.
Relieved I had seen some movement, I rushed inside to collect a box and towel. I wrapped her up gently and placed her inside. Surely I could save this baby.
The next 30 minutes were filled with strategic yet frantic calls to anybody I could find to help me.
I located a local vet and wildlife carer and arranged an urgent collection.
If this baby was to survive, I vowed she would be in the best care possible.
Possum babies are generally invisible within their mother’s stretchy, fur-lined pouch, but not this day.
I shall never forget the protruding and prominent little hand which was visibly grasping for help.
- Tracy Brussow
