It was a chilly evening in March 2003 in Homeland, California . A small town outside of Hemet , California .

David and I were just turning onto our street home; when he suddenly stopped.

“Did you see that?” he asked.

“See What?” I responded.

"In the middle of the road was a criter running in circles. And when we turned the corner it ran in the bushes. I think it was a baby possum. Do you think you can catch it?” asked David.

I was known for catching all kinds of critters and not being afraid. “I guess so.” I replied. Getting out of the car.

“Be careful. It might bite.” Said David.

“Ok! I know!” I replied.

Going to the bush where “it” was hiding. I yelled at the dogs to be quiet. Our neighbor had two dogs, a German shepherd and a rot wiellar. Just then the critter stared to go in the dog's yard.

I got scared for it and cried.” Don't go there, you'll get killed!”

Probably the dogs charging at the fence and not my cries changed it mind. Because it turned and started running towards me.

Then it darted up the street, towards my house next door. I cried out,”Don't go there my cats will kill you!”.

As if it understood it just stopped and sat still, not moving.

In a very soft voice I kept repeating, “It's Ok. I won't hurt you”. As I scopped it up. The poor thing shivering. I don't know if it's was the cold or fear. I put it to my neck and pulled my hair around it, as it snuggled in for the warmth and protection.

I told David I would walk the short distance home. I didn't want to cause it any more anxity by riding in a car.

Once we were in the house I got a baby blanket and we checkd the critter out. She was a very small female possum, who could fit in your palm, her teeth were just poking through the gums.

I knew she was scared. So not to traumatize her any futher. I got a box and placed a baby blanket in it. I put the box in the bat tub and place her in the box. Covering her with the blanket. Then I covered the box with a towel. I turned off the light and left a right light on. And we went to bed.

The next morning I went to check on her and she was gone. There was a hole in corner of the box. After looking all over the bathroom I gave up. And I turned to the toilet to use the restroom, and there her head just above the water, she was looking at me.

I quickly scooped her up, towel dried her. Then I placed her cold little body next to my stomach. Boy was that cold! I kept her there, turning her for warmth until I thought she was ok, again!

We placed her back in a new box without the hole. Closed the lid of the toilet. And began calling on the phone for help for her.

by Florence