One of the best things about dogs is their capacity for amazing gentleness. It is a shame that not all humans display this same quality. Because dogs do so often display this trait, we should not be surprised to read about how this gentle German Shepherd adopts an orphaned opossum.
In general, dogs only use their strength to intimidate other animals under specific circumstances such as:
- self-defense
- defense of family (human or canine)
- defense of food
Dogs are more likely to be gentle and friendly with other dogs and with humans. You may or may not be surprised to learn that their gentleness also extends to smaller and more fragile animals. This fact is clearly demonstrated in today’s story. This gentleĀ German Shepherd voluntarily took on the role of an adopted mother for a weak and orphaned opossum.
An opossum belongs to the family of marsupials and loves to hunt mice, bugs, and snakes. They are approximately the size of a hamster. And, because of their small size and active nocturnal nature, they are often hit by a car as they are crossing a road. It is not uncommon to see a dead opossum lying in the middle of a highway or on the side of a country road.
How a German Shepherd Came to Adopt an Orphaned Opossum
Unfortunately, this was the case in this story. Rescuers came across two opossums lying on the street. Sadly, the adult opossum was the tiny baby’s mother. She was dead when they found the two of them. Remarkably, her tiny baby was still alive and clinging to her back. Since this is the way that other opossums carry their young from place to place, it was probably riding there as mom tried to cross the road.
The rescuers immediately took the orphaned baby opossum to the vet for proper medical attention. Fortunately, the tiny opossum was healthy and unharmed. The rescuers promptly named him Poncho. But, the rescuers still had another problem with which to deal.
The seasoned rescuers continued to worry about Poncho. They were concerned that the orphaned opossum might be very lonely. Could he become too depressed to go on with life?
That is why they decided to introduce Poncho to a very gentle German Shepherd named Hantu. Knowing that Hantu possessed the gentleness, kindness, and love that the baby opossum needed, they felt sure that it was worth giving a try. And indeed, the two totally different animals immediately clicked together.
Hantu became an excellent adoptive mother for Poncho and gave him all the love he needed. In fact, Hantu treated the baby opossum like he was her own puppy!
How Does The Story End?
Three years after Hantu and Poncho became family, the strong bond between them has continued to grow stronger! Poncho is much bigger now but he still rides clinging to the back of his canine mother. It quite clearly demonstrates Poncho’s love for Hantu.
Indeed, the once orphaned opossum is very lucky to have a caring adoptive parent in the form of a gentle German Shepherd. Hopefully, this intra-species relationship will inspire humans to work harder to get along with others who might not have the same culture, race or social standing as them. Being able to care for and get along with others is such a valuable quality that we should endeavor to develop it.
If you enjoy reading about intra-species adoption, you will like this story as well. https://happymutt.org/nanny-dog-that-raised-a-calf-still-babysits-him-even-after-a-year/
Source: Myrtle Beach Safari via Youtube