Staying the course with a little bit of news and, of course, cute photos.
A very nice lady named Kimberly contacted me about a funny little opossum visitor she has. Here’s the story (paraphrased) she wrote explaining the name:
There are many ways you can help fund my work here other than a straight donation.
Birthday fundraisers
One way is to run a birthday fundraiser on Facebook. 2 weeks before your birthday you should get a notification of that option. if not, here are the instructions for accessing it on a PC.
Next to your profile picture there is also a cube of 9 squares (Facebook Menu). Click on that and under “create” choose Fundraisers.
From there you can chose a nonprofit (us!) Paypal issues a bulk donation once a month so often I have no way to know who donated or how much, and it frustrates me that I can’t thank everyone personally.
Anytime fundraiser
You don’t have to wait for your birthday, though. You can create one for any non-profit any time you want.
Matching donations
Many companies also have a matching donation program like the one picture above, through Blackbaud. You need to contact your HR about this.
It helps and thank you everyone who donates or buys us gifts from our Amazon and Chewy wish lists. I have updated both (see the top of the page) and would love some happy packages!
I thought I would see if Buddy and Pearl would enjoy being together. They do! They even eat out of the same dish. Both are fairly mobile but not aching to get out so a big playpen, kept clean, works well right now.
I am so glad they appreciate the comfort of the other, I always worry about the singletons, especially if they have to be here a long time.
The big enclosure
It will finally be getting repaired. It’s been such a disappointment I don’t even look at it. Which is hard, because it’s a 10′ x 12′ x 8′ unfinished building.
Ugh
It was built sloppily and so incorrectly I have hired a team to right all the wrongs. I won’t post before photos but when it’s done I will share those!
The list of what’s wrong
The entire structure has to be lifted and the wire put underneath, with pavers between the wire and the wood. Random useless or redundant wood needs to be removed and repurposed.
The ceiling needs to be built and the roof finished. The vestibule entrance has to be removed and re-built. At least one 4′ x 8′ plywood panel has to be removed and placed on the correct side.
The 2″ x 6″s have to be cut out and replaced with 2″ x 4″s because right now it looks like I run a sloppy operation. The whole enclosure is embarrassing even though I know it’s not my fault.
Thank you everyone for your generosity and patience
These repairs, along with the original carpentry and all the materials, were paid for with donations.
It’s been a fund I have been putting money into for years, starting with my birthday fundraiser in 2024. Luckily enough was set aside that it can be repaired and turned into my dream enclosure.
Release
I’m still trying to get to south Georgia to release the last 6. We are forecasted to have lows around freezing this weekend but south Georgia is much milder. I have had bad luck with overwintering older opossums. Taking a gamble on a release in the fall is worth it overall.
My awesome volunteers
Thank you to my spectacular volunteer Alyssa Owens, for spending hours here every Thursday and helping me with releases! And thank you Sadie LaRue for being such a dedicated Monday and Tuesday volunteer. Sadie is amazing and such a cheerful spirit. I always feel uplifted when she comes to help.