Karenlynn Stracher, a seasoned animal rescuer from Long Island, is well-acquainted with unexpected situations in her extensive rescue career. One morning, she received a call from a woman in need of her assistance.
Woken abruptly from a deep sleep, Karenlynn took a moment to gather her thoughts. However, when she learned that the police had advised the caller to reach out to her, she quickly got dressed and headed to the address provided.
She discovered an unexpected surprise waiting inside a laundry machine.
“A First Time For Everything”
Upon her arrival, the laundry machine had already been opened, and an elderly woman was anxiously awaiting her.
Peeking inside, Karenlynn spotted two tiny black eyes—a baby possum was trapped in the machine. Although accustomed to rescuing various animals, Karenlynn found this particular scenario quite surprising.
“There’s a first time for everything,” she remarked in a TikTok video showcasing the rescue.
Shaking off her surprise, Karenlynn sprung into action. She grabbed a towel and, despite a little struggle, managed to gently lift the possum out of the machine.
The little creature was so frightened it remained still, but Karenlynn, with her experience, understood this was just a momentary reaction. What mattered was that the baby possum was now safe.
Karenlynn documented the rescue and shared it with her followers on TikTok through her account @wildliferehab_kl.
@wildliferehab_kl Links in bio #wildlife #wildliferescue #wildliferescuer #wildliferehab #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabber #everylifematters #opossum #opossumrescue #opossumrescuer #opossumrehab #opossumrehabber #joey #babyopossum #foundinawashingmachine #imnotunderwear #longislandwildlife #longislandny #longisland #freeport #freeportpolicedepartment #freeportpolice ♬ original sound – KL the Wildlife Rehabilitator
Soon Where She Belongs
As the possum played peek-a-boo with Karenlynn from inside the washing machine, and considering she was a baby, Karenlynn decided to name her Peekaboo, a suggestion made by the elderly lady.
This kind woman even took some pictures of Peekaboo, sending them to her granddaughter, joking that they would make a unique gift for her great-grandson’s forthcoming christening.
However, this little possum didn’t end up in a fancy gift box; instead, Karenlynn took her back to her rehabilitation center. She will stay there until she recovers and is old enough to be released back into the wild. Karenlynn is confident that soon, she will be in her rightful place.
“She’s with me and thriving,” Karenlynn shared with The Dodo. “She’s quite feral, which is a good thing. It will serve her well when she is big enough to be released.”
