A Laurel Street neighbor has decided to build on her physical therapy career by researching and advancing opossum (as in the animals, not the local restaurant) massage. The woman claims to be inspired after her pet dog injured a opossum in her backyard. She declined to be identified by name or photo for this post, but was willing to elaborate on the topic.

I am not making a blanket recommendation for hands-on work with opossums and other forms of wildlife, as that could be harmful for all parties involved, but for very special cases, I am interested in seeing if massage can make a difference in regard to rehabilitating opossums who have suffered traumatic back injuries.

She shared this video of opossum massage technique by renown expert ME Pearl:

Pine Street resident and animal welfare advocate Todd Woodson, another opossum enthusiast, strongly reiterated that no one should try to make physical contact with opossums and other wildlife, but was intrigued by his neighbor’s efforts.

God bless her for her compassion for these beautiful animals, I hope she can make safe progress with her study.