Richland Animal Rescue

05/30/2026

05/26/2026

**I WASN’T JUST A BODY ON THE ROAD.**
**MY BABIES WERE STILL HOLDING ON INSIDE ME.**

Most people would drive past.

Maybe they would feel sad for a second.
Maybe they would look away.
Maybe they would think the story was already finished.

But if the animal on the roadside is a female opossum, the story may not be over.

I am a marsupial.

My babies do not begin life in a nest.
They begin almost impossibly small, crawling into my pouch and attaching there while they grow.

And if I am hit by a car, they may still be alive.

Hidden.
Silent.
Still attached.
Still warm for a while inside the only nursery they have ever known.

That is the part most people never see.

A dead mother can still be carrying living babies.

If it is safe to stop, do not stand in traffic. Do not touch with bare hands. Wear gloves. Check the pouch only if you can do it safely.

If babies are attached, do not pull them off.

Place the mother gently in a box and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately so the babies can be removed safely.

If babies are crawling nearby, keep them warm, dark, and quiet until help is found.

Please do not feed them.
Please do not give them water.
Please do not try to raise them yourself.

I was not asking you to fix death.

I was asking you to notice the lives still holding on.

**Reality check:** Virginia opossums are North America’s only marsupial. Babies may remain in the pouch for about two months, and young opossums found with or near a dead mother often need immediate help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Attached pouch babies should not be pulled off by an untrained person.

**Sources:** Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources — opossum guidance; Wildlife Center of Virginia — safely checking deceased adult opossums; Tufts Wildlife Clinic — baby opossum care guidance.

05/23/2026

Saturday June 20th is the 5th Annual Concert for Critters!! Please plan to come to Gull Lake Distilling Company to hear OCD/C! 100% of our cover charge will go to the rescues we support - Cat Nap Lodge, Richland Animal Rescue, and Kalamazoo Animal Rescue!! Make plans to join us and help support these wonderful rescues! Tell all your friends, bring your dog and plan to have a pawesome time!!! Thank you to our Top Dog Sponsors Richland Dentistry PLC and Emergency Veterinary Care Centers for their support to help us bring this concert to you this year. See you then Critter Crew ! ! 😼😎😻

05/19/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Barry County Humane Society
Free Vaccine and Microchip Clinic for Cats and Dogs
The Barry County Humane Society is offering a free vaccine and microchip clinic for cats and
dogs. Rabies and microchips will be available for both cats and dogs as well as FVRCP for cats
and DHLPP for dogs. The clinic also includes an initial exam and dental assessment.
Date and Time
Saturday June 13, 2026 10:00am to- 3:00pm
Location:
Barry County Enrichment Center
231 S. Broadway
Hastings, MI 49058
About the Event
The Free Vaccine Clinic is open to the public. Appointments are not required.
Animals and owners will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be contained in a carrier for safety.
Please limit 4 animals per person.
Current medical records are helpful if available.
Contact Information
Dr. Diana Newman [email protected] 269-589-8747