This Rescued Opossum Is Used To A Life Of Luxury And Won’t Go Back Into The Wild

It’s the basic plot of a badly written sitcom: a family takes in a friend or relative in need and before long the guest has taken over the place and shows no signs of leaving.

But for Sheri Kassalias and her family, life isn’t a sitcom…and their freeloading guest is an orphaned opossum. Kassalias makes a living as an animal rescuer, so her family is all too familiar with the fact that she regularly turns their home into a temporary rehab center for animals that are down on their luck.

When she took in three baby opossums that had lost their mothers to dog attacks and car accidents, Kassalias’ family expected that it’d be a short-term arrangement. And for two of the opossums, that was the plan. But for Opie the opossum, life was just too sweet at home to ever leave!

In order to release an opossum back into the wild, the family knew they had to shower to critters with as little affection as possible.

In order to release an opossum back into the wild, the family knew they had to shower to critters with as little affection as possible.

Facebook / Opie Kass

That’s cute and all, but Opie had other plans.

That's cute and all, but Opie had other plans.

Facebook / Opie Kass

Opie thrived off human contact. He practically demanded to be held.

Opie thrived off human contact. He practically demanded to be held.

Facebook / Opie Kass

The nugget would ensure that he received attention from his humans by climbing on them like his furry siblings and delivering some sweet smooches.

The nugget would ensure that he received attention from his humans by climbing on them like his furry siblings and delivering some sweet smooches.

Facebook / Opie Kass

Unwilling to release a “one in a million” opossum back into the wild, Kassalias made the decision to keep Opie under her care.

Unwilling to release a “one in a million” opossum back into the wild, Kassalias made the decision to keep Opie under her care.

Facebook / Opie Kass

Nearly two years later, they can’t imagine life without their little opossum buddy!

Nearly two years later, they can't imagine life without their little opossum buddy!

Facebook / Opie Kass

He also loves his four-legged brothers and sisters!

He also loves his four-legged brothers and sisters!

Facebook / Opie Kass

Like any other house pet, Opie gets his fair share of treats and goes for daily walks.

Like any other house pet, Opie gets his fair share of treats and goes for daily walks.

Facebook / Opie Kass

According to Santa, Opie can be found on the nice list.

According to Santa, Opie can be found on the nice list.

Facebook / Opie Kass

But Opie is more than just a house pet and companion. He’s also a working man.

But Opie is more than just a house pet and companion. He’s also a working man.

Facebook / Opie Kass

He is registered with the USDA, meaning he can travel (in style) from school to school with Kassalias tohelp educate others about opossums.

He is registered with the USDA, meaning he can travel (in style) from school to school with Kassalias tohelp educate others about opossums.

Facebook / Opie Kass

He’s even been known to draw in large crowds as the guest of honor at dog adoption events.

He’s even been known to draw in large crowds as the guest of honor at dog adoption events.

Facebook / Opie Kass

Is it any surprise that Opie isn’t one to shy away from the camera? He even has his very own charity calendar.

Is it any surprise that Opie isn’t one to shy away from the camera? He even has his very own charity calendar.

Facebook / Opie Kass

(via Bored Panda)

Read More: You See Him On TV Every Week — Now Watch Him Break Down At This Touching Tribute

To keep up with Opie’s daily adventures, check out his Facebook page. And if his opossum antics left a smile on your face, be sure to share this story with all your friends.

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