This man raised an opossum. Now he thinks they are smarter than dogs. 

I am the guy in the video and am always overwhelmed by the support and love from so many. I recently lost my momma after being her caretaker from battling cancer, and reading sweet comments helps me in more ways then I could have imagined. These comments have made it easier for me during our journey and even now. ❤

Always remember: An animal or pet may be a small part of your life, but for an animal you were their entire life...

I didn't realize they were so short-lived. To be so cute, and to bless the world with so much cuteness for so short a time seems tragic. Lil' Miss will be missed ❤

Ugh that ending hit like a ton of bricks but I’m glad ppl saw this. They aren’t a threat, aren’t infected with rabies, and clearly can be loving. RIP you sweet, smart animal.

I had no idea their lifespan was so short. How very sad. What an incredible story. What a nice fellow this guy is.

She was like 9 hours in the wild and thought to herself " yup that's enough" 😂

this is the HELL on earth! you barely get a relation with an animal and they pass away! leaving us with pain, loss, missing ... TEARS!!!

I found a baby on the road. Took her home and raised her. She was so sweet and never was mean. Sat on my shoulder and drank iced tea. I still miss her😢

The world would be a better place if we had more people like this guy.

My God! This is the most wholesome thing I’ve seen all year. 1 to 2 year lifespan?!? That is just heartbreaking.

Damn...this made me cry. I love opossums, and I didn't know their lifespan was so short. That's not fair. This man's cool, I want to be his friend.

Possums get such a bad rap, but they're really gentle, meek creatures. So glad this kind person gave this one a good life.

1-2 years....that's just tragic. I'm convinced that animal caretakers, like this guy, are the toughest people on this planet, because they have to raise and bond with all these animals, knowing one day they'll have to go, one way or the other.

I was not prepared to learn she only lived a year. Thank you, Dylan, for all that you do.

Man I got nothing but respect for this kid. What a amazing human being.

This guy is living the dream. Lucky him, and all the animals he helps.

one of natures biggest mysteries to me is why these adorable creatures age so quickly. their metabolism is so slow that they dont even get infected with rabies. its so sad that a species would suffer like this. cudos for the guy that took her in. you are a kind spirit.

What a treasure of a man Dylan is. Not many like him around unfortunately. He brings light to this dark and cruel world.

Thank you for being a credit to the human race!!! Your compassion for this little angel and for all the animals you rescue is just so wonderful and special!!!

You gave her a wonderful possum life. You're a good soul ❤

I've befriended a mouse at work. It started when I would occasionally see him run across the window sill. After I found where his hiding spot was, I would leave some crumbs outside for him. Now when I walk by there, I will see these beady eyes looking at me, letting me know he is hungry. He eats from my hand know, sometimes nibbling away, and sometimes he'll take the food and run. I also leave a bottle cap of water for him. he enjoys that.

This was a heartwarming story. I can’t believe they have such short life spans. What a spectacular animal. I adore animals.

Nothing more heartwarming than seeing a man be so tender, gentle, attentive and silly!!! Lil Miss was such a lovely little lady. I’m so happy they had their special bond. He is a very special man.

I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t know their lifespans were so very short. They’re so cute

It’s a shame she didn’t live longer. She did it her way though and was with her true love. RIP lil Miss.

I had no idea the oppossum lived short lives. All the animals he rescues and cares for is incredible. Takes a dedicated and special person. Lil Miss was too cool. RIP 🎉

Beautiful pictures.. so hard to say goodbye😢, trust me, I know, but the time you had with her was priceless!

I had no idea that opossums had such a short life span. How heartbreaking it must have been to say goodbye to her. Suppose we can take comfort in the fact that she was one lucky opossum to have known only love and kindness all through her short time with such a great "Dad".

I had a male. He was so tiny when I got him my vet actually told me he wouldn't live but I couldn't just give up on him. I called him "little bit" because he was barely anything and I didn't want to "name him" because I didn't think he'd survive (completely hairless, completely pink, mouth still sealed except for a tiny hole in the front, maybe 2 inches from nose to rump). I took care of him around the clock. It was weeks before I finally even considered the possibility that he might live. But he did. He was so affectionate and cuddly. He'd run to me the minute I got home from work. If he was napping he was in my lap. He was so completely trusting. More than any animal I've ever enteracted with. I only had him for 3 years (most opossums don't live that long) but I absolutely loved that opossum.

Thank you for loving her and giving her a wonderful life !

We rescued a baby possum and she lived with our family till age 1 and a half. We named her Pandy and she was super friendly and kind. Possums are a special! ❤

The tears that ambushed me when we learned she only lived a year. My heart.

I literally cried when he said that she passed away a year later. She lived a happy life. :)

It takes a special person to take care of animals and put the animal's needs above their own. The rescue looks lovely. I'm sorry Lil Miss wasn't with him longer but he gave her her best life.

Yes! Wild animals, domesticated animals, and human animals have a lot in common! A decent human is a compassionate human!

Even though this opossum only lived for a year, this man gave this little guy the best life it could ever have.

I had no idea their life span is so short or that they can bond with humans. Lil Miss was a great friend to have, even if it wasn’t a long time together. ❤️

In a crappy old world this was an inspiring and heartwarming story. Thank you

This is such a wonderful animal rescue story. Whenever possible, a wild animal rescue that consists of one caring human being who will be that animal's guardian angel for the rest of its life is the BEST rescue for that animal. I am convinced of that

I didn't know they had such short lifespans. :(

RIP, Lil Miss. You experienced life from a perspective few opossums ever could. You lived a great life. Heck, many people would envy your lifestyle and the love you shared. Dylan should be proud.

Beautiful video! All those animals are angels being taken care of by an archangel! Lil´Miss, you were a sweet sweet soul! Thank you!💖

Such a sweet little thing she was! I rescued an elderly possum that had apparently been hit by a car. He had a huge scab. Got him inside, warm, and fed. On three different antibiotics. He was doing so well, until he just wouldn't eat. Broke my hert when he passed. I didn't realize they only lived a couple of years.

Opossums only live 1 to 2 years? I never knew their life span was so short. Gentle creatures, all said and told.

Thank you for taking care of Lil Miss. (Shedding a few tears....). I didn't realize they have such short life spans. So sweet!

Awesome!!! Thank you for rescuing soooo many innocent animals and sharing your journey on RU-vid to bring light to the need of animals.

Just like that other person said definitely didn't know they had such a short life span...not gonna lie..i cried...It's absolutely amazing and beautiful what u do!! Don't ever stop!!!

Lil Miss was a beautiful, adorable spirit and she and this beautiful human being shared a special bond .. I have a feeling that this precious spirit is still with this wonderful human being, and always will be 💞💞💞💞

This was a beautiful tribute to Little Miss. 🥲

„You can have all my buttons, because I love you!“ That sentence is so powerful, it broke me up. Had to rewind and watch it again. Beautiful!

She was meant to be and stay with you ❤She is your child, your little girl ❤. She and probably all your rescued animals feel safe and at home with you. You are wonderful to take on this very large and important tash.Thank you for doing all you do .

Lil Miss is now in heaven, she has a wonderful life!!! Thank you so much for that 💝💝💝💝💝💝

Wow, I didn't even realize they had such a short lifespan. She lived a full, happy life full of love. You gave her a once in a lifetime opportunity, I thank you for doing this! ❤️

I had the intense joy of fostering 2 baby squirrels after my cat killed their mother. I had to get permission from Lands and Forests under the promise to release them when they were old enough. They stayed with me for 5 weeks and an officer suggested releasing them at the children's play park about 2 miles from my home. Lots of pine trees for nesting and lots of kids to mooch snacks haha. The day I released them, I placed their cage on a picnic table and opened the door. They sat on my shoulders for over an hour before climbing down and running off into the trees. We caused quite the sensation sitting there lol. I spent the time talking to the kids and their parents about fostering and caring for them and how important it was to let them free rather than keeping them caged.

My sister is an animal rehabilitator and she raised an opossum from the time it was a baby. The thing was EXTREMELY smart, it would sit on her shoulder, play with her kids as if it was a dog or a cat and never bothered to bite any of them. She just recently had to give it to another rehabilitator because she was moving and it nearly broke her heart to do it.

I raised a baby possum whose mother was killed by a car back in the 70's when I was a kid. That possum rode around on my head on my bike all over the neighborhood. All my friends wanted to play with the possum. It was very friendly. When it grew up it chewed through a plywood wall of its enclosure and escaped. I was sad and for years to come every time I saw a dead possum on the side of the road I wondered if it was my possum. But the experience definitely gave me a love and appreciation for possums that no one else I've ever met has.

I cried a little when I heard in the video about her passing..wasn’t expecting that. I know when you have a bond that strong, the day they go away is tough and you just never fully recover. RIP little Miss!!

Oh my heart... what a wonderful man. The world needs more people just like him...

What a precious gift she was... thank you, for being there for her!

Fell in love with these creatures before I found out about their lifespan. Never thought I could shed a tear for a opossum until it happened. Over and over and over and over. They are amazing little things.

It's sad that they have such a short lifespan. So adorable.

So sad that their lifespan is so short... the emotion I will feel ...

Such a short life span! 😢and you got to live with this amazing animal dad, what a pair you were!! And all amazing animal family too, little bit envious, well done!! Absolutely beautiful animal family story, thank you so much for sharing 😊😊😊😊

My opossum friend used to go to my backyard at night, carrying a bunch of children on her back. They make great mothers. Wonderful creatures

I wish every human was like this guy. What an absolute incredible person. Thank you for doing what you do. Sincerely. This world is better with people like you in it

If we had more character like Dylan, the WHOLE WORLD be so much better place. keep it up and spread the word!

Ive recently gotten 2 opposums, it almost turned out to be 3 however the 3rd one was injured so we had to give them to a rescue center. Throughout these few months (3maybe) ive found myself to love these little ghost face looking animals! Ive found them being extremely smart and very curious. People say theyre a waste of money but in all actuality they can return as much love as you give them. We need more videos like these, shining light upon misunderstood animals. ❤

She was so precious and so too, are you kind Sir, for all you did for her and continue to do for those voiceless and vulnerable. You and your partners/staff are real Keepers. Thanks!!!

I never realized their lives were that short. Lovely little girl. BTW: the short clip of the goat trying to grab food as it was being poured down was hilarious.

Right up there with Pit Bulls with one of the most misunderstood animals. That was sad. I had no idea they only lived for such a short time.

This gentleman got my respect 👍

Like some of the other comments, I welled up with tears to learn she was only with you for a year. We need more people like you who have the compassion to save animals. Thank you for your big heart

Damn I literally starting crying when he said she passed away and that opossums only live a year maybe 2, I really wasn't ready for that. I'm feel so sad. R.I.P Lil Miss Dylan, you're truly one of the good ones, thank you

"A year later Lil Miss came to Dylan, she passed away." That broke my heart, but she passed with the one she loved and not alone in the wild...you're a sweet man Dylan

That's why he was talking about Lil Miss in past tense. I am so sad. Really made me cry. Don't know. At least she had all the love she deserved. Thanks for sharing her story.

It's a wonderful tribute to a very misjudged animal. Sadly, there are non in the UK. I would want to save them too. You're a good Soul.

Im sad that their lifespan is soo short. But she definitely lived a full life of love.

I like how the cat in the background just menacingly standing right there while watching his owner holding the baby opossum.

I have a blind opossum , I named no-see.. A very sweet animal, even though they hiss a lot. Thank you for all that you do. I know taking care of wildlife is a labor of love.

When a pet dies, the hole in your heart never goes away

Little Miss can't be wrong, sorry for your loss.

Lil miss may have not lived long, but through this story she's touched soooo many lives! What a gentle loving soul this guy is. Thank you for sharing!

So sad she passed away but you gave her such a wonderful life and rescuing all of these animals is so awesome!! Youre a real hero!!! 🩷

To the guy who rescued and raised that sweet Opposum. Thank you for explaining (in so many words) that animals are all different and much sweeter, nicer, unique, and special than people think. The human race really needs to hear this. (Especially meat eaters so they/we can appreciate the life that was sacrificed for them/us, and give thanks to the beautiful animals that nourish their/our bodies). I have always felt this way about animals even as a young child, which is why as an adult I can’t stop adopting them. I honestly just can’t turn them away. Especially since I believe they find and imprint on their human parent/parents. I know they do. They can sense an animal advocate, but also they know who will help them if they need it. Like humans, some animals are self reliant and some just want to be free and/or left alone, but I feel like more times than not they actually need us more than we think, but sadly so many people turn them away out of fear, prejudice, and misunderstanding. Lastly like you said animals are much smarter than we think. They deserve patience, respect, understanding, compassion, and unconditional love. Thanks for sharing this story. Love and light to all that read this 🙏🏼✌🏼😁🖤

I’m so heart broken to find out that she only lived for 1 year, but it was filled with love and care , thanks god for people like this man ❤

This is such a beautiful story I'm glad you shared it. Thank you!

The love you give is the love you get back --- you, Mr. SillyDilly, are a man of deep empathy to all living forms. In these animals, you have found love, true love. May it soothe your soul and mend your heart for the loss of your Mother. I'm sure she was just amazing, loving and empathetic, just like you. Blessings.

She's adorable, I'm glad she found a good person in you 🥰

I would give everything I have to be able to have a life like this guy. Owning land and taking care of rescued animals and rehabilitating them would be an absolute dream for me

I’ve raised several dozen, and it’s absolutely true. They are the most amazing creatures I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

RIP lil miss, you’ll never be forgotten

adorable. How fortunate you are to have this friend

You are a wonderful & "saintly" person. Heaven holds a special place for folks who take care of His creations.

My family rescued a possum after it's mother died when it was a baby. I can truly and honestly say, these little guys are some of the most caring, adorable, wonderful pets you'll ever have. For all of those who are uncomfortable with possums, give them a chance! 🧡

We had an opossum growing up, his name was Skippy, because he loved peanut butter. He was an awesome pet, and a friend. He knew us from strangers, and always smiled when we were around,

It`s a valuable lesson that we can have compassion for all beings, a rewarding experience for all. Very heart warming and wholesome.

This is a perfect example of “If you love them, let them go. If they come back, they’re yours forever.”

Opposums are one of my favorite animals probably because they are often so misunderstood.

That picture of her baby self in your hand is so precious ❤❤

Oh bloody hell. I just watched everything with a big smile on my face and then you dropped that "she passed away... possums only live 1-2 years". That did hurt..