Possum Holler

I’d like to give a shout out to my friend Kevin Swain.

Kevin has an animal rescue service named Possum Holler.

He is a licensed nuisance animal control agent.

For me, this week he was right up there with another favorite agent of mine, 007 James Bond.

I had come home from the newsroom and let my little dog out in the backyard.

She immediately made a beeline for the fence and began barking madly.

I knew I had a critter.

I just didn’t know what kind.

I prayed for a pesky mole, but no, it remains elusive.

As I approached her I saw what appeared to me a 14 foot long snake, coiled up and ready to devour her.

I began to yell for my wife, because that’s what I do when I need help with something.

This can be quite embarrassing on her in the grocery store.

When she came outside I realized the snake wasn’t quite as large as I thought at first glance.

I began to foolishly say I would take care of the vile serpent and protect us all.

She bluntly replied, “Call Kevin.”

I told her I had this.

“Call Kevin,” she repeated.

I drew closer and the snake began to crawl down the fence line, darting its tongue in and out.

Perhaps she’s right.

After all, he is the professional. He’s an agent for goodness sakes.

Kevin came quickly, put on a pair of gloves, picked the snake up with a magic stick, placed it in a bucket and released it, hopefully many miles from my backyard.

Thank you Kevin for the service you give our community.

He’s also a pretty fair councilman.

You got a critter problem?

Possum, raccoon, snake?

Call him at 573-344-1405.

Ask for Swain. Kevin Swain.

See you out there.