Most people wouldn’t dream of interrupting their wedding — but PJ Dhaliwal isn’t most people.
Just moments after saying “I do,” and still dressed in her flowing white gown, Dhaliwal heard that a wild animal nearby was in trouble. Without a second thought, the newlywed bride rushed off in full rescue mode — because when an animal needs help, everything else can wait.
“I kind of forgot it was my wedding,” Dhaliwal told The Dodo. “I went straight into wildlife rescue mode!”
Dhaliwal, a trained wildlife rescuer and longtime volunteer at Darling Range Wildlife Shelter in Australia, was alerted by a guest that a possum was struggling in a nearby tree. Though possums are usually shy and nocturnal, this one was out in broad daylight, distressed, and being attacked by territorial birds — a clear sign something was very wrong.
Still wearing her wedding dress, Dhaliwal sprang into action.
With her rescue kit always close by (even on her wedding day), she gently restrained the possum in a marsupial pouch, assisted by a fellow volunteer named Anne and her brand-new husband, Gavin, who held the stool steady as she climbed up.
Once the possum was safely down from the tree, it was assessed for injuries. Fortunately, another volunteer named Julie transported the animal to an experienced wildlife carer for recovery.
“I knew she was going to be alright,” Dhaliwal said. “That’s when we could finally relax!”
With the possum safe and the emergency over, Dhaliwal returned to the celebration — a little dirtier than before, but glowing with relief. Her guests weren’t bothered in the slightest. In fact, they were thrilled to see her doing what she loves most.
“Many said it was a very PJ thing to do,” she said with a smile. “My husband’s family already loves hearing all my crazy rescue stories, and they were just so delighted to witness one in real life.”
Talk about starting married life with a story to remember.
If you’d like to support more rescues like this, consider donating to Darling Range Wildlife Shelter.
