Michigan man saves raccoon from choking

William “Boski” Messenger, a Burton resident and business owner, posted a video on his social media saving a raccoon from choking on a piece of cheese in his backyard.
“It was just standing up on its hind legs,” Messenger said. “And my friend Tyler grabbed his flashlight and shined on it, and I’m not sure how I knew it was choking, but I just started helping it out.”
The 44-second video shows Messenger tapping on the back of the raccoon. His friend, John Ptaszenski, records the video and his other friend, Tyler Whalen, can be heard in the background coaching him up.
Prior to the raccoon choking, the three men were petting it and the raccoon was not aggressive, climbing up Ptaszenski’s leg.
The trio of friends were hanging out at Messenger’s backyard, like they usually do, eating food and playing games.
At around 3 a.m. on June 15, that’s when the drama began.
“It all happened so fast,” Ptaszenski said. “Bill was already like five back blows to the raccoon before I decided to even get my phone out. I was just sitting there in disbelief.”
Ptaszenki’s video generated over 18 million views on TikTok and nearly 300,000 likes on Instagram.
You can follow Ptaszenki's Instagram account here: redshadow1891
You can follow Ptaszenki's son's TikTok account here: / alexptaszenski
(Video provided by John Ptaszenski)

[@Ashw1115]

Wow the racoon was grateful and comfortable walking off slowly. Usually they dash out like race cars

[@nate6045]

Raccoon walked off like he couldn't believe he had to resort to having two loud, hairless, bigfoots save his ass.

[@Taylor-ur7wl]

😂😂 I’m dead

[@susieast450]

Gahahahahahahaha

[@bass_c94]

😂 this is probably the funniest video Ive seen today, so much going on , you have your Hype man, you got the guy with the distinctive laugh, and the dude who’s resuscitating a raccoon

[@abelgamez4480]

Go Blue

[@Itsadorable]

his friend say a little lower he didn't say spank his but raccoon had a great time 😂

[@liljerry496]

Kmsl😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@wickedwitch4ever]

I'm telling u this raccoon is their regular drinking buddy...too obvious

[@moniquewrites9046]

Only in Michigan

[@robertgordon8783]

Not country boys for sure.

[@garyglenn3654]

I can only imagine what you would’ve done if he was constipated!🫣🤣

[@SassySphynx]

Pure Michigan!!! ❤🦝 Coonie thanks you!!!

[@Chrislimey38]

“ Lower Joe” Saved the critter😊

[@Flashback_Jack]

No way, "The Dude" saved him.

[@renaywaldrop8928]

Upward motion Bill 😂😂

[@DReardon-hq2vb]

@@Flashback_Jack Can't we all just get along? It was a group effort.

[@leavingitblank9363]

3:00 a.m.? Yeah, they were plastered. Bet the raccoon was, too. "Hey dude! Let's see if this little guy likes beer!"

[@AndImOnFire2025]

Good save bro!

[@Lou-if1th]

Speaking like a real doctor, "YOUR NOT GOING TO DIE ON MY WATCH "

[@MWorsa]

I think most Doctors say you’re

[@Mistaking03]

Dude said "that was terrifying"!! Lol

[@lisah.07]

NOT on my Watch 🦸🏻‍♀️!

[@JimmyKelley-lc4zt]

That's the fattest raccoon I have ever seen

[@myoldasskitchen2467]

You should see mine! I've got 50 pounders! They get big if they don't get ran over!

[@rbkommando5456]

I got a raccoon somewhere in the woods around my area that is the size of a pizza box. I call him Caesar.

[@Michelle-lk8fj]

Goodbye Wolverine’s, Hello Michigan Trash Panda’s!

[@lifeinpodunkville543]

Free Beer & Hot Wings brought me here. Thanks for saving the little trash panda Bill ✌️😎

[@rbkommando5456]

Same

[@I_d_k-o8s]

Bro that raccoon walked off like nothing happened and like no one was watching him💀

[@hankcogburn2600]

Michigan men don’t choke!

[@M1Simulator]

not the ones i know heheheh

[@1g1k.]

❤❤❤

[@stephenfresh1754]

way to go man!

[@오로라-f7i]

아이고. 살 목숨이었네. 등을 두들겨준다고 가만히 있었던 거 보니까. 건강하고 행복하게 잘 살아라 라쿤아. 도와주신 분들 정말 감사하다.

[@DReardon-hq2vb]

The reactions are as good as the act.

[@FranzSelf]

He was choking in cheese?