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Couple Finds Frog Stuck in Sink, Unprepared for What Happens Next

Lydia Patrick
04/11/2024 15:06:00

A couple found a frog living inside their bathroom sink.

Cathy Richman was startled when she noticed two googly eyes staring at her from the overflow hole.

Fearing it was a snake, she screamed for husband Brian—only for them to realize that the intruder was, in fact, a tiny frog.

After the initial shock, the Richmans decided to embrace their new guest, whom they affectionately named "Sinkfrog."

Their lighthearted approach to the frog's unexpected residency soon became a hit on TikTok (@originalsinkfrog), where they documented the creature's escapades, amassing 1.4 million likes and 14.6 million views.

The couple monitored the hole periodically, hoping the frog would move on, but Sinkfrog seemed to enjoy the unusual hideaway.

"We thought if he got in, he'll get himself out," Brian, 59, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, told Newsweek.

He added: "After the first few days he was there, we put our first post on TikTok to ask anyone advice on how to get it out. We posted each time we attempted someone's recommendation, trying to make each post entertaining with the editing and music."

One video captured the Sinkfrog's stay in the sink. "He's a really cute guy but I don't want him to live in my sink," Cathy, 53, said.

She explained she considered him a "magical, mystical frog." "I don't know, I already have my prince, but maybe he's waiting for somebody else," she joked in the video.

However, Sinkfrog wasn't in any rush to leave. Despite various retrieval attempts—including disassembling the drain pipes and pouring water down the sink—the resilient frog stayed put, emerging occasionally and one time leaving behind evidence.

"One morning, Cathy found a froggy poop in the sink while his head was sticking out of the hole," Brian added.

Eventually he leaped to freedom. The couple captured his escape in a TikTok video, which quickly went viral, attracting 1.6 million views.

Sinkfrog was identified as a Cuban Tree Frog—a species invasive to Florida—meaning the couple faced a legal choice: either euthanize him or keep him as a pet.

"Once our sink 'gave birth' to a frog, we bought the biggest terrarium we could find at PetSmart, decorated it like our yard, and moved him up to the East Side to a deluxe terrarium in the sky," Brian joked. "We spend time watching his acrobatics, hunting the food we give him, and recording him to share it with others."

For Brian, Sinkfrog's sudden appearance was more than coincidence; it felt like a "divine coincidence."

He and Cathy had dated in college but parted ways due to religious differences. Over the next decade both went through life changes and divorce. They reconnected after Brian found Cathy online and began a long-distance reconnection that ended in marriage.

"Cathy still calls me 'Tenacious B,' because I never gave up on us," Brian said.

Frogs represent new beginnings, transitions, and wisdom—and this cultural symbolism struck a personal chord for the Richmans, who were in their own period of transition.

They both worked through the pandemic as rehabilitation therapists and experienced burnout. Recently retired, they felt the need for a fresh start.

"Sinkfrog came into our lives when we were the ones needing to be rescued," Brian said. He and Cathy have since channeled their energy into new creative projects, including an upcoming children's book chronicling the little frog's adventure.

Their story has resonated with viewers across the world, some of whom have told how Sinkfrog's antics lifted their spirits. Teachers in Norway show the videos in class to inspire young learners about science and environmental conservation.

Brian added: "We are trying to connect Sinkfrog on social media to all who need his wisdom, are going through life's transitions, or just need to smile."

TikTok users were captivated by the frog's journey to freedom.

"The frog distribution system has chosen you," said Michelle.

"The squatter problem in this country is outta hand," joked another user.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could appear on our site.

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by KaiK.ai Newsweek