This morning at 10:25 a.m. Smegal was put to rest. Here is Smegal's story...
In January of 2004, I picked Smegal and his mate Shme up from a gentleman that was selling his sons gliders after being stuck with the when is son went off to college. They came to me in a stinky wooden nest box, only eating happy glider pellets. Smegal weighed in at 69 grams. I imediently started them on a healthy diet and put them in a nice clean cage. For the first month, both of them showed a lot of improvement. Unfortunately, Shme ended up passing away though, due to severe digestive problems, most likely caused by years of malnutrition.
After Shme's death, Smegal became depressed and ill. He wouldn't eat or drink on his own and I started hand feeding him. We developed a very close bond... At this time, Smegal also started having seizures when he got excited or stressed. I took him to my vet several times and various test run on him, no cause for his seizures was ever found.
Eventually, I ended up putting Smegal on Darcy's diet because of the success others had been having, offering it to their ill gliders. Slowly, Smegal's seizures became fewer and farther between until they stopped in early 2005.
Smegal had been doing quite well since, until about 3.5 weeks ago when I noticed that he was chewing his tail and there was some black tissue on his penis. I took him to the vet and the affected part of his penis and part of his tail was amputated. He did really well for the first 1.5 weeks after his surgery, but then started chewing at his tail again. Thursday (exactly 2 weeks after his surgery), part of his penis was hanging out and it was again, discolored.
Friday, I discovered Smegal lieing at the bottem of his cage, at first glance, I thought he was dead. When I went to pick him up, he moved though... I hand fed him his dinner and he really perked up. Saturday and Sunday he was doing wonderfully... Sunday night, Smegal started to show signs of anemia. His little nose was stark white and he was lathargic.
Yesterday, Smegal rested most of the day... This morning, I noticed a large mass in Smegal's abdomine. I took him to the vet this morning and it turns out that the mass was actually his bladder. My vet knocked him out and gave him a more closer look. While she was examining him, she discoved a mass that was strangulating his urithra... It was an inoperable tumor. After some thought, we decided it would be best to put him down now before he suffers any more. My vet thinks that he's probably had cancer for quite some time and between our treatments, proper diet, and Smegal's will to survive, he managed to fight threw it for the past couple years... Smegal was such a special little glider. There was never anybody or anything that Smegal didn't like and I can honestly say Smegal would never hurt a fly (he wouldn't eat insects). I miss him already... I'm going to be burying him tonight. I haven't decided where yet, but I'm going to find the perfect place for him, where he won't be too far from me.
Leyna.. I am so sorry to hear this... I have been praying for Smegal since you told me about him earlier. My heart and thoughts go out to you and the rest of your sugar glider family.
Awwwe Leyna, I'm so sorry to hear that. At least you can have a sense of peace knowing that little Smegal has no more pain or suffering now. You rescued him and his mate and gave them a good life. At least you have good memories of the time you shared to look back on. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for him ever since I read your story. You are such a great glider mom! He was so lucky to have you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Leyna, I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Smeagal. We can all tell how much you loved him and how much you would have donr for him. Many hugs and Prayers being sent your way.
Leyna, I'm so sorry. I know how much this hurts and my prayers are with you for peace of heart. Know that because of you, he knew love unconditionally. He is now once again with his mate and they are both whole and healthy. They will be waiting for you at the bridge. On behalf of Smegol, thank you for making the unselfish decision you did. He is now at peace.
With my little ones that have gone, I bury them and plant a rose bush for them. Each time the bush blooms, I feel they are sending the roses just for me. It gives me comfort. Perhaps you will find/do something similar for Smegols final sleeping place.
620-704-9109 Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.
I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance
The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
Leyna, I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet little Smegol He went knowing he was loved and will be missed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />I'm so sorry for your loss. You both have been in my thoughts and prayers. You did all that you could and you are a wonderful glider mom. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
[:"green"]Leyna, Although words can't truly express all our feelings, know that you are Blessed. You had Smegal with you for a short while, In that time he made you smile. You had laughter and you had tears, You had two very good, love-filled years. Smegal waits for you at the Bridge Gliding, Happy, Dancing atop the ridge; Watching for you, waiting for the time You'll be back together, both at your prime.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOOOO HOOOO, WHAT A RIDE!!!
I have decided where I will bury him... I bought a new house in August. I've been fixing it up and was hoping that Smegal would move in there with me when the time came. He will be there with me when I move in... Under the lilac bush in the backyard.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> A beautiful place to bury him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> I am so sorry about your loss. Much love goes out to you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
That sounds like a lovely way to remember Smegal. To enjoy the lovely lilac fragrance and to remember him at the same time. Lots of Hugs to Grandma Leyna from Cocoa and Mocha <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
That is exactly what I did when Honey passed away. It was October 29th, 2005. We had just put a contract on a brand new house a couple weeks before and were moving in on November 24th. I was also planning where Honey was gonna go in the new house and everything. When she died we came over to our new house though we hadn't moved in yet and burried her right beside our back porch over looking the pond. I planted two tulip bulbs on top of her grave and they came up this spring. When I first saw them I just wanted to cry but then I thought "No, that's nothing to be sad about, it's something to be glad about," because it reminded me that Honey was here with me and shining in the sun!! I'm sorry about Smegal but at least he will be in your heart and at your new home as long as you live!! sounds like you chose a good spot!!
Sorry if this makes you sad but isnt this the one that you were asking us for the choice to have surgery or put down? Uyou made a good choice of putting him down he lives a good life with you i know that 100% fur sure he lived a longer life with you than with the previous owner. Good idea as to where to bury him.
Leyna, when I saw your post in Real Stories, my heart broke for you. You have given Smegal so much in your time together (he and his mate), and he was lucky to have had you with him. I think that you have a beautiful idea to bury him under the lilac bush - they are so pretty and so fragrant - and he will always be with you that way. When I lost little Romeo, we buried him right beside my miniature red rosebush... right off my back porch. When our flowers come out in bloom Leyna, Smegal and Romeo will be with us again... You did the best for Smegal that he could have hoped for... God Bless you.
Leyna, I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to Smegal. I really don't know what else to say, except thank you for loving him so much. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
[:"blue"] Michelle Bucky, Miri, DB, Rocket, Mal, and Zoe (the gliders) Thunder, Merlin, Stormy, and Opus (the cats)
Oh, Leyna,I am so sorry about Smegal! Please find some comfort in the facts that he is not hurting anymore, you did what was best for him, and he is reunited with his mate! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Mama to: T & B ~my bio babies N,C,G & H ~ step babies Wraith & Rayna and soon to be Izzy & Ali~Gliderbabies Max ~ my German Shepherd And wife to the most amazing man I've ever met!
Oh Leyna <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />...I am so sorry you have lost your special Smegal. Unless my memory is totally shot...we got to meet him in Va. May his little heart rest in peace until you kiss him again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />. Karin
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami
Leyna, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I was truely hoping that Smegal's loving & couragious heart would be enough to help him grow well and strong again. I know how very hard this decision was for you but know that Smegal loved you very much and appreciates the last gift that you could give him....the release from pain. My prayers are with you during this time. I wrote this after I had to let my beloved Sassy go, I hope it helps you now.
THE RAINBOW BECKONS
In loving memory of my angels who have crossed over the rainbow bridge
The rainbow has beckoned It's calling you home To meadows and forest In which you may roam
My heart it grows heavy To think you might leave I'd be all alone then Alone then to grieve
I know deep inside me That you cannot stay The pain that you're feeling Grows more night and day
You look at me asking In your silent way To let you go home now "Please let me" you say
You say there's no pain there No fear and no hate Just peace and well being Once you're through the gate
You tell me you'll always Hold me in your heart That time and that distance Can't keep us apart
And if I should need you At my side you'll be Tho I cannot see you You'll be there with me
You promise to wait at the rainbow for me To wait `til I join you Together to be
I just want to hold you And beg you to stay To ask please don't leave me Alone on this day
Yet deep in my heart know I must let you go You must make the journey now to the rainbow
I bow down my head then The tears fill my eyes I give you my blessing My love now to fly
So fly to the rainbow And wait there for me Some day I will join you Together to be
by: Chris Hamann
Chris Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties
My Angels: You are always in my heart.
You've flown to the rainbow and wait there for me Someday I will join you together to be
I know the road you have traveled with your lil man. I remember all the posts of concern, needing advice, and those prize moments that you shared with us. There is no doubt in my mind this lil man knew just how very much he was loved by you and you did the very best you could to give him the best care in the world. Sorry for your loss.