<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I was called yesterday to see a glider who the owner said was sick. When I arrived, I found a very ill glider 1 1/2 year old, who was not much more than bones. He was so weak that he couldn't hold his head up but he did manage to move himself enough to suggle up under my chin. He was so dehydrated that his eyes were sunken and dry. The owner stated that the glider was dragging his hind legs and acting funny for the last day. I explained their glider was very ill and needed a vet visit, and they told me they really didn't have the money and they released him into my care. He had a girls name as they didn't know he was a boy, so I named him Lucky. Sam rushed over to help me and gave him sub-Q fluids until we could get to the emergency vet. We were headed to the E-clinic that treated Sundown when the office told us they didn't have an exotic vet on staff, so we went to another clinic that saw gliders. We get there and are informed that they no longer see exotics either, so I am standing there in tears while we get another vet referal. I am thinking how can this be happening, I thought I was prepaired for any emergency with my gliders. Sam drives us to the 3rd clinic, who thank goodness sees Lucky. Lucky is rushed back as Sam tells the girl not to do any blood work or proceedures without our permission. A short time later the vet comes to talk to us. Lucky has been preaty much starved to death, he is in bad shape and he doesn't feel he is going to make it. We talk and I tell him that I will never give up on a glider who has the will to live. He listened to my suggestions, gives him more Sub-Q fluids, steroids, calcium, glucose and treats him for possible infection with the warning to Sam and I that we understand he may still not make it. He shows me the estimated costs and I appove it of course, "just help him please, he has too make it." A short time later he returns, Lucky is doing better and we can take him home for feedings and care. We decided he would be treated just like a rejected joey. All the way home he was holding up his head and wimming Sam's and my heart even more. He would drag himself up to suggle close to us. When we got home he took some BML and pedilyte and curled up under his Aunt Sam's chin enjoying being close to her and being loved. I continued to force feedings and fluids, we were just sure he would beat this. I fixed him up a ICU cage with a hand warmer and blankets and his little stuffed animal he had taken to cuddling with, and I went to bed for a few hours, leaving my husband to watch over him and Prince. Just a short time ago Jerald woke me up to tell me that Lucky was gone, I am broken hearted, I am angry and I feel so sick. I wanted Lucky to have a chance at a pampered life, he would have lacked nothing ever again. He would have the best food, toys, and a freind when he was well enough. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I called Sam and we both broke down, how can anyone let thier pet get that ill and not get them the care they need. Please, please, please, if you even think your glider is ill get them to the vet right away. I don't think I can stand to see another glider in that shape again. I know Lucky touched me and Sam in just the short time he was with us. Please remeber Lucky today, and all the other gliders that are with him at the bridge, pass the word that a sick glider must go to the vet within a few hours of showing any signs of illness. If someone can't afford to take thier animal to the vet they really need to release that animal to someone who can or they need to consider if they even need a pet in the first place. Lets not let Lucky's death be in vain. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/needhug.gif" alt="" /> Angie
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53148 08/06/0504:38 AM08/06/0504:38 AM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Lots of hugs sent your way Angie. That honestly brought tears to my eyes. Poor Lucky, at leaset he got to spend the last of his life with really wonderful people. I look up to you guys for that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" />RIP Lucky <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" /> <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/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53149 08/06/0507:22 AM08/06/0507:22 AM
<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="" /> Ohhhhhh Angie, I'm so very sorry. I know you and Sam tried your best for this little guy, and I know he knew it. If your will and love had been enough he would have made it. He just didn't have the strenght to go on. I know that he'll be waiting for you both on the other side of the bridge, because however short your time was with him, he LOVED and trusted you both. <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="" />
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
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53150 08/06/0508:35 AM08/06/0508:35 AM
What a sad story....I am crying just reading it, I am so sorry you had to go through it.
It sounds like Lucky was very lucky that you found him, at least you know that you made his last days as comfortable as you could. And most importantly when he died, he was loved, no person or animal should have to endure death feeling unloved, you spared him from that.
You are truly as special person.
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53151 08/06/0509:22 AM08/06/0509:22 AM
Awww, I am so sorry, Angie. I have seen first hand the love and tenderness that you show towards your babies, and Lucky DID know love and tenderness during the very short time that he was with you. I only wish he had known you sooner. I am sending great big hugs your way!!! Lucky, in his little heart of hearts, knew he was with someone who loved him. Thank you for showing this little guy some TLC in his last days.
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53152 08/06/0512:22 PM08/06/0512:22 PM
Oh, Angie! I am so sorry! He knew, though, that in his last hours he was loved, and all of the cuddles were his thank you, to you and Sam. And the two of you is who he will wait for at the bridge.
Shawna Who are you networked with? Networking could save your gliders life. Create one now.
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53153 08/06/0512:29 PM08/06/0512:29 PM
So sorry for you. My prayers go out to you and Sam. At least his final hours he found love. Reading the post made me cry.He will be waiting at the bridge for you someday. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" />
Karen President of The Glider Initiative The Glider Crue
Oh Angie and Sam, I am so very sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.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="" /> I am so glad that little Lucky got the chance to have good food and lots of cuddles and love before he left this world. He went knowing that he was loved unconditionally. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Im so very sorry..... Just makes me cry and sick to my stomach that this little one had such a hard life. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Thank you both for taking him in and showing him what love is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shakehead.gif" alt="" /> Makes me so angry too Angie and Sam. I will save my thoughts on that...
Angie, at least Lucky didn't have to pass the way you found him...he knew love at the end, and maybe that is why he decided to quit fighting. He felt love and peace in his little heart. Thank you for doing all you can for these guys.
Karin
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami
You are a true angel. People like you is what the world needs. If everyone was like you nobody/animal would suffer in this world. I'm truly sorry for your pain and your loss. But Lucky passed away finally knowing what it felt like to be truly loved. If you can find any comfort find in this, Lucky saw the face of an angel and decide it was time to go home to whom had created him. Thank you again for your love and care for these special creatures of God.
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53157 08/07/0502:27 AM08/07/0502:27 AM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I just couldn't put another glider into the ground but wanted him to have a specail place. He is burried in a pot covered with a beautiful plant and a special angel watches over him now. If you don't know the signs or symptoms of illness in sugar gliders, please see Lucky's Page. *warning: Some hard to look at pictures of Lucky are posted on the page* Included on his page are hints on how to do a daily health check and a reminder of how short the time is to act when you notice any changes in your glider. Please share Lucky's story and help other gliders. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Angie
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53159 08/07/0510:51 AM08/07/0510:51 AM
Those are the saddest pictures I've ever seen. It looks just like the starved animals you see on animal cops. Shouldn't his previous owners be brought up on cruelty charges? I know they did FINALLY call someone, but come on he didn't get that skinny in 1 day. People make me so angry sometimes. Atleast there are people like you and Sam and many other people on this board who try to even things out. You did a great thing and made that poor little soul feel loved and cared for in the end. I'm sorry for your loss. I know this one will be hard to get over.
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53160 08/07/0511:02 AM08/07/0511:02 AM
Aww, Angie, you never cease to amaze me... you are just the singlemost loving person I think I have ever met. I really admire you for how you care for your gliders. I told you this at the SGGA, but I'll say it publicly, too. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as one of your gliders! May God rest his blessed little soul. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53161 08/07/0507:25 PM08/07/0507:25 PM
Oh Angie! I am just heartbroken. I am so glad though that this little one had at least a little love before his passing to know that the way he was living was NOT normal. My heart goes out to you and Sam for working so hard to save him and then loosing him. You two are angels sent from heaven. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Gracie
Re: Only a short time for this little one
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#53165 08/12/0504:02 PM08/12/0504:02 PM
Angie and Sam – my heart goes out to you (and all that do rescue work) your hearts are so filled with love and you never seem to stop offering it unconditionally…
</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> He is burried in a pot covered with a beautiful plant and a special angel watches over him now.
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It is only his little body that is buried...his soul has gone to the Bridge to happily await your arrival.
I believe, as others have posted, that he finally knew what it was like to be loved and so he felt it was his time to go.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />Hugs to you and Sam. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />