GliderCENTRAL

Whisp was attacked

Posted By: Anonymous

Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 05:39 PM

Last night at 12:00am I was jerked from my sleep by husband screaming "Jennifer, a gliders out. Molly (my dog) has it!!" I ran from my bed and down the stairs. John was spralled on the floor from falling down the steps. In between gasps of pain he said "it was flung under the couch" I laid on my stomach and looked under the couch. He was making a horrid noise... half hiss, half crab, part gasping noise. I shoved both my arms under the couch and only the tips of my fingers could touch him. I ran around to the other side and did it again, that side was closer to the floor and I could only get in up to my wrists. In one last effort to reach him, I pushed the 400 pound couch hard enough to send it half way across the room. I grabbed the glider that was laying there and knew it was seizing, he was stiff, hands balled, making these horrid noises, I held him close to my chest and ran for the glider room. I didn't know which one had escaped because I was to afraid to look closely at the dying glider in my hand. It was Whisp. He had squeezed out of his cage door to inspect the cage the was next to his. The glider room is closed so that no dogs can get in there at night. Whisp squeezed under the door. There was nothing I could do for him except to keep him comfortable. The emergency vet is only 3 miles from my house but it wouldn't have been enough time. He was to far gone and I knew it in my heart. I sat in the middle of the glider room sobbing, rocking, petting, and whispering to him. I told him it was "ok" and that "I was sorry". He never stopped seizing and stopped breathing at 12:17am. Willow was affixed to the front of her cage watching. I took him over to her and she smelled him, touched his hand and then ran off to the back her cage. She's sleeping alone now, it's the first time she is alone. For 3.5 years they were togther.

I could have prevented this by making sure that the gaps under the door were made unpassable. There wasn't a way for him to get back into his cage, the door only flexed one way. I don't know what to do for Willow, I don't know if I should slowly introduce her to one of the two other couples or maybe find her a neutered male. She's never been alone.

I haven't buried Whisp yet. I'm not ready, I haven't found the right place yet. He's in his bonding pouch right now, and that's what he'll be placed in the ground in.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure that you proof your glider's room. It will prevent heartache in the long run.

I love you Whisp <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />

Jennifer
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 05:44 PM

Oh no Jen! My heart is absolutely breaking right now for you! If you need to talk or vent or anything I am here. I am so sorry. You and Willow are in my prayers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 05:55 PM

ooh Jen.. this is so sad. This is just one of those stories that make me cry before even reading the first sentence! Oh it was not your fault! How could you have known that he could have gotten out of his cage, and squeezed under the door? The thoughts seem almost impossible! He loved you so much..
and I am praying for you
Godspeed,

Kristi ((glider hugs)) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
and Whisp is in heaven now.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 07:05 PM

Jen, I'm so sorry. This hits so close to home, as I have three dogs in the house and have to be super careful they don't get a glider. Take comfort that you were there for him at the end, and he knew how much you loved him. Some gliders don't get that in this situation. Give all your babies hugs, and take comfort he's over the rainbow bridge now, waiting on you!
I think for your little female, I'd give her a couple days or so and then find a neutered male for her. I think trying to add her to an already established pair would be too risky and stressful.
Chey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> Glider hugs from us all here.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 07:27 PM

Thank you all so much for your support. After much thought I'm not adding her to either of the other cages. The other cages are younger and are breeding. Whisp and Willow were rescues and with most of their history unkown I do NOT want to put her in a situation where she would be breeding. She is gonna be a bra baby for a few days so she doesn't have to sleep alone. I'm going to eventually find a neutered male for her but I agree she needs her time to moarn.

Jenn
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 07:52 PM

Jen, I am soooo sorry!! I know how you feel about your gliders and how much you love them!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" /> My heart is breaking for you and for Willow. If you need to talk you know my number and I am here for you!!!!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 08:03 PM

Oh my god... I can't say anything everyone else hasn't already said but my heart goes out to you. I cannot imagine the pain that you must be feeling and I hope your heart heals soon.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/26/03 08:45 PM

Oh Jenn - just know how sorry I am and know that Whisp is at the Bridge - I hope your heart heals quickly and Willow gets over her moarning as well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Gliderbuff

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 01:15 AM

Hi. I just recently lost my Shami in almost exactly the same way. The only difference really was a cat did the act. If you need to talk about anything please don't hesitate to call me, my number is 214-684-3552. I know EXACTLY how you feel right now. There are no words to describe it are there.... I mourn with you, just know that he loved you and that he knew that you loved him and hold on to that with everything you have. It will help a little bit when the sting hits. I will be waiting if you want to call....

Kara <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Karin

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 01:27 AM

My heart goes out to you Jennifer, I am so sorry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. ((hugs))

Karin
Posted By: cyndiekb

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 02:03 AM

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />Words don't do in a time like this.
Posted By: BMXgirl

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 02:07 AM

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" /> Im so very very sorry...
I really wish I had words to make you feel much better. Its so heartbreaking when we lose a little one...
Hugs to you! So sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 01:45 PM

Yesterday was such a long day! I bought a beautiful flower to be planted at Whisp's side and then buried him. He looked so peaceful in his bonding pouch. I was worried about Willow so I decided there was no way I was gonna let her sleep alone. She was never one to want anything to do with humans but I decided that I was gonna comfort her and myself by trying to get her to sleep in my bra. It only took about 5 minutes to get her to adjust. She groomed me for a bit then sleep in my bra for the rest of the day. When she woke up she was very clingy. constantly wanting me near her cage or at least in her site. I put the bra she slept in in her critter cube and this morning that's where I found her, all curled up. I was gonna bring her to work today but changed my mind at the last minute cause I have to be here extra long today.

I have an oppurtunity to add a neutered male to her cage in about 2 weeks, but i'm a little hesitant. I do think it's the best for her, I'm just not ready to replace Whisp.

Thanks to everyone for their support and I'll keep everyone updated on our situation.

Glider hugs,
Jenn
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 03:50 PM

I am proud of you for taking such care of Willow while you yourself are mourning Whisp. Obviously you are very compassionate and thoughtful. I can only imagine what you experienced that night. I was afraid of a similar thing this morning when one of my gliders (that I just got) surprised me and slipped out the door when I was putting something in their cage. They have been pretty shy and I thought they were sleeping. My cats were sitting on the couch behind me. Fortunately I got my cats out of the room before they even noticed and Leo is safe back in his cage. But the thought flashed through my mind of OMG! I will definitely be taking precautions when I get home tonight.

You and Willow are in my thoughts and prayers. I am glad that she has you.
Posted By: Judie

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 03:56 PM

A neutered male would be fine for your girl who was left behind by Whisper.

I have read they whole thread and still do not understand why Whisper died. I know he escaped from his cage...did the dogs get him? If he died from unknown causes...then you may want to wait till you have his little friend he left behind examined by a vet.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 04:11 PM

Sorry about that Judie, Molly my Shitz-tzu got him. She must have thought he was a toy. Hubby said when he saw Molly she had him in her mouth and was shaking her head like when she has a toy. There were no puncture wounds on him and my novice examine didn't find any broken or protruding bones. The only thing I could think of was internal damage/bleeding but there wasn't time to get to the emergency vet.

All my gliders get 6 month check-ups and they were there 6 weeks ago with a perfect bill of health.

Jenn
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 04:39 PM

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I am so sorry to hear this. You didn't know whisp was going to get out. Keep giving your other glider lots of love. Sending lots of Glider hugs your way.

Hugs,
Kathy
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 04:43 PM

Hello Jenn,

I am so sorry!!!! When I got your PM earlier today it went right over my head that you had lost Whisp. Honestly, I have just been so focused on my critters lately that I didn't grasp what you had written.

Ohhh Jenn, this is terrible news. You have had such a great realationship with Whisp. I just ache for you. Please let me know if there is something I can do.

And please don't beat yourself up about it. You are a wonderful glider mom.

Take care and know that I honestly care and am keeping you in my prayers.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" />
Lisa
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/27/03 09:23 PM

Oh Jen...oh god, this is terrible. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />
I remember talking to you about your babies Whisp and Willow. I know that you loved them a lot. Anyone who knew you could tell that much.

I don't know what else to say except that my heart is breaking for you. If there is anything I can do to help you, just P.M./I.M. me.

Love always. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Judie

Re: Whisp was attacked - 10/28/03 04:06 AM

Oh, I am so sorry. I did reread your post just now...and read where your husband said Molly had the glider in her mouth.

Yes, by all means introduce the neutered male to Molly in a few days. In the meantime give her some special time with you.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 11/10/03 09:08 PM

oh your story made me cry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" /> Bless your heart **hugs**
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 11/10/03 09:19 PM

You story has put into tears. I am so sorry for you loss. I hope that everything will be alright in due time.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Whisp was attacked - 11/21/03 04:54 AM

I just read your story and I'd like to tell you that I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my Sampson the exact same way. His poor little body couldn't handle the stress of being chased by the dog and his whole system went into shock. It was probably better that you didn't take him to the vet because at least his last moments were spent with you and you got to say goodbye to him. he knew how much you loved him and that you are a good mommy. You also told everyone a very important lesson which is to make sure any gaps under doors are sealed just in case this sort of thing happened. I truly sympathize with you, and I know how you are feeling. Just remember he's at the Rainbow Bridge. Sampson was waiting for him to keep him company. I hope your heart heals and you remember the good times with Whisp. I'll be praying for you. God Bless.
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