My name is Brittany Thompson. I have a quick question about my sugar glider, one that has me absolutely worried sick right now. I was hoping you could help.

I've had my sugar glider for about two years now. He's a male and I bought him from a local pet store (a woman from Florida often sells some of her sugar glider joeys to this local pet store when she passes through town). I've never had any issues until now. After I woke up after noon today, I quickly checked on Theodore, just like any other day. I was shocked to see that it seemed as if he was using the restroom, which wouldn't have been any type of issue except for the fact that his stool looked as if it was covered in blood, or so I thought. After thinking back on the situation, it was really just a red color. After [censored] out, I immediately jumped on the Internet and tried to do some research. A lot of the responses I received mentioned that 99.99% of the time people confuse this with being the male sugar glider's private area. But I also found something that really bothered me: prolapse rectum. I've checked several times since I found Theodore like this, but the red worm-like area that's sticking out from Theodore has yet to go back inside of him. I'm not sure how long a male sugar glider's private area usually stays out, but it's been several hours since I've discovered this on Theodore. He isn't acting like he's in pain - he's still as happy and as active as usual. Though in my shock, I've cleaned his cage thoroughly to make sure it was spotless (just in case it was a bacterial issue or whatever) and I've bought him a new food that's more nutritious for him (just in case it was due to an improper diet - I have been feeding him fruit more often this past week) along with tons of fresh water (in case it was due to dehydration). But after reading more about the prolapse rectum, I've read that you only have an hour to rush your sugar glider to a vet to correct this problem, and that the sugar glider only has a 50/50 chance of survival. The only issue I have is that there isn't a vet open around me, let alone a vet that specifically specializes in exotic pets. I'm worried sick about my little Theodore, but like I said earlier, he's acting completely normally. I can only assume that a sugar glider suffering from prolapse rectum would be in a great deal of pain. That or wouldn't be active, at least. His private area does seem to be red, if the area sticking out from Theodore is his "private area"; as if it's irritated or something. I just don't know what to do at this point.

I just would really like your opinion to help ease my mind, if you don't mind. I know you guys have A LOT more experience on this issue that I do.

Thank you so much for your time. I can't tell you how much it means to me. I'm really concerned at this point and I don't know what else to do.

Sincerely,

Brittany Thompson

Brittany, I am rather new with gliders so I am not sure I can be of much help here. Is there any way you can post a picture of what you are seeing? If it is his male part it does look like a worm but is forked so that it actually looks more like 2 worms. Does the area appear to be swollen? Also, does he make any noises while he is using the bathroom?

Brittany, can you post pictures?


Feel free to text me pictures or call me.



480 246 5668

I don't know how to post a picture - I just registered for this site tonight, I'm sorry. I can send you guys a picture. Upon further inspection, it does seem to be Theodore's private area, it's just not retracting. I read a website that said to use a water-soluble lubricant to keep the area moistened since it has been out for so long, but another website said not to do that because the lubricant will make it harder to retract the private area back in. I'm so confused.

I don't know how to post a picture - I just registered for this site tonight, I'm sorry. I can send you guys a picture. Upon further inspection, it does seem to be Theodore's private area, it's just not retracting. I read a website that said to use a water-soluble lubricant to keep the area moistened since it has been out for so long, but another website said not to do that because the lubricant will make it harder to retract the private area back in. I'm so confused.

If it is his penis, you can use a water soluble lube. It is fine to use. Just no special tingly stuff. Just plain lubricant.

Thank you so much. Do you mind if I send you a picture to verify that this is Theodore's private area? I can send it to your e-mail, if you'd prefer that.

Phone or email is fine. I can post it here either way you send it.

Phoen is 480 246 5668

Email is chattrbabe@yahoo.com

Is it possible that what you are describing is his penis protruding? If so, you can use a Q-tip and some KY Jelly and apply it to this area. By doing so the penis will retract. You should make sure that it does not stay dry and out for too long. I've had a male glider with this issue and sometimes their hormones play a big part. If it does not retract by itself, please keep it moist and get your baby to a vet asap.

A photograph will be helpful.

If this is not the penis protruding, it can be that he was a bit constipated, and the area is red and irritated, not necessarily a rectum prolapse. This can only be determined by a vet.

Thank you for your help! I sent you an e-mail.

Thank you so much for your help. Have you ever had to take your glider to a vet for this issue?

Yep Ky jelly is a staple in my glider first aid kit. Safe and handy to have on hand with male gliders in the house.

Ash -

Let me know what you find out. Our thought process is the same but for me, a picture says a thousand words. If it were constipation, I would think he would be making some sort of sounds/noises stating there was a difficulty there.

Brittany ~ I am very glad you logged in for assistance. There are ALOT of people on here with various experiences that help. I am always learning new things. So welcome and hopefully this will get figured out shortly.

Let me know how your little guy is doing. Okay?

Yes I have, he had ongoing issues with this for 3 weeks, and the only solution was to neuter him. He was also on pain meds and antibiotics.

This looks very much like his Penis.

Keep it moist, watch him and if it doesn't go back in by tomorrow afternoon, take him to the vet.

Thank you for posting this Ash. It looks like the penis to me too.

As long as you keep it moist there should be no troubles. If it stays dry and protruding for too long it can become necrotic and some of the tissue will need to be removed. But if you keep it moist, it should retract on it's own, if the problem persists, you need to get your boy to the vet.

I am moving this to Health & Hygiene for you now.

Thank you guys so much for your help. A penis that won't retract is a better issue than that of a prolapsed rectum. I really appreciate the advice and help you all have given me. I honestly didn't expect any responses this late. Thank you so much for easing my mind. I was so worried and so scared. And if this issue does continue, I will most definitely have poor little Theodore neutered. Thank you guys again - I really can't tell you guys how much of a relief this is.

Thank you guys so much for your help. A penis that won't retract is a better issue than that of a prolapsed rectum. I really appreciate the advice and help you all have given me. I honestly didn't expect any responses this late. Thank you so much for easing my mind. I was so worried and so scared. And if this issue does continue, I will most definitely have poor little Theodore neutered. Thank you guys again - I really can't tell you guys how much of a relief this is.

Thank you guys so much for your help. A penis that won't retract is a better issue than that of a prolapsed rectum. I really appreciate the advice and help you all have given me. I honestly didn't expect any responses this late. Thank you so much for easing my mind. I was so worried and so scared. And if this issue does continue, I will most definitely have poor little Theodore neutered. Thank you guys again - I really can't tell you guys how much of a relief this is.

Since having my boys neutered, I don't see wee wees.... Okay, Doodle still makes his come out, but when mom says to put that thing away, he does....

Thank you for being such an observant mommy to catch this in time.

One more thing, please look if all the tissue is a healthy pink. If there are areas that are darker or even going to "black", you'll need a vet asap for sure. I am saying this as I cannot clearly see on the photographs what the color is.

I haven't seen wee wee's since the neuters, not from any of the boys.

I cannot help but laugh at the name Doodle in this situation...

Doodle still shows his doodly doo?

You have a sugar glider named Doodle? I have a teacup chihuahua named Doodles

I does seem relatively pink, some areas may seem to be a bit darker, but nothing is dark red or black. If he hasn't retracted it by morning, I will most definitely have him at a vet tomorrow. He hasn't definitely scared me today. Thank you guys again. This is such a relief.

Does Vaseline have the same effect as KY Jelly? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question. I just don't want to put something harmful on my sugar glider.

Nope, Vaseline will only make it harder to retract. It's too sticky, and will only cause the penis to stick to the fur. Plain lubricant like KY jelly is your best bet.

sounds good.

Okay, thank you! I didn't want to use it if it was harmful or if it was only going to make the situation worse. I just didn't have KY Jelly on hand. Thanks again

Do you have a way of getting some at a 24 hour pharmacy close by? How are things looking now, did you manage to get him to retract his penis?

I went to Wal-Mart and got some KY Jelly. I just applied it not too long ago. He just seems to be checking things out. As of right now, it hasn't gone back in yet.

As long as you keep it moist. I've found that by gently rubbing the cloaca area after applying the KY jelly it goes back little by little each time you apply the KY.

I have a prolaps question, with reptiles you can use a warm sugar water compress for a prolaps penis ( yeah its quite an experience doing this on a gecko ), will this work on a suggie....provided it will let you apply one at all? I hope ur little guys issues work out. It can be quite stressful when all is not right with our fur babies

Years ago I had a bird with a prolapsed uterus (she was getting egg bound) I was advised to use sugar and lubricant also. The vet said the sugar would have a numbing effect. I don't know about using using on gliders might not be a good idea. Sweet and numb - hmm - not good. However the egg bound issue was due to calcium deficiency.

I had the prolapsed penis issue with my boy glider shortly after I rescued him. The vet said lubricant, of course, and that it was due to - get this - calcium defiency! He prescribed a liquid calcium supplement that starts off strong then backs off. He has had no trouble since. My babies have always had a calcium supplement but his calcium levels were so low when I got him that my diet (PP + vit & cal) although better than the pellets his previous owner had him on, just wasn't enough catch him up him on his calcium needs in a day or two. He just needed that little boost. No problems since.
( his very first vet check - during his quarantine - just days after I got him
- turned out to be a "real" visit and not just a "check up". Had to take him to work with me for his first vet appt - law office - wow. My girls go all the time but new stinky rescued boy then my discovery at work of his "issue". Shoulda seen the look on eveybody's faces when I said I have to go right now to Walgreens Duke needs some K-Y.

Yes, you can use warm sugar water to help it retract. The sugar is supposed to help shrink it, so it can slip back in.

You can also use Preparation H BUT, you MUST have an ecollar on him in order to use Preparation H.. Preparation H will numb and cause shrinkage. The numbness is why you need to have an ecollar on. (He licks it, his tongue goes numb, he bites his tongue.)

Here is a list of glider vets in your state.


Animal Care Center of Mobile
5502 Old Shell Rd.
Mobile, Alabama 36608
251-342-6262
http://www.animalcarecenterofmobile.com/site/view/136383_AboutUs.pml;jsessionid=ovnu147641
No email address

Animal Medical Center
719 Quintard Avenue
Anniston AL, 36201
(256) 236-8387
http://www.amcvets.com/index.htm
Multiple locations and Multiple emails on website

Animal Medical Center-Oxford
225 Plaza Lane
Oxford, AL 36203
(256)-236-vets
http://www.amcvets.com/
EMail Animal Medical Center-Oxford


Auburn University - Hoerlein Small Animal Clinic
Emmett Blankenship
331 Funchess Hall
Auburn AL, 36849
(205) 844-4850

www.vetmed.auburn.edu
Assistant Clinical Professor Zoological Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine Auburn University
Staff veterinarian Raptor Center
1350 Raptor Road
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4690
No email but information on website for College.

Banfield The Pet Hospital® - Birmingham SE
5025 Hwy 280
Hoover Al 35242
205-202-9986
http://www.banfield.net/
Internet.Inquiries@banfield.net

Care Animal Center
3454 WEST MAIN STREET
Dothan, Alabama
334-794-6333
http://www.careanimal.net/
No email address

Cornerstone Animal Hospital
433 Slaughter Rd.
Madison, Alabama 35758
256-971-0411
No website or email address

Cullman Veterinary Hospital
1636 MAIN AVE SW
CULLMAN, Alabama, 35055
(256) 734 2181
No Website or email

Nall Animal Hospital
7293 Wall Triana Highway
Madison, AL 35757-8037
(256) 217-0507
http://nallanimalhospital.com/index.php
No email

North Alabama Cat & Bird Veterinary Clinic
1110 East Main Street
Hartselle, AL 35640
Phone: (256) 773-0844
http://www.catandbirdclinic.com/index.cfm

North Shelby County Animal Hospital
2689 Pelham Pkwy.
Pelham, Alabama 35124
205-620-3636
http://www.northshelbycountyanimalhospital.com/index.html
Email info@northshelbycountyanimalhospital.com

Riverview Animal Clinic
4640 Hwy. 280 South
Birmingham, Alabama
205-991-9580
www.riverviewanimalclinic.net
No email address

When applying the ky do so lots of times in other words keep it moist, I applied it about 6 times a day if not more. I too had a male who would let it hang out. I kept the ky on for about a week and I was also taught to blow lightly on it which made him retract all that he could at that point. After about 2 days he'd retracted about half of it. By 7 days all but the very tip was retracted. By 10 days he was back to normal and we've not had any more issues. So again I say keep it moist with ky and he should get better. If he doesn't get at least half retracted by tomorrow then a vet visit is in order.

Any updates on this little guy?

Thank you guys so much for your help! I've been applying the KY Jelly several times. He seems to have retracted it just a bit, which is a huge relief. I am definitely going to start blowing on it a bit. I don't know if I'll use sugar though - with him being a true sugar glider with his sweet tooth, I don't want to cause any more irritation to the area, especially when I don't have an e-collar for him. I know it must be sore from being out so long. And thank you so much for the vets - I had no idea there was a vet in Auburn that could help me out - that's only thirty minutes away. If he doesn't continue to retract, I will most definitely take him there. Again, thank you so much guys. I really appreciate all of your help.

You have been given some great advice. I am so glad things seem to be looking up.

You can make an e-collar at home, instructions and pictures can be found here:

Will your glider self mutilate/Bourbon & E-collar

It is always a good idea to have an collar on hand, before you need it You can find most everything you need to make it at Walgreens.

Aww, thank you! That seems easy to make and I'm definitely going to make him one - I'm so scared he's going to start licking and nipping at it. I don't know what I'm going to do is self mutilation becomes a concern. He has me worried sick right now as it is. That article was very handy, especially the part about running a cotton swab around the cage to make sure his penis won't get hung on anything. Something else I read (in that same article) was that when they're going through puberty, the penis is out all of the time. Theodore's a mature male though - he has his "bald spot" on top of his head and everything. I don't know why it's just hanging out. The blowing trick has helped a bit. Thank you!

When my Worf got to the age where he found himself I put the AI lube on his penis, AI lube is the animal form of KY. I only had to put it on twice and after that he would suck his penis in every time he thought I was going to check it. Apparently room temperature AI lube is darn cold. LOL

Good luck with your little man.

Haha, poor Wolf. Theodore has learned the routine of me putting lube on him and he is definitely not a fan.

Theodore's penis still hasn't retracted back in yet. I just called the pet store that I bought Theodore from a couple of years ago. She said that with males, this is an extremely normal situation. I asked if I should put an e-collar on Theodore just in case he were to mess with it, but I was told that everything he would be doing to it would be normal and that it should go back in on it's own in a few days. What do you guys think though - place an e-collar on him just to play it safe?

I hope this is a good sign: yesterday Theodore's penis was a dark red color with some pink mixed in. After using the KY Jelly it has returned to a pinkish color again. I hope this is a good sign. Nothing has turned black. Thank you guys!

Yes, that is a good sign, keep putting on the KY jelly. Maybe he will start putting it away cause it is cold from the jelly.

If you're just using the KY jelly, I wouldn't stress him by putting an ecollar on him. If you start to use Prep H tho, you'll need to use it. Please keep an extra close eye on his penis. Roo had his out and nothing the vet and I tried worked. Here is his story. Roo has black penis tip and Connie has questions

He has had to have two, partial penis amputations. My leu, Wynn, has had to have one partial penis amputation, so I'm familiar with treatment.

Any update on Theodore?

How is Theodore doing?

I'm so sorry, you guys. I haven't had access to a computer for a couple of days. Theodore's dong a lot better. I'm keeping the KY Jelly on him and his private area is going on little by little each day. Thanks!

Good to hear.

Thank you guys so much for all of your help. I'm still a bit concerned since it is taking quite a bit of time for his private area to fully retract, but you guys have been amazing. Thank you so much for the great advice and concern.

One of my boys took 3 weeks, and it still wasn't retracted. I went ahead and neutered him...problem solved.

I'm starting to think that's what I'm going to have to do with Theodore. He doesn't act like he's even concerned about the issue, but I just can't live with the thought that he might be in some type of discomfort or pain.

Yeah, I would say it's the best option. It can't be comfortable and I know for sure my boy had pain. I absolutely love neutered males, they are the sweetest things.

A quick update on Theodore: Everything had been going fine recently; I had been following all of the advice you guys have shared with me and kept the KY on him constantly. The penis was perfectly pink and was even starting to retract. I was still calling vets and doing research since it has been so long that his penis has been out, but no vet would see me stating that they didn't work with exotics and couldn't refer me to anyone. No one really even listened to what was going on with Theodore. I came home from work on Friday, like any other day, and was getting Theodore's food ready before I pulled him out of his cage to play and apply the KY. That's when I discovered that his penis had turned completely black and that Theodore was chewing at the base. I instantly panicked, didn't understand how this could happen in such a short amount of time since he was just fine before I left. My boyfriend and I immediately rushed him to an emergency vet. The vet had never worked on a sugar glider, let alone even seen one before. He instantly wanted to euthanize him; he thought Theodore used his penis for urination. I instantly called a friend that got me in touch with two others that really turned that situation around (thank you Ashley, Cora, and Bourbon - I hope I spelled all of your name's right. Haha). After what seemed like forever, they finally took Theodore back and performed a partial penal amputation. It was a very quick procedure. He was under and done in five minutes, it seemed, if that. Since the vet was used to seeing only dogs and cats, he didn't know what dosages he should give and sent me home without an E-collar or any pain medication, but he did refer me to a vet in Tuskegee that worked with sugar gliders. I called that vet the next morning and had a prescription called into the same emergency vet I went to the night before so I could start Theodore on some pain medicine. I had a home-made E-collar already ready, and I can assure you - Theodore absolutely HATES his medicine and E-collar. He only likes meal times. Haha. But I'd rather him be a little upset with me right now than to see what he would do to himself without that E-collar on him. I'm calling Tuskegee first thing Monday morning to make an appointment to have Theodore neutered and evaluated after all of this. I'm still worried about him, but at least I now know a vet I can take him to and know that there are several people I can rely on if something happens. Thank you guys for all of your help - I really can't thank you enough. And I'll definitely keep you all updated!

I am sorry to hear this, the vet should have neutered him while he was under, it wouldn't have added to the risk.

I hope he heals fast. Please keep us posted on his progress.

Thank you for the update.

You are welcome!!! Just glad we could be of some assistance!! I have a care package coming to you and will PM you videos on how to use them! Let me know when you get it!

I am sorry you and the little one are going through this. Glad you got help in time and hoping for a speedy recovery. You did great so far.

I called the vet. They're really busy and can't get me in until later this week. (I'm assuming they're busy since they're the only exotic vet in my area and because they're part of a university.) The vet said it would probably be best anyway to give Theodore some time to calm down from all of the stress. I have enough pain medication to last for two weeks, but I'd rather Theodore get everything done now so he can start feeling better. I know he's not a happy camper in his E-collar, but it's not coming off whatsoever. I'll keep you guys updated!

As far as Theodore is doing, he hasn't slept much due to the E-collar, but the medication is really mellowing him out so he doesn't fight his E-collar. I give it to him every twelve hours. And he's really loving this being catered to twenty-four/seven. Haha. If I thought he was spoiled before, I can't imagine how spoiled he's going to be after the E-collar comes off. Haha.

Thanks again for all of the advice and concern - it means the world to me!

just watch his weight sweetie, they can lose fast in a shotglass style collar! You are doing great!

This is the hardest thing to write right now as I'm crying my eyes out, but Theodore passed away this morning. I have no clue what happened. I really think he may have gotten an infection while he was healing, but I'm not sure.

My boyfriend and I had been sure to take the best care of him that we could. We gave him his medicine on time each day, twice a day; we feed and watered him properly; we also allowed him some time out of the cage day (with heavy supervision that limited his movements). His e-collar stayed on the entire time. He was even supposed to go see the vet today.

I noticed that he seemed to be acting strange last night; he was a little lethargic compared to the previous days, but he still ate a good bit for dinner and drank plenty of water. I gave him his medicine once more and he fell asleep not too long after. I kept a close eye on him during the night - he was breathing, moving, still trying to fight with his e-collar a bit, and then finally fell asleep.

I checked on him again this morning - he was still asleep. I found that odd because he's usually bouncing around in his cage wanting some yogurt or some kind of treat right when I first get up, but the vets warned me that this medication would make him sleep a lot and would really mellow him out. I assumed he was just still tired, so I let him sleep.

I received your package in the mail today, Ms. Cora (I also received your e-mails). After I watched the e-collar video, I figured I'd get Theodore out of his cage and change him out of his current e-collar so he would be more comfortable - it was almost time for his pain medicine anyway.

As soon as I picked him up, I knew something was wrong. He felt chilly and I instantly panicked. I placed him on the bed and noticed how he wasn't moving and he was hardly breathing. I quickly called the vet that Theodore had an appointment with this morning, but no matter how much I tried to stress to them that this was an emergency, they took my number down and said they'd call me RIGHT back. (I still haven't gotten a call back...) I wrapped him in a fleece blanket to get him warm and gave him some water, thinking he must have gotten dehydrated.

As I was getting ready to leave for the emergency vet and call the three people I had kept touch with during this entire time (Ashley, Cora and Bourbon), Theodore finally passed. I couldn't believe it. I don't understand why. I feel like I did something wrong and I feel like the most awful mother in the universe. I feel like there was something I was supposed to do that I just didn't do - I thought I had been doing everything right. I don't understand why God couldn't just give him a few more minutes for me to rush him to a vet to get him help and I don't understand what went wrong. And it's so hard to look at it from the perspective that he's in a better place and isn't suffering because I want my baby back now. I just don't know what I'm going to do now. I can't stop crying. I want him back so bad. And even though everyone's telling me that I did everything that I could, I hate myself. I feel like there was something I should have been able to do for him. It just happened so fast. I just wish I could turn back time or something. This wasn't fair.

I love and miss my Theodore so much. I wish I could just restart this morning all over again. I don't know what to do.

I'm so so sorry for your loss
As I set hear and read this I'm sitting here crying

I am so sorry to hear this. I know you were a good mother to Theodore. You had him on meds, kept an eye on him, and stayed in contact with vets and experinced glider owners. Don't hate yourself, you did all you could.

You are a good glider mom. Don't be hard on yourself. I know it hurts.

You did your best for him and he knew it. Please, don't blame yourself. I know it hurts and how bad. I'm so sorry. I hope one day, his memories will comfort you.

Glide free, precious Theodore over the Rainbow Bridge. You will always be loved, missed and remembered..........

My heart goes out to you... I don't know what to say. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try or how much we give, life just doesn't want to give us a fair shake.

You'll heal, and you'll always have the memories. I know it's painful and it probably doesn't mean much coming from someone you don't know, but everyone in the community is here for you and will continue to be here for you in the coming days.

Oh honey I'm SO SORRY!!! I started crying cause my feels your pain....CRY....SCREAM....CRY some more and I'm sure you'll cry yourself to sleep....BUT pls. know GOD did this for a reason and someday He will tell you, it might be a whisper in your ear or a feeling in your heart but in time.....it will be better! let us know if you need anything!

I am sorry this happened. I too am crying for you. Your little one is no longer in pain. Be comforted knowing you gave him true love and that is most important. It is always hardest on us who see out loved ones depart. But you will see him again. I know that deep in my heart, we will see our beloved ones again.


Moving this to Rainbow Memorials for you.

I'm so sorry to read about Theodore...I wish there was something I could do or say to help ease your pain. Losing a glider (especially one that's been ill) is like losing a little part of yourself. I've been there too...

Know these things and hold them close to you: #1 You gave Theo unconditional love...he knows that. To the end. #2 You did everything that you could do, and there are just some things that we cannot do. Our human limits allow us to go only so far. And that's hard to accept. #3 Theo will always be there in your heart, in your memories...some day when your grieving has eased and you feel brave enough to try, welcome another fuzzbutt into your world. They'll never take Theo's place (wouldn't even suggest it) but they'll make a NEW soft spot in your heart to wiggle & glide into.

I'm so sorry for your loss

I just posted this to your facebook but I wanted to post it here too.

I text messaged you earlier today and I now see why you didn't respond. I'm so sorry hon. Don't feel like you're a bad mom, you did what you needed to do for him and you tried your best to help him. Sometimes, gliders just go downhill way too fast and we can't do much for them, other than helping them across the rainbow bridge. We get so attached to our pets and when the time comes that they need to leave us, it hurts very very much.

I wish the vet would have called you back, I have had many heart breaks and not one has been easy for me.

If you need to talk, You have my number. Big hugs and feel better.

I can't thank you guys enough for all of the care you all have showed Theodore and I, from the first day I posted about his emergency all the way up until today.

I have to be honest, I just feel so lost right now. It feels so strange not making his dinner tonight, not holding him tight, knowing I can't go to his cage to take him out and cuddle with him or play with him... I'm just so lost right now, like I'm in a fog. I'm begging God that this could all be a bad dream and I can wake up to find Theodore healthy as ever. I want my baby back so bad. It's just so hard.

I still don't understand why he was taken away from me some soon. I don't know if God was saving him from something terrible that was going to happen down the road or if God was just ready for him to in Heaven; all I know is I wasn't ready to let him go. And I'd give ANYTHING just to have him back.

Please give all of your sugar gliders a kiss from me tonight and be sure to hold them extra tight. I know I'd be willing to do anything just for one more night with Theodore, just to hold him and kiss the top of his head, feed him his favorite treat, and play with his favorite toy. If only just one more time.

This isn't fair whatsoever.

But I'm so grateful I have such caring people there for me. You all have a special place in my heart, right beside Theodore's place. I can't thank you guys enough.

I know it's going to take some time, but it's just too difficult to deal with right now - I'm having a hard time realizing that he's gone. I just don't want to believe it. I love him so much.

Sorry for your loss! Glide free Theodore...

I'm so sorry for your loss
I hope, in time, you are able to find a space in your heart for more fuzzbutts. I also hope that you're able to find a vet nearby that will help you when you do. The fact that they never called back really irks me
Glide free, little Theodore...

I'm so sorry to hear this. You loved him and that is the most important thing for him. I can't believe that the vet could be so careless...

Through tears in my eyes and a very heavy heart I lit a candle for your boy, Brittany. (((((HUGS))))

Brittany,

I am so sorry to hear that little Theodore crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

May you find comfort in your memories of him.

Glide Free Little Theodore

I am so sorry for your loss!

Brittany, I am so very sorry for your loss. You were so dedicated in caring for him, I don't think it is fair to judge yourself so harshly. I know it hurts...

Glide free Theodore.

I can't thank you guys enough for your kind words. It means so much to me. These past few days have been so hard. I keep thinking it's going to get easier, but each day I'm proven wrong. I miss my baby so much. I just want him back.

I thank God each day for you amazing people though. I know I wouldn't be able to make it through all of this without your words of encouragement.

I feel so lost right now. It's so weird not taking care of him - he really was like a baby. It became such a lovely and wonderful routine - feed, water, play, snuggle... My life is so empty without him now.

I keep my three-year-old chihuahua close to my side now. I can tell that this has even affected him though. Theodore and Doodles were the best of friends - they'd sleep together, they'd sometimes bark at one another playfully, and they loved playing chase together. Doodles knows something's wrong. He's mourning in his own way. He finally ate a decent amount of food yesterday.

My boyfriend found Theodore's favorite toy in the apartment Friday night. I cried my eyes out when he handed it to me. It used to be Doodles's dog toy, but Theodore just fell in love with the stuffed elephant and claimed it as his. (I'm assuming it has something to do with the crinkling sounds the ears make.) Theodore would shake that elephant so hard... It was the funniest thing. And he never let Doodles have it back. It's safe to say that his elephant is pressed against my heart each night I go to bed. Though I don't get much sleep, I can't sleep at all without it now.

This is just so hard. But again, I thank you guys so much. I don't know where I'd be without you.

It is ok to mourn. I have lost so many animal friends, and I still mourn each one. But most times now I smile at the memories rather than cry over them. As I feel they live on in my heart, and I know that I will see them again. I truly feel this without a doubt and that has helped me immensely.
I know that they are happy and pain free, and when I get to walk in the same lands with them, we will happily play in the sunshine together, and I wont have to worry that the ferret will try to eat the bunny, or the cat hurt the ferret, or the rabbit chase the cat or the cat smother the guinea pig by laying on him.

Some would say to get another one to help you, some would say wait. I say you should do what makes your heart smile. Be kind to yourself, and to others, and feel good knowing you are loved and Theodore waits for you along side my furry family that waits for me, and they can play together and tell eachother stories about us.

Be blessed my friend

It's been over a month since Theodore glided over the Rainbow Bridge and things are still as difficult as ever. I still wish there was some way I could just hold him again, even just for a moment. I finally had to move his cage out of my room - staring at an empty cage every day made things worse. And I'm still not used to not being able to perform the routine he had become so accustomed to - not mixing his food every day is still hard not to do.

But I've finally found hope in the fact that he is in a better place, he isn't suffering anymore and I KNOW, without a shadow of a doubt, I'll see him again someday.

I haven't gotten another sugar glider - it's still just too hard right now. My boyfriend has mentioned getting a pair someday in the future, but I'm just not ready for that yet. I do know that our next babies will not be bought from the same pet store and I intend on having those babies neutered or spayed before I get them. I can't go through this again and I won't have another baby suffer for the same issue.

I got an interesting phone call this morning though. The vet I called on the morning Theodore passed away finally called back in reference to my sugar glider. Theo passed away on January 27th - today is March 1st... Does anyone else see an issue with that? She left a voicemail since I rarely answer my phone to unknown numbers, but I have full intentions to call her back and inform her of what happened. And I hope she feels like one of the worst people on the planet. Really, you want to finally call me back after a month has passed? Wow.

Were I in your shoes, Brittany, I would return the call...and add a generous dose of lemon juice & the biggest thorns you can picture into your voice when you (semi-calmly) advise her that Theodore is no longer with you. They can remove you from their database, and thank you SO LITTLE for returning the call. (no that WASN'T a typo)

Yeah, I see a WHOLE LOTTA WRONG with that.

And I'm on the b/f's side.....Theodore can never be REPLACED, but there's a pair of babies who want to TRY to fill the void in your heart. They need a good mommy like you.

I know you must still be hurting so much, losing a pet is a terrible and heart wrenching experience. There will never be another Theodore for you, but there are babies out there waiting for your love and devotion....you're meant to be a glider mommy, so when the time is right for you, open your heart and let a pair of new little babies in....sending healing thoughts your way....

I agree! You're meant to be a suggie mommy! Please, consider getting a couple of rescues who need you as much as you need them!

I hope your still doing as good as you can be! I read the whole post over again....and cried again.
I agree with Connie YOU are meant to be a glider mom...no glider will replace your Theodore But the pain in your heart CAN be turned into loving another or two suggie babies!!! I think Theodore would give you a BIG smile from above!

I'm curious who this vet is so that I never recommend him/her.

The vet is Dr. Howard King in Tuskegee, Alabama. It scares me that this is the only vet close to me that is willing to work on small animals such as sugar gliders - he specializes in them, shockingly. Or so I've been told by the vet at the emergency vet clinic I went to in Columbus, Georgia that performed Theodore's amputation; that vet worked under and highly recommended Dr. Howard King. It's no surprise to me now why Theodore went home that night without any medications after his amputation. If I get a pair of gliders again, I'm definitely going to do my research and find an appropriate vet. I think the closest one will probably be in Dothan, Alabama or somewhere like that. No vets in the Columbus, Georgia area or Phenix City and Auburn, Alabama area will do so.

This is the list of vets I have for AL:

Animal Care Center of Mobile
5502 Old Shell Rd.
Mobile, Alabama 36608
251-342-6262


Animal Medical Center
719 Quintard Avenue
Anniston AL, 36201
(256) 236-8387
Dr. Tom Nelson
DrTomNelson@amcvets.com


Auburn University - Hoerlein Small Animal Clinic
Emmett Blankenship
331 Funchess Hall
Auburn AL, 36849
(205) 844-4850


Assistant Clinical Professor Zoological Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine Auburn University
Staff veterinarian Raptor Center
1350 Raptor Road
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4690


Banfield The Pet Hospital® - Birmingham SE
5025 Hwy 280
Hoover Al 35242
205-202-9986
Internet.Inquiries@banfield.net


Care Animal Center
3454 WEST MAIN STREET
Dothan, Alabama
334-794-6333
Ken Clark, DVM


Cornerstone Animal Hospital
433 Slaughter Rd.
Madison, Alabama 35758
256-971-0411


Cullman Veterinary Hospital
1636 MAIN AVE SW
CULLMAN, Alabama, 35055
(256) 734 2181


Nall Animal Hospital
7293 Wall Triana Highway
Madison, AL 35757-8037
(256) 217-0507
Dr.Jane Nall
nallanimalhospital@att.net


North Alabama Cat & Bird Veterinary Clinic
1110 East Main Street
Hartselle, AL 35640
(256) 773-0844
Dr. Jan Strother


North Shelby County Animal Hospital
2689 Pelham Pkwy.
Pelham, Alabama 35124
205-620-3636
info@northshelbycountyanimalhospital.com


Riverview Animal Clinic
4640 Hwy. 280 South
Birmingham, Alabama
205-991-9580
Dr. Arthur Serwitz
aserwitz@riverviewanimalclinic.net


I know it isn't complete, but it's what I have right now. Sorry you had to go through this.
I'll put him on my vet beware list.

Thank you guys for all of your kind words and support. I really appreciate all of you. Two months have come and gone now... Things are still hard, but I know I'll see him again someday and that he lives on in my heart and in my precious memories. I don't know if I'll have another sugar glider or not; I would absolutely love to rescue a couple of suggies that really need me, but it still seems a bit too soon. But I know Theo would want me to help as many suggies as I can

And thank you for the list of vets, Megs. That gives me a bit of reassurance for one day rescuing a couple of suggies.

Thanks again, everyone!

Rescuing would be a wonderful thing to do! Get a pair I'd recommend, it's never good to keep gliders alone, and give them all the love in your heart. I can tell you're a very devoted, loving person, and there's a pair of suggies out there right now just waiting for YOUR love ...when the time is right, you'll find eachother

Thank you, angelic4296 I definitely want to rescue a pair of suggies when the time is right. I know Theodore would want me to try and help more suggies from all that I've learned from this experience. But no matter what happens, I'm still going to wish Theo was still here with me.

You'll definitely always miss Theodore and he will NEVER be replaced, but he would absolutely want a pair of gliders to fill your heart with love again, there's so many out there needing a wonderful home like yours ...