Remember me? I am here to share a story and ask to keep a dear friend in your thoughts and perhaps prayer. Marble, my first glider ever is sick, dangerously sick. I travel out of town often, way too often. I came back from a 5 day trip to find Marble with his face swollen and making pain noises. I jumped on my truck and we went to Jancy vet care (The best!) After an evaluation, the doctor showed me how marble's eye was destroyed and his face has significant trauma. It seems he got the injury from a fight with his sweet mate, dart. This is likely to happen when marble wants to mate and dart has a head ache. Marble has an infection in his eye socket. His nose was also damaged and has hard time breathing. He is in significant pain and discomfort. He was put on antibiotics, vitamins, pain killer and a mild anabolic to help with his swelling. He is miserable. I am miserable. It seems the injury is preventing Marble from eating and he has lost a significant amount of weight. he is getting all of the vet care available and I am not cutting any corners.
There was a time when Marble played a part of the Glider world that made a difference. His pictures have helped raise money fro the formerly great cause of Emergency vet Fund and his siluette is a popular sticker that has been distributed in many glider gatherings and among some of my friends.
Marble is in pain and in jeopardy to losing this battle. He is fragile but at the same time, I see him with a little spark, jumping and struggling to fend for himself. Here I am, days away from turning 40 years young/old. I have been asked by y wife a couple of times what do I want for my big 4-0. What do you give a guy who has everything he ever wanted ( I have low standards!) I want Marble back. Sure, he will have one eye, and will look a little funny. If he survives and makes it, I will enjoy making fun of him. I may even change his name to One Eye Willy! It does not matter. All I want is my Baby Boy back, healthy. He will always be the most beautiful Glider ever. He looked Gorgeous 6 years ago, he will look stunning 8 years from now. that's my prayer.

Regards to all.


Gil...& Marble.

you are in my prayers lots of hugs!!

Praying for the best good luck

Sending the best wishes your way for a speedy recovery for Marble.

OH Gil, I am sorry sorry about Marble. I am sitting here looking at the pictures you made for us and just crying.

Can you help him eat? OH please keep us updated.

I don't know what to tell you that you don't alread know, but if I can help my number is 757-40-6768.

Many prayers are going your way.

All my thoughts are with you and Marble! He's a cutie pie, but I'm sure he's much stronger than he let's on!

Sending many hugs and prayers to you & Marble

Hope everything turns out OK for Marble

sending my prayers for your marble and hugs for you hope things get better quickly. You tell marble to hang in there that he's just to tough of an old man to get sick like this.

Thanks to all for yout thoughts. Paranoid idiot that I am, I went back to the vet for help with the feeing and the administration of medications. I have to travel out of town again for business tomorrow night. My wife will be put on guard and I will advise her to check with the board if anything should arise. Marble seems to be doing a little better, but his glands under his neck see a bit swolen. Still, we gave him pain medication and attibiotics. I also have a tume of animal vitamins and a mix the vet gave me to supplement his diet. he has trouble drinking & eating so, I am attending to him every hour. If I run out of cash and I have to pawn a camera to take him to the vet how ever many times it takes, so be it. Maybe I could pawn my wife's garden tools and swewing machine. Any offers? It's a Huskavarna!


Keeping a positive attitude!
Gil

Gil PM sent.

Many prayers being sent to you and Marble.


It sounds like Marble is getting the best possible chance to fight...but if there's any help needed from a fellow Floridian, just ask...

You and you baby boy will be in our thoughts and prayers. I wish you both nothing but the very best! I hope Marble is feeling better, bouncing around his cage and living a long, happy life as soon as he possibly can!

Hopes and prayers for your little guy, Gil.
I just went $500 into debt, and spent almost $1000 cash for Chronos' last illness, so I know how that is. You can also ask your vet about CareCredit if you need to-you can take up to a year to repay, and it's interest free. I'm not sure if they can apply for an amount based on an estimate of expected expenses, but it might be worth asking. Chronos' last day was $847.00, so I financed $500 worth payable over 6 months, and scrounged up the rest-not sure how high a limit that has. May be worth a look before selling your cameras (your pics are just AWESOME!!)

Anyway-all my hopes with you and yours.

Thanks to all for your thoughts.
here is Marble a couple of years ago. This will be one of my all time favorite pictures of him. He has always been so healthy, strong and most of all, spolied.

OO wow what color is he?
A cinn?

He is a Cinnamon.
I get teary eye every time I think of him and what's he is enduring. I am supposed to be this tough guy who works at industrial facilities traveling from state to state and riding his motorcycle in the week ends...but deep inside, I am a total whimp.
But this is about Him. The Alfa Glider of the colony who is fighting tooth & Nail.

Gil, I am so sorry this is happening to Marble. Like you said, he has been around GC for quite some time as have you.

You are both being held close to many hearts and in many prayers.

Tell your wife not to hesitate to come to the board and post in the Emergency Forum if she needs us while you are away. Someone is always on and can ready one of us.

Gil, I'm so sorry to hear about Marble. We're all here pulling for him. Give him a little chin rub for me, no on second thought just a pat on the head. Don't wanna rub where it hurts.

Update.
Last night, the little guy woke up in slighly better spirits. He does not seem to me eating on his own. My wife and I gave him his antibiotics, pain medication, prescribed vitamins and some BML mixed with Yogurt juice via a small pet bottle. All of these a gently forced feedings. This morning we repeated all of the above plus an anti-inflamatory medication that should be given every two days. The reason I am so detailed, is for a couple of reasons.

First-If anybody else goes through something like this after me, this thread could provide hints of things to expect. This situation could have easily been considered by some as a self-cured incident and simply provide the glider with some Neosporin into the affected area and done. I know that was my first instinct until I took a closer look to the injury and freeaked out driving like a maniac to the vet. So far, the cost of this entire procedures has been $220. Not a bad price to pay for emergency vet care.
Second- If anybody else has experienced something like this, maybe they can provide detailed help based on their experience and perhaps provide better ideas on how to better care for my spell casting creature. I am open for suggestions.

His trauma consisted apparenmtly on a bite from his partner. At times, tehy can fight continiously when Marbel wants a little romance and Dart has a headache. The rejection this time was brutal. It seems that one set of teeth went right through his eye and the other set of theeth through his nose. Therfor, we have to damaged areas. The eye was completely destroyed and the nose was puctured. Both injuries were infected and causing all kinds oif complications. I was out of town when this happened and my wife did not notice. She did mention that for the last two days, more BML and fruit were left on the dish that normal. We estimated he did not eat for about two days.

I know tyhis is a ,ong message. I hope there would be a data base where these injuries, treatments and advise coule be stored for further support.

As I type, I am atb teh airport leaving for another assignment. My wife will carry the torch until Thursday. I advise her to check with this board in case she needs additional advise and I am not available. I do plan of calling every single time possible but the nature of my work could put me in remote areas away from civilization and cell phone reception. He is not out of the woods yet. He could still have some complications and the little guy could perish. I am not ready to even consider this idea but I have to keep it in mind. It sucks! I wanted to thanks all of you who generously have offered a helping hand and have shocked me with their mesages. You guys are pioneers and examples of commited glider owners to the community. The leadership you have always shown is without question.


With highest regards to all.(And an incredible love)


Gil...(Marble's servant)

Gil, I am so sorry about Marble and the owies he is going through right now. You have a great support and cheerleading team here at GC, so know we are with you all the way through this! Marble is one handsome fella, wow.

Karin

Gil, so sorry you have to go through this... hoping Marble makes a speedy recovery...

Gil, I feel really bad for you and I'm praying for a good and full recovery from Marble.

Every new day gives him better chances of getting through this so hang in there. My thoughts are with you and Marble. And, I also offer any help I can since I'm only a couple of hours away.

I have to say, honestly, I think that's the cutest picture of a glider I've ever seen. He's adorable!! I love that photo, thank you so much for sharing.
We're all here, and will be here whenver ya need us or just want to talk. You and your lil guy will be in my thoughts and prayers. *HUGZ*

I agree, he seems like such a sweety! Prayers and good thoughts are going out to you and Marble!

Oh Gil I'm so sorry to hear about this Marble will be in the thoughts and prayers of everyone over here and I'll have my mom ask her friends to pray for him as well. He seems so full of personality just from that one gorgeous pic. Hoping for a full and healthy recovery for him. *hugs*

Gil Pm Sent

I hope his wife will give updates...

Are you kidding me. My wife is sick and tired of me calling and asking about Marble. I never call this much when I am out of town in business. I did not even call this much when my son fell on his face at school and broke his glasses. (Wow...I really Suck!) Anyway, yes, updates are frequent. Last news is that Marble is eating on his own and starting to be more agile. He is still taking the medication and he has an appointment at the vet on Monday or sooner if needed.
Bottom line, the prognosis is good. I am not too confident, but it seems to be looking great.

Thanks to all!

Gil

Gil, My love, my prayers to both of you

LOL, Gil! Well, i'm glad you came back to update! I'm so glad to hear Marble is hanging in there! Has his mate apologized yet?

I don't think his mate(Dart)has apologize. In fact, I believe she told Marble "Bite Me".
Marble may just take her up on that!

Well, that happens in long term relationships!

They'll give each other the silent treatment for a bit then pretend that nothing ever happened.

I'm so glad to hear he's doing better!!

I arrived from my business trip last night. I checked on Marble and he looks weak and sad. He is not crying at all and seems to be comfortable. Still, he is not eating well and has to be fed. He looks weak. Today I will take him to the vet for a surprise follow up. Bottom line: I expected him to be in better shape by now and he still has a long road to recover. I just hope he is up to the long trip. I ride shot gun.

Gil

Oh NO! I was hoping to hear a better update too! Maybe he just missed you? Let us know how the vet goes! Healing hugs and kisses for poor Marble ...

I am so sorry, Gil. Please keep us updated.

Prayers still being sent your way, Marble.

hold him and love him gil, as much as you can, let him pull his strength from you to survive,

Still fighting the good fight. Last night it was rough.He has Pneumonia. He made it through last night after some heavy antibiotics. I just got back from the vet for the second night in a row. He is now on oxigen, more anibiotics and still hand fed. He is on intensive care. The future looks grim, but I am still riding shotgun with him. He looks so weak and helpless, yet, he finds energy to bite me. That's encouraging! I wish I could say that I am optimistic, but I am not. It does not seem that he will pull though. Regardless of that, I will not rest or spare any resourses until he decides to let go.

I am drained.


Marble & Gil

Oh Gil, I am so sorry to hear this!
I have been out of town and didn't see this until tonite.

I know you have had many good years with him, and my family will be praying that you have many more to come.

God bless and best wishes,
Katie

Gil-
I'm glad you and your vet caught the pneumonia - I just pray it was in time. Marble sounds like a real fighter. I know that you give him the courage to keep fighting and vice versa.

Prayers your way, and to Marble-man!

he needs oxygen also i heard of levaquin antibiotic for this angie h had a glider with pnumonia and got better. the vet gave baytril in shot form then had him in oxygen and gave sterioids and baytril she told me. but i would call her. i also heard of others strong meds.

Gil - I'm also sending my prayers that Marble makes a quick turn around and has a full recovery. I'm so sorry that you are all having to go through this. It must be very difficult to see an old friend having such severe injuries and illness. Prayers, good thoughts, and lots of going out to you as well.

Gosh guys.
Today I turned 40 years old. I have had a rough birthday with Marble. Thee only thing I wanted was marble to be cured & healthy. It's been one week since he went to the vet for the first time to treat his severe injury. I was expecting him cured by now. He has gotten all of the medical care possible. Cut no expense. Still, money can't work miracles. The doctor is very kind and gives me all kinds of explanations and details but all I hear is Blah, blah, blah. My mind is in another planet and all I pay attention is when he tells me "OK Gil, this is what you need to do". I follow his instructions word by word. I am tired, sleep deprived and almost broke. No regrets. What ever the outcome, Marble is worth every penny and effort.

Gil

Happy Birthday, Gil.
May you get your wish for Marble soon ....

don't worry about your birthday gil, you will have many more.. I wish i could have missed my 40th...
My prayers remain solid for you and marble.. you have got to hold on to all the hope you have left, miracles do happen, after all marble shared many with you throughout your years together, don't let go of your faith in your love for each other.

I don't worry about my 40th birthday. I worry about my 40th birthday without Marble. In fact, I am really celebrating the 19th aniversary of my 21st birthday.
Marble survived the night. He seems better. No victory dance yet.

Gil

Gil, we are all pulling for you and Marble! Be strong for him, Gil. Keep your spirit up and his spirit will stay up. He depends on you for strength and love.

Give Marble lots of kisses from all of us.


Jen

Glad to hear he made it through another night.

A small step, but progress none the less.

Apollo says: "Come on Dad, you can do it!"

And Happy Birthday Gil!

hang in there miracles do happen. dont ever give up. stay strong and continue the meds making sure he gets every drop. prayers sent.

Gil, you and Marble hang in there. I know it looks grim, but miracles really do happen. A while back, somehow I ended up looking at a very old post from Alice about her Jojo. It was saying that the vet had given Jojo just a few weeks left to live at that time and it was from about 3 years before Jojo actually went to the bridge.

I know how it is watching them when they are so weak. It's very, very hard. But at least he is still with you, so there is hope. I'll be praying for both of you.

At 9:00 PM tonight, Dr. Murray and I came to the conclussion that Marble would not recover. He slept away with the doctors assistance at 9:05.
The pain is unbearable. He was my first. He IS my first. Always, Marble.

Gil, there are many of us here who know the pain you are feeling now and though the miles separate us, we grieve with you.

Marble is now across the Bridge with so many of our beloved gliders. He has so many to welcome him, and I believe you will see him again.

It is with great sadness that I now move this thread for you.

I'm so sorry but he suffers no more. He will live on in your memories forever.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I am so very sorry Gil .

Karin

I am ANGRY!
I threw everytthing I had to save him. I cut no expense. I went without sleep, food, rest. This should not have happened. I realize I have wife and 3 kids. That in contrast, their live's are far more important than that of a pet. Still, he was a living creature which I took full responsability and as a living creature, he was preacious. His death was not a dignified one. He died in a struggle to survive. he did not die peacfuly. The vet and I did all we could, and even in his death, he struggled as we placed him to sleep on elast time. I can't make it up to him. I ca't fix it or improve on any form. I gave him 6 years of dedication and I was looking forward to six more. Yes, I still have the same spark of glider ownership that struct me 6 years ago. Every day, we grew older together. Marble made a diference. His pictures can be seen in websites and books accross the world. His pictures, stickers and joeys have raised funds to help and save other gliders. Yet, nothing was able to help him and save him. I am angry, sad and bitter. I look forward from learning from this experience and providing a bettrer home for my three remaining gliders.
Gosh. I miss the little pig! he could eat 20 worms in less than 5 minutes.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was so beautiful.

I am so, so sorry Gil

Gil,
I'm so sorry for your loss of Marble... he was a beautiful glider...

Trying not to cry at work...I'm SO, so sorry to hear about Marble. I know, everyone on GC knows, and Marble knows that you did everything you could for him. Many other animals don't even get a fraction of the care you gave Marble. He is a lucky glider. Be sad, be angry, but don't be bitter.

I'm sorry for your lose. Please don't be angry and bitter - it was his time to go. You did all you can, that's all anybody can ask.

Gil, i am so sorry for your loss...

Gil, I'm so sorry that he didn't make it. Its awful that he had to go so soon (6 years was nowhere near enough for you two to be together) Its okay to be angry for awhile, I know it doesn't seem like he should have died. Just concentrate on your gliders, your family, and yourself for awhile. I hope you feel better after all of this. Marble was a part of many lives and he won't be forgotten.

Gil, I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss of Marble.

I have a picture of one of your joeys with a green background up as a wallpaper on my computer monitor. I can see the camera in the reflection of his eye. Thank you for taking that picture, as I absolutely love it!

Many hugs are sent your way, Gil.


Jen

Gil, I am soooo very sorry, My cyber love and prayers are sent your way, please catch them as they reach you..

I will not say the pain gets better, for the loss of him is far too great, but i will say the pain puts a smile in your heart after the tears dry when you realize it is his memories that you will always carry with you, I am a firm believer that with each thought, it means that he is there with you, trying to let you know he loved you and that he knew you loved him too.

it IS okay to be angry, it is okay to feel that pain, it is okay to feel that loss.. Marble will be there with you though it all. you will know it with the breeze you feel in the air, and the light touches, that seemingly comes from nowhere..

he is with you, and always will be..

Gil, I am so sorry for your loss of Marble. You and the Doctors did everything that could be done for him. Feel that in your heart, feel the strength of your determination to help him get better, feel the love that he felt knowing that you were doing all that you could to help him. His fight was not of that to stay, but that of wanting to say how much he loved you for offering him a home full of love. Be still with anger, and fill your spirit of his love. Prayers are with you....Rest in Peace sweet little Marble

I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful picture that is of your gorgeous Marble - a very nice memorial.

Gil, I didn't want to read this about Marble-but have an idea how you feel.
And I promise that's not just empty words. On the 21st I lost Chronos...he was a special guy like your Marble, though he wasn't with me as long. His story is here:

http://www.sugarglider.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/240998/page/1#Post240998

My total for vet bills his last month was over $1600, $847 his last day, and I too have a family other than the gliders. The heartache when you lose one is unbearable, but one so special as yours is unfathomable.

You know, and he knows, that you and your vet did all you could, and spared no expense. He knew he was loved, and cared for, and valued, and treasured, as a family member.

He was being called home for reasons we may not ever know until we get there ourselves...but know he'll be waiting for you at the bridge, and watching over you until the one day you join him. And know we're here for you.

I agree with Jen!! You did all you could for him and more! Even with his struggle there are still worse things that could have happened to him that never did because of your excellent care! He felt love and lived a high suggie life!! There are SO many suggies out there that go without that and the bottom line is that he lived a better life because of you!!

As a side note, I LOVE that first pic of Marble! It's very "Here's lookin' at you, kid!"
:hugs:

Marble was a very special glider and his pictures show that. You made the right choices and were with him when he needed you. Don't beat yourself up. Marble is waiting with all the pets that have gone before. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his life with us. I want to share this poem with you and others that I have found helpful in situations with my pets:

"If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears. "

You are all so wonderful. The poem is very touching and real. The happy memories are eclipesed by his last moments. I look back and wonder if there was something else I could do. I miss him. I never considered losing him before any other glider in my home. It never crossed my mind. He was the healthiest..well, the fattest and over spoiled. All my gliders are a bit on the large side. They are all well fed. But Marble was such a tender fool. You could make a pretzel out of him and he would just take it knowing he would get a snack reward. At the end, he could not even open his smouth or swallow with out chocking. Ironic. He deserved better. There was a time he went everywhere with me. He even joined me for the premiere of Finding Nemo. He was with me at work, often. He was with me when I volunteered for the Toy Drives at Christmas. He came with me to church, kids show and tell at school, flea market and just about any place I could just hang out with my Ol' Friend. I miss him. He is the reason I love Gliders. He will always be the reason why this 40 year old dork loves and cares for gliders. Any glider which I look after owes Marble many thanks.
Many more tears will be shared in your honor. I wish the scars on my hands from feeding you the last days would never heal. He even scratched my face the last night. We both layed in bed while he struggled to walk and gracefuly, walked accross my nose and eyes. I just smiled as he left his nails imprints on my face. Then he slept for an hour and woke up feeling worse. He could barely breath. The infection was winning. My vet did all he could for three straight nights. This will be an Easter week end I will never forget.
My hero, My Marble, Your Gil.

Gil~ I'm so sorry I know there's no words to help ease your pain. Walk yourself through all the memories you and Marble made together. Don't cry because Marble is gone, Smile because you had him and created those memories.

My Serenity is one of your joeys, Not sure if he's a son of Marble though- I just remember his momma is the gal missing her front arm. Either way- he's a beautiful sweet boy and I know he had a wonderful start in life with great role models.

Thanks Nancy. Yes, Serenity is Marble's joey. I have great memories of all of Marble's joeys. He carried many on his back. He had plenty of room for triplets! I miss him. Serving them food today was hard. I always favored a little extra on his dish. Yes, that's right. I showed favoritism!
Thanks for stopping bye. It has helped to hear from all of the Joeys that Marble has sent out to the world. There are many pieces of him everywhere. From Ohio to Mississippi, to Phoenix and Kissimmee. His Joeys are nation wide.

Kinds regards,

Gil

Gil, I'm so very sorry to read about Marble. He was a special little guy & will be greatly missed. He knows how much you love him & he will be waiting to see you again.
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

Gil, I am so sorry that you lost your friend of six years!

Nobody will ever replace your first fuzz-love, and I guess it's meant to be that way...others may fill the void & the tears will eventually be replaced by the fond memories of all the adventures you two had, but that first little guy is SO SPECIAL.

May you find peace with time...you did EVERYTHING that was humanly possible for Marble. If love alone could heal illness, what a wonderful thing that would be....

Gil, Im so sorry for your loss. May the memories you have with Marble keep your heart filled with joy.