Mike, if you and your wife will be up this way again anytime, I'd love to meet you! I work in Park City, live about 13 miles away in Kamas. Just let me know-you would be welcome. I really think your little girl was beautiful, by the way. Mya-BMXgirl's and my William crossed to the bridge only two weeks apart-William was my fifth baby to go there, and I still find myself in tears frequently, even though I have eight others to love, cuddle, and spoil. Time does heal, though-it just takes however long it does to get there. I really feel for your loss, and this thread has brought tears more than once. You were very special glider people, and have a lot of love to give-both for your baby waiting at the bridge, and one you may have yet to meet. If you hadn't loved with everything you were, it wouldn't hurt so bad now, if that helps, and it takes special people to do that.

thank you so much Jen, for the kinda words, well we did dig up spyro last night, and put her in the freezer until today were she has been picked up to be cremated by her self, in her favorite fanny pouch in which we buired her, i think i feel better about it, at least now if we ever move, she can come with us..Mike

Why do these sweet little creature's capture your heart so much?

My personal opinion is that they are VERY dependent on us for day-to-day survival. Most domesticated animals can survive on their own, however gliders haven't been in captivity very long; relatively speaking. Wild instincts are still inherent in our fuzzbutz, but from day one, they are handled and cared for by us. Also consider their appearance. We, as humans, naturally like things that are cute. Sure, there are some weirdos that have the same love for spiders and snakes <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />(That would be me,) but gliders are just plain adorable! Who couldn't love those beautiful eyes and fluffy tail? Plus, as an extra, added bonus, they can FLY! (Well, glide anyway.) We love the fact that these special (exotic) creatures will bond to, and depend on us. This fact brings out the nurturing instinct that many of us have within. I've noticed that woman seem to make up the majority of glider-caretakers, but there ARE men, (Yes, that would be me again,) but they are fewer and far between. They (gliders) at least try to give something back for our efforts, and most of us are not disappointed. Please understand that those of us who've lost our babies have cried more for them than any other pet they've had, (and some people to boot!) In the end, the human dynamics of the grief process is the same. We never "get over" a true, pure love. Time only makes the process a little easier.

Best wishes & remember:

"If you could heal a broken heart, wouldn't time be out to charm you?"

Annie's dad-I couldn't have put it better. Some of mine have looked at me with an expression I can't describe, but that clearly says, I love you and want to be with you. Please hold me, play with me, take me out to be with you. They aren't like any other animal. Riker always takes the time to rub his head on me and mark me as "his", and looks at me with an adoring expression that is beyond words. I melt. I was very detached when I got my first glider (Riker, my avatar). He brought me out of a severe depression even my friends and family couldn't touch. And I dont' ever think of going back there. I really dont' think any other being could have had the same effect. Because they are wild, their love and trust not bred in for humans and therfore much harder to gain, it makes it that much more special and rewarding to get. Dependency aside, it is an active, TWO way relationship, and a true give and take you don't often get even with people. I love the way they look, the way they move, their individual and distinct personalities, and the fact they genuinely want my company. When they stick their noses and hands through the cage asking for contact with you-what on earth could be better, or even come close? Sometimes you can look at them and feel so much it hurts. And when you lose one, the loss is indescribable, of that precious, special friendship and love. The little face haunts you, and the pain is unlike anything I ever lost before. Why? They are beautiful, unique, intelligent, dependent, personable, loving, and capable of a very personal bond unlike most of our domesticated animals-or even some people I know. To feel one of those little, trusting warm bodies against my heart I have never been as content. To know that I have in some way earned the love and devotion they exhibit so clearly, and it is so humbling at the same time. At least that's what I think the WHY is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> THEY wrap US around their little fingers, and hold our hearts in those tiny little five-fingered hands that sometimes can look so much like our own.

well said, i dont know what more to add or say, just a moment to cry and reflect on all the lost gliders.

Oh my gosh. Once again I am in tears. Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. Your love and devotion to your little one is so touching. I cry for all the lost suggies because it is so obvious how much they have been loved and I dread the day when I lose one of my babies. I am thankful that when that dreaded day arrives I know there will be heartfelt words of comfort from the wonderful people here.
These special little ones are in our lives for such a short time (15 years is just not long enough) and I know mine have all stolen my heart at first sight.
I pray for your heart to heal and soon you will have nothing but smiles when you think of your little Spyro. I am sure that Spyro, Mya, Annie, Katey and all the rest are good friends by now and will keep each other company until the time comes for you all to meet at the Bridge.

Thank you for the kind words Dancing, well Spyro has come home for good now, i am going to put her nice box on top of her folded favorite hanging pouch, she came with that pouch, i have lit a candle for her and all other gliders who have passed and will keep the candle burning all day and evening. Mike.

I hope this thread does not die yet! I still miss her i spent last night with her box on my lap and i rubbed it just like i used to do to her belly, i have met a lot of nice people here, even have a rainbow book coming thanks so much , you people are special, i got more support here then my family & freinds, excluding wife she understands fully, they just dont understand the loving bond. mike

Awww Mike... Im so so sorry. Its so hard. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
I hope that having her inside with you all now has helped in healing your hearts a little. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Im glad your getting a copy of the Rainbow Bridge stories... (Chris & Sher are awesome! So much love and caring...)
It really is a lovely story and it did help to comfort me some.
Im still not over Mya, and I dont think I ever will be... last night I watched a video of her for the first time in weeks... I was bawling, but at the same time smiling at her antics. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

Im so sorry... I know this is so very hard to deal with. I agree, this is a wonderful place... the Glider community here has helped me tremendously with my grief. It sure is nice to have folks that understand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (I had a friend of mine's husband tell me a couple days after Mya died something to the effect of "its just an animal, everything dies." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I got so mad I left their home! Im sorry, I know its 'just' an animal... but she was family! Doesnt mean I loved her any less.)

Please know we are here for you and understand your in pain. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

thanks bmx we do feel better now that she is with us in the house, got the rainbow book today and it is great i want to REALLY thank Chris and Sher for the kind gift, we still very much miss her, bringing her in helps the heart some, but we still grieve. Mike

I just wanted to say how very sorry I am that you lost your precious baby!!! I don't know how I missed this thread ( I guess I just haven't been on as much because I've been so busy). I can understand how difficult this must be for you. I call my gliders my "babies" and my "kids" and they really do seem like my own children to me. I hope that someday you will let another glider into your life- a glider that won't replace her, but a glider that will open your heart and let it love again. You have my condolences. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cloud9.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Oops, I meant for that to be three hugs. Sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> So here they are. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Thank you so much for the hug's, and your kind words, mike

I wonder if having spyro living alone, was a bad idea she never really seemed or looked depressed, and was out daily no matter what, how many glider parients only have 1 glider? just curious. Mike

I've had a single female for 6 yrs.never a problem. I get her out and play with her a daily basis.vet said she is healthy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Every glider's different. I had to take one of my females out away from her mate for a day, and the mate never went in his pouch -- constantly looked and called for her until I returned her. Some gliders do fine without mates. Many don't.

I personally have a brother sister pair. I know monster started out with just one. Don't second guess yourself though, Mike. You'll drive yourself crazy. You know, as well as the rest of us from hearing you, that you loved your little one with all your heart. There will always be what if's. There is no way to stop them, the will just get less as time goes on.

We are all hear for you!

i think soon i have to get another, but am affraid for some reason, your so right about the what if's, now i am wondering about diet,depression, i just need to LET it go, she passed on in my hand and that is that. Mike

i just love looking at the pictures of your gliders makes my smile and makes me cry.

Mike, I am glad to see you are thinking about sharing your heart with another little suggie. A new glider won't replace your Spyro but it will help your heart to heal some. Ask yourself, would Spyro want you to give your love to another glider? It sounds to me like you were so unselfish with Spyro and you have much to offer another little one. Only you will know if and when you are ready. We are here for you either way.

Well i still miss my little spyro, i think i would like to get another, but i think i am affraid to make any sense?
Mike <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Ohh yeah it makes a lot of sense. You feel like what if I mess up she /he can't take the place of my baby and can I love one that much again to risk only losing another glider. Well you will never forget your Spyro but a new friend just might be what Spyro would want for you. Give your self a chance to be loved by a new baby and a lucky glider a chance to know the love you have for the sweet little critters.