I like many others never thought the day would come when I had to write my story in this forum. As some may know I have been moving around a lot this past year helping people rebuild their lives after the hurricanes, and in the process trying to rebuild my own. I moved into a place recently in FL. that had no heat, or electric, I did what I could to protect my babies. I placed a heavy heavy blanket around their cage. in the process I had their bottle and food bowl covered where I could not visually see it. I have been working 2 full time jobs only getting 3-4 hours sleep on a per night basis.

I was called into work early one night and I ran over not checking on the gliders, since I knew I had filled their bottle the day before, I was confidant they had plenty of water, their food I had been giving them in the morning when I get home. so I was figuring I would just go ahead and feed them then. The next morning I got home, and fed them, they were asleep so I didn't bother them, then I myself went off to bed. got up and the routine started over again. this time when I got home the next morining, Baybe was clinging to the corner of the cage on the bottom, I had a hard time getting her off, and she was very cold. I looked for smokey and found him on the top of the cage clinging tightly, also very cold. In the process of searching for him, i took the blanket off, and found the bottle empty on the floor behind the cage.I stuck them both under my shirt and ran next door, I got a blow dryer, and tried to warm them up. Smokey was moving around, but baybe was so bad, I didn't think she was going to make it out the driveway, she was so lifeless, but she was breathing. I got the info for a vet in the area and drove as quickly as I could, just holding them both, praying they would make it so I could get them some sub q's for their dehydration, the whole time smokey was licking baybe, and not stopping, I was telling them everything would be okay. I was so so scared, I knew I would lose baybe before I had a chance to get her some help. There are very few vets in the area, that will treat gliders. I stopped at one place, who refused to help, but they contacted another vet nearby. I drove there ran in and the vet was waiting on me. we got them both sub q's, and I kept them with me all day, giving them fluds, every 4 hours. I tried to force feed them juices, gatoraide, and pedialyte. but baybe would only take a couple of licks, smokey wouldn't take any of it. by evening, I got some ensure, and tried it with them, baybe drank a lot , smokey still would not eat or drink anything... I was going to work at 11.. by that time, the people I am staying with was able to get smokey to take a couple of licks of a juice. I was going to take them with me, but I was afraid that if smokey got feeling better he would be all over the place, and I couldn't have him come out where I worked.

We got a heating pad and set them up a hospital room. ..leaving both ensure and the juices right by the openings of the pouch. in case they came out.

I went to work, praying that god take care of my babies, I said. "please god take care of them, I don't want them in any pain, if that means taking them away from me then so be it." I prayed all night.. hoping that when I got home they would be better.

I got home the next morning, and I looked in the hospital room. I seen a glider on top of the pouch on their back with their feet in the air. I knew it was smokey.. I reached in and got it out, and it was baybe, she was looking at me and grabbed my hand.i put her right away into my shirt pocket. I looked for smokey.. He was still in the pouch.. I reached in and pulled him out. he had this look in his eye, as if he was talking to god. just as if to say.." God, I am old, I am tired, you can just go ahead and take me." he still had that look of life in his eyes, and he seemed, as normal as if I just woke him up. I kept him for several days, and didn't want to let him go. He lived a very good life, full of love, tenderness and good care. I was expecting to lose them both soon, as they are both very old. I was not expecting it to be at my own hand. That is what I have the hardest time with. Baybe stayed with me 24/7 for the next week. crying the first couple of nights, and calling for smokey with the come here sound. I was wretched with hurt, as there was nothing I could do to make her feel better. I had to let her mourne, as long as she was eating and drinking, I just had to let time heal her hurt. She is doing much better now, she has a sinus infection, but is taking meds for it. she is otherwise back to normal, and back staying with me most of the time in my pocket. Karin (glider daydreams) sent Baybe a new pouch as she would not use any of the others. I no longer work the night shift /second job. and I am trying to refocas on my life.

Smokey would have been 11 years old in April, and he has spent his whole life with me. Those of you that have his offspring, cherish them, he was a very special glider. We shared his life of memories, and I will cherish each and every one of them.

I want to thank all those that were there for me, bith during the ordeal as well as after it. A select few people were notified as to what was going on. But to those.. Thank you..

Thank you for sharing and Iam sorry .

I am so sorry... there are no words to make you feel better, but I am praying for you and baybe. I recently lost my baby because of my negligence and cannot get past the guilt. I know Smokey had a wonderful life and just the fact of how long you had him shows what a great mom you are. I am going through the same thing with a grieving one.. if you need to talk to anyone, PM me and I will be glad to give you my number to call. Again, I am so very sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

I hope others have better luck at finding the right words to say. Those of us that have lost bonded gliders know that words cannot express what is in our hearts.
Marvin and Jen

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />
Oh Bourbon I am so sorry! I can't imagaine how you are feeling right now, I have lost only one glider, a rescue, but I see how that affected me. I almost lost Sundown not long ago, and that was sooo hard. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, along with Baybe too.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Angie

Bourbon, I'm so sorry to hear this. I have read many of your posts on the boards about your Baybe and Smokey and I know how much you loved them. You and Baybe are in my prayers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> to you and Baybe.

How sad! I'm so sorry for your loss. Although I've never lost a glider, I've lost a dog that I loved more than life itself and I know how much it hurts.

I am so sorry. Like Marvin, I can't even find the words to say what I am feeling right now but am stricken with the thoughts of what you must be feeling right now and how hard this must be for you.

Bourbon, gosh....I dont know what to say as I sit here crying right along with you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

I do know that you love your gliders with every ounce of your being and that nothing comes before them and their well being.

This my friend is a very sad day for me. I must say I had to go get Bax and he is sitting here on my lap as I type this. I let him know of his fathers passing and yes, I do treasure him, and now even more so.

Please know that you and Baybe are in my thoughts and prayers. And please know that Smokeys legacy shall live on. He has a son that is just like him as we spoke of many times and even though we live so far away, he will always be a part of you as well.

I am so sorry for your loss B. So very very sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

B, I am so sorry. I know anything I might write won't really help your pain but know that you are in my prayers and I hope your pain will ease soon for you.

B I am so glad you finnaly posted. I have known for sometime but had no idea how to tell you I feel for you. I know I called one weekend and you were at work and couldn't talk. I thought to myself uto the glider world is in trouble. Never did I think things had gotten so crazy for you. I know we are far apart now but if you need anything please let me know as I will help if I can.

Smokey will be missed by many but him mommy and mate will suffer the most. God be with them.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />'s B. I am glad you shared your story with everyone B, now I pray the healing can begin. Your life is in a healing process right now, and you know you have the love and the support of so many friends. That in itself, is a Blessing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />, but you already know that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />. When I think of Smokey, I think of a lil guy who was just non stop all the time. So different than Baybe, who was content to just sit and watch every move her mum made so as to not lose her <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. He will be missed <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. Wonder if we will ever know the answers as to why life deals the cards it deals...we'll have to talk about that one soon <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. Love you.
Karin

B, you know all of us think of Smokey as a legend in his own time. It's hard to think of Baybe without Smokey, the two were always like one, and they always will be.

You know to me, Smokey will always be "Little Big Foot" and when I look at his girls and see those feet, especially Molly's, I know Smokey will live on in them and hopefully in his decendents yet to come. My favorite memory of Smokey will always be playing with those infamous feet while he slept, he was such a sweetheart in so many ways, and he will be greatly missed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

Keep Baybe very close to your heart, she loves you and needs you as we all do. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

Gosh Bourbon, this is just heartbreaking. I'm so sorry to hear about Smokey. I know how crushing it is to try to comfort them as they search for a lost mate. Hugs and prayers to you and Baybe.

Many ((HUGS)) my friend!

Private email sent

I have no idea what to say to convey how sorry I am to hear this. I actually gasped when I saw your name in this forum. We've all learned so much from you and your babies and I now wish I could repay you by saying something heartfelt that would lift your spirits, but there are no words. Just know that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers and so will Baybe. I'm right here in Central FL, so if you need anything at all give me a holler. If you ever need someone to look after Baybe while you work or anything my doors are open.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />WOW...I am sooo sorry for your loss, I can't imagine your hurt right now <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" />. I hope in due time the clouds will go away and the sun will shine back in on your life! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> It sounds like your little one made a big impact on alot of people-and I am sure he is making an even bigger one at the Rainbow Bridge! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" /> My deepest condolences to you- <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Bourbon, please just know that there are a whole lot of us feeling your pain right now. I wish I had the words to comfort you right now but that will only come with time. Please take care of yourself and Baybe and know that you did your best. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

Rest in Peace Smokey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

i am so sorry for the loss of your little one, best of wishes to you and Baybe.

[:"blue"] As I've told you many times before, this is when words seem so inadequate. I know what Smokey meant to you and how hard it was to let him go. You now I went through that with my Charlie.

You have so many years of memories and, of course, Babye.

Know that our hearts and prayers are with you. [/]

Bourbon, I am so sorry for the loss of Smokey. I thank you for honoring us with your story -- I know that must have been difficult.

~Lynn

Oh my goodness... That is the saddest thing ever... I'm speechless. Bourbon, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. He lived such a long life, though, and he certainly knew you loved him. I'm sure he was proud to have been owned and cared for by you. You're in my prayers tonight, Bourbon, as well as your other little one! Best wishes...

Mikey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif" alt="" />

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Remind Baybe of the happy times, I too know how it feels to loose a pet and it be because you were trying to help. Honey, pit bull, ate some of her bedding and it formed a blockage in her small intestine.

You are in our thoughts and prayers

I have no words, either, but needed to add to many others and say how sorry I am. You know I know what you're going through. I wish there were words to help.

B, I have said to you all my heart feels. I just found this post and I am so proud of you for posting I know it will help your healing. You are the one that is always there for everone that needs help and healing now let us be there for you.

So sorry for your loss. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

My condolences to you on the loss of Smokey. Time will help ease the pain of his loss but not the many happy memories you have.

I'm truly sorry Bourbon. It's a hurt I have felt many times, but never have any of my gliders been with me that long. Bless you and Baybe. And, thanks for all that you do.

Please accept my sincerest condolences <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Smokey is watching over you and Babye, as he learns his way around the Bridge. I trust he will send comfort to you both. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />

Bourbon, glad you posted about Smokey. You know Mary & I are here for you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Charlie H