so sorry to read your post and hear your story....virtual hugs out to you....

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this - I know how very hard you are trying to take the best, best care of these gliders that anyone could. It was an accident. Please don't cause yourself more hurt with blame. We're big - they're little. It's a dangerous combination under the wrong circumstances. You are trying so hard - don't give up.

Oh hon, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know it is hard to find comfort right now. Think of Mika right now and she will need lots of extra love. As everyone else has said work to forgive yourself.

Anna

Thank you for sharing your story with me. I am sure to be much more careful now that you have shared this with us. I am so sorry that you are in pain.. Dont' blame yourself..it was an accident and it could happen to anyone..but hopefully not as many now that you have shared this with us..

Dear all

Thanks so much for your sympathy and understanding reading your posts have helped more than you know. I think back to tent time and the many times I moved around or layed down so they could climb my legs I could have easily squashed them already by me not understanding how fragile they are this has been a huge sorrowful lesson I have learned. Mika is doing o.k. not active as usual but playing some I hope she continues to thrive well.

Thank you all again,
Luddie

When I first got Phoebe, I had her and Bandit in the bathroom (during the day) for getting them used to each other. Bandit was on one side of the room, Phoebe jumped and she didn't quite make it and was hanging from the sink, and I moved quick to catch her. Just as I took a step, Bandit flew across the room. I had not shoes on, and as I stepped down, he was right there. I fell forward to try to prevent putting my full weight down, but I had stepped on him!! I freaked, bawling like a baby, I thought I had killed him! Thankfully he was ok (my falling had kept my full weight off his body.) But that could have been a disaster. I now 'shuffle' my feet when I walk when they are out playing in the bathroom. In the tent, I only move on my hands and knees (tell anyone that comes in to do the same). It can happen in the blink of an eye. Again, I am so sorry!

Accidents do happen...and it's hard. I lost a hamster earlier this year when I turned my back on him for a moment while cleaning his cage and my cat grabbed him. He didn't actually hurt the poor little guy but Peanut Butter appeared to die of fright. My partner stepped on her beloved pet rat years ago and while her rat survived with some serious vet care her life was very short (even for a rat) and my SO swears it's because she stepped on her. It's awful when things like this happen and we love to use that clear hindsight to see where we went wrong...all we can do is remember that we love our pets and we do everything we can for them. Remember, out in the wild all kinds of awful things happen to animals all the time. At least with us the chances go way down that they'll die young. I know it's not much of a consolation and my heart goes out to you. You didn't want for anything bad to happen and I do believe intention goes a long way.

Mary - I did the same thing too. Stepped backwards after feeding, not aware that one of the gliders had gotten out. If I had been wearing socks even, she would have been killed. As it was, I felt the fur on the bottom of my foot and fell backwards. It really only takes a second.

It is so sad, but accidents are just that - not on purpose and often unavoidable.

My aunt had kittens a while back...mom just disappered one day...she never came home and these kittens were BRAND new...less than a week old. My aunt raised all 5 and fed them every two hours. ONce they were just about weaned her boyfriend was not paying attention and stepped on one. There was not much of a kitten left after that...we have no clue how he managed the damage he did...obviously a VERY clumy man...but it was her favorite kitten and she planned on keeping her...needless to say...the accident cut her plans short.

Accidents happen...I know it does not really help any or make things feel right...but they happen...something you just have to accept and try not to blame yourself too much more.

Gosh I donot feel so alone any more I know time heals all pain I just cant believe I killed that animal everything seems so empty around here quiter even. I hate mika being so alone but I am truly scared to get another one I feel like a bad glider mother then if I do, what if they hate each other then I thought I would give Mika away since I am so irresponsible because they truly are a huge commitment then I said I did not want her traumatized again I have had so many thoughts running through my head they were so sweet together and Mika is really neat she has come so far we mis Chloe so much.

Thanks again to you all

Luddie

I had a similar incident with a gerbil as well when I let them run around my living room.. I was devastated, as was my bf at the time, and we ended up crying and calling every vet we knew but the emergency vets would not take them in (can you believe that?!) and all the vets were closed/"didn't treat gerbils" because it was 11 at night and the night before a holiday.. :/ He seemed to pass peacefully but I still cry when I think about it.

Be thankful that unlike elsewhere on the internet where people are harsh, unforgiving, and rude.. people here understand and are compassionate, and here for you. I've never encountered such a caring community on the internet who take accidents for what they are - accidents - and don't judge for it. *hug*

I would say get her a friend and give it a try again...you know how careful you have to be...so you will be ever more cautios from now on...try not to take it out on yourself...Mika feels your stress and pain too...she grieves with you...so give her tons of extra love and hang in there!!!

lol,Sob...(yes a lot of love)

I certainly hope the last post with "lol" meant "Lots of love", if not.......how mean.

Luddie, our thoughts are with you. Accidents do happen and this was not your fault. Hope you are feeling better.

Thanks so much it still hurts i think they meant lots of love I hope I have helped someone to be more careful and to learn from my mistakes they are so fragile me and mika miss chloe so much

Thanks to all

Your story has reminded me of how careful I need to be with my babies. I'm glad to hear that Mika is starting to adjust. I just had to put one of my girls to sleep and her sister is having as hard time with it. Hearing about Mika gives me hope.
Hugs to you and Mika! Hope you are feeling better!

Sweetheart, I know it's devistating, but you are a great glider mom. You care, you read the boards, you understand what you're doing wrong and you change it. You're there for Mika, you have cried, you have noted your mistakes. You are a good person. Gliders need good people.

If you were to give Mika away, you'd have no control over how she was treated, and what if she ended up with someone who didn't know what it's like to care for a glider? That could be a much worse fate than what happened to your precious Chloe.

Think it over, doll. You and Mika need each other now more than ever. Whenever you're ready, I think it would be a great idea to get Mika a friend, not to replace Chloe, but to give her and yourself a new joy.

Being a part of something brings joy. Just think of what you are a part of now.

One day at a time sweetie. Thank you for sharing this with us.

I am so sorry for your loss but it was an accident. And I'm sure that Chloe knew that. You still need to stay strong for Mika and she will help pull you through!!

My prayers are with you and for your little Chloe

You all are so wonderful and kind I am thinking about a friend for Mika my husband said for valentines day I could get me another glider if I wanted and I do want one For Mika she seems lonely but progressing well with me we spend a lot of time together I am a little sleepy lol but shes worth it I truly think she was sent to me for a reason she has helped me in so many ways its unbelieveable I am smiling again I got them at a really stressful time in my life and they have helped ease my stress level
thanks to all