Hey,

As most of you know, I'm still reeling from the loss of Petri. I found out via satellite phone a few days before leaving the mountain where I was for the last week that the lizard I had sworn to do everything I could for in life was dying. On the way home, I found out she had passed on. The symptoms came swiftly and without warning, leaving my girlfriend helpless (despite an amazing effort) to save the life of this lizard.

The Gibber was born caught under a carpet fiber. She had a broken back, pelvis, tail and femurs. She couldn't walk and instead almost slithered around. I was about to euthanize her a few days later when she showed the determination that characterized the first half of her life. She fought through the nursery with 4 mean siblings picking on her, then when she healed and learned to walk and run she ripped out all but two of her toes on her front legs, somehow. She was the most highstrung lizard and looked like a boy. She only ever reached half her normal size. Ironically, she is the only known surviving baby her mother has ever had. The other one, Peeps, died in a similar but much quicker way. She had one litter of babies, two of which died within a week. The third died after an attack by The Gibber, indicating it was eviction time (only a day before they were to be split!) leaving it paralyzed and eventually septic. It was euthanized after 3 months of life because of this.

The Gibber was hand raised but was terrified of the world around her. Sudden movements, staring or even a cricket could send her into a frenzy of escape behaviour.

I knew she wouldn't have a strong life; she was born June 13th, 3 years ago. She made it 3 years longer than expected and accomplished everything a skink would want, including (to her knowledge) a successful breeding. Her loss is tragic as I promised to do everything I could for her, no matter what, then she died when I left for a single week. I know that what life she had was borrowed time and she borrowed enough of it to make it a life worth living. I'm proud of what I accomplished in nursing her back to life. She was a true statement of survival.

such a sweet story, I'm glad you gave him a chance!

Oh, I should mention that she was eating and lost 1/2 of her weight in a week. The symptoms suggest parasites, but the timeline is just too fast. I covered all the bases: I had Julie administer some calcium (not too much!) and give foods higher in fat. I suspect it was just a total body crash, just like her little sibling, peeps.

aww thats so sad to hear, i'm so sorry. i am amazed though that she survived that long after reading all that. its impressive. i also would be proud because not everyone would take such time, care and effort for that. you did a great job.

__________________
Professional Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
http://niksscalesandtails.com/



yes i am a she ^_^

~My Babies~

1 Rosy Boa (male) Chaos
1 Snow Corn (male) Blizzard
1 Anertherystic Corn (male) Bullet
1 Senegal Parrot (male) Shadow
2 dogs (male) Spot (RIP) and Bear

Lets just say that even people toting themselves as "perfectionists" have said "impressive" about my care.

Here's my philosophy, aside from automating (reliably and moniterd) as much as I can: It may be a final exam in an important course, it may be the trip or moment of a lifetime...but it is THEIR life and whether or not they lose or continue it. It is my duty, as a friend and family member, to keep their flame lit at all costs, so long as it is in their best interest and they keep fighting; be it the most boring of studying or the most unique of moments to myself...I would expect no less if they were to care for me: undying effort, love and stress until a solution, be it bad or good, is found.

So sorry to hear about Petri. You went a lot farther than most would have done and you can be comforted by the fact that you gave her quality of life.

__________________
~Chris

It is better I think to reach for the stars than to sit flustered because you know you cannot reach them, at least he who reaches will get a good view, a good stretch and perhaps even a low hanging apple for the effort.
-R.A. Salvatore

Beautiful tale. She was lucky enough to survive, even more so to have a dad like you. She doesnt sound like the kind of girl to give up; it mustve been really bad for her, in which case she's probably happier now up there in skink heaven playing with all her brothers and sisters. I hope youre not beating yourself up about it. Sounds to me like there was likely nothing you couldve done.