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Message: In Reply to: Shipping's not that bad. posted by Susie on June 15, 1998 at 20:33:23:
This is my first visit to your site and I think almost everyone here has gone above and beyond to teach and learn from each other about the needs and care of Sugar Gliders. However, this one message is VERY upsetting to me. Shipping is that bad!! Maybe you have had some good experiences with shipping animals but, let me assure you, you are not in the majority. I was in the military for 20 years and for several years I shipped my cats and dogs everywhere with me, until one of my dogs mysteriously died. After consulting with a vet I decided to give my remaining dog and cats to family members for their own welfare, so they would have safe, stable, stationary homes rather than moving every year or two. Since then (over 27 years ago), I have heard horror stories from others about similar experiences with their various animals and researched companies and airlines that claim to ship all breeds of animals "humanely." Let me tell you, when looking at the mortality rates involved in shipping animals it is anything but humane. Shipping an animal is in no way, shape or form healthy for him/her. It is stressful and dangerous to their health--especially to sensitive, highly delicate animals such as Sugar Gliders--and should be avoided at all costs. I also think it is terribly irresponsible that people are shipping these poor animals in the middle of the summer in 100+ degree weather! How would you like to be put in a box "with a nice fuzzy blanket" and thrown in the back of a plane in 100 degree weather with strange smells and loud noises all around you? As for your statement, "It costs extra [to ship the glider in a nextbox with a nice fuzzy blanket] but if the buyer wants one bad enough they will spend the extra money to make sure the Glider [is] safe," if you truly cared about the animal's safety and welfare you would find a breeder in your area OR take time out of YOUR schedule and drive to get him/her so you can transport him/her in a safe, quiet, and temperature controlled environment were you can monitor him/her for signs of stress. I apologize if this message angers anyone (and I'm sure it will, although it is not intentionally meant to). I just truly believe that this is not an issue that warrants a soft stance. I was harsh because the easily avoidable death of even one animal is a harsh reality that must be dealt with and avoided at all costs. Thank you for taking the time to read this. FYI-I have now been living in the same house for years and years and have two Sugar Gliders, two dogs, three cats and a horse--all happy, healthy, and never been shipped.
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