Message:

Subject: Re: Huge Fear
Posted by Diana on July 11, 1998 at 14:23:02:

In Reply to: Huge Fear posted by Betsycc on July 11, 1998 at 10:58:12:

: I'd like to share something with all new or future glider owners -
: The reason that it often sounds like people are getting up on soap boxes
: and preaching about doing research BEFORE getting a glider is because
: anyone who owns a glider and loves it with all their heart is terrified
: AND I MEAN TERRIFIED that sugar gliders are going to begin showing
: up in dog pounds. It makes me shiver to think of it. I honestly live with a
: strange sort of terror about it. I cannot adopt all the discarded gliders
: that I may come across and my heart will break because of it. Can you
: picture a glider in a cat cage at a pound with fluorescent lights &
: continual barking?
: So we tried and true glider owners are fanatical when it comes to people
: getting a pet simply because "it's sooooo cute".
: I had no idea when I got my first glider how deeply it would affect me. I
: think about them constantly. I cannot go into a grocery store without
: looking for new foods to try on them. I cannot go into a hardware store
: without looking for stuff to enhance their cages. I cannot go into a pet
: store without looking at all the cat toys, ferret toys, hamster toys, bird
: toys . . .
: So, in closing i would like to apologize for those who have taken this
: personally. I don't think anyone on this board EVER wants to personally
: insult or hurt anyone. We just get insane at the thought of abandoned
: gliders being dumped at pounds or even worse - turned loose outside.

Betsycc: I feel the same. I also hate the idea that people might buy gliders because they are cute, then dump them when they realize the time and energy that goes into keeping them happy. My fiencee's worst ni.aspare os that I wold try to rescue every unwanted glider I could find, you know he's right I would. I don't blame anyone who wants the best for any pet and would take the time to help make that happen even if it sounds like preaching. The only time advice gets up my nose is when it is delivered in a patronizing way or the only thing they advise is to get male nutered if they smell. There are so many ways to let someone know that they could deal witha situation without being antagonizing. Even so any advise no matter how it is delivered is better than none. So for those out there that love or want to love gliders read on and do your best as I know you will for your babies. Glider love and nibbles, Diana

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