RMKrugel
New member
One of the most difficult decisions one has to face is when to say goodbye to a beloved animal. Even though I combine both hobby and business, I have never viewed my animals as assets to my business, but rather friends. True, over time one makes more of a connection with certain animals, and this is the case with Emmet.
Emmet is my prized White Throat Monitor, who is also my Avitar. I got him only two years ago, but in a short space of time we developed a strange relationship. He is not a “tame” monitor, and does not like too much attention. I do handle him, but prefer to let him do his own thing, and just enjoy watching him “be”. A picky eater, and rather old for the 5 year old he was supposed to be when I got him, I still could not resist. He had a limp, and X-rays revealed some arthritis in his shoulder joints and upper spine. Still, he manages to climb and get into some really interesting spaces when allowed to do so. But none the less, this was no real concern, only established that he was moving along in years.
About four weeks ago he stopped eating. Never a big reason for concern with my grumpy old man. Sometimes he would refuse food for a week or two and never show any adverse affect. This time however was different. Soon dramatic weight loss became apparent. We de-wormed him, although he had been wormed within a year, and also started force feeding every three or four days. At first this seemed to keep him steady, until the food started coming back out. He would “eat” a food item and a day or so later, he would regurgitate. After another trip to the Vet, daily soaking and some Vitamin injections, only mild improvement. We are now waiting for blood work, to see if the suspected kidney or liver damage may be the cause. The overwhelming fear however is that it is time for the big fast.
He still has some spunk, and I write this after another return from the Vet, and some more force feeding. Has it become time to let go, is it the inevitable? I have only so many places to turn to, and figured someone out there has a gem of wisdom, a last ditch hint of advice. For the most part, I write this to share how hard it is when that one herp starts to break your heart and it feels like there is nothing more you can do.
Emmet is my prized White Throat Monitor, who is also my Avitar. I got him only two years ago, but in a short space of time we developed a strange relationship. He is not a “tame” monitor, and does not like too much attention. I do handle him, but prefer to let him do his own thing, and just enjoy watching him “be”. A picky eater, and rather old for the 5 year old he was supposed to be when I got him, I still could not resist. He had a limp, and X-rays revealed some arthritis in his shoulder joints and upper spine. Still, he manages to climb and get into some really interesting spaces when allowed to do so. But none the less, this was no real concern, only established that he was moving along in years.
About four weeks ago he stopped eating. Never a big reason for concern with my grumpy old man. Sometimes he would refuse food for a week or two and never show any adverse affect. This time however was different. Soon dramatic weight loss became apparent. We de-wormed him, although he had been wormed within a year, and also started force feeding every three or four days. At first this seemed to keep him steady, until the food started coming back out. He would “eat” a food item and a day or so later, he would regurgitate. After another trip to the Vet, daily soaking and some Vitamin injections, only mild improvement. We are now waiting for blood work, to see if the suspected kidney or liver damage may be the cause. The overwhelming fear however is that it is time for the big fast.
He still has some spunk, and I write this after another return from the Vet, and some more force feeding. Has it become time to let go, is it the inevitable? I have only so many places to turn to, and figured someone out there has a gem of wisdom, a last ditch hint of advice. For the most part, I write this to share how hard it is when that one herp starts to break your heart and it feels like there is nothing more you can do.
I wish more of my clients were as loving and caring as you are. You gave it your all, and that's all Emmet would ever ask for. He's comfortable now, and happy. No longer sick, he is healthy, vibrant and restored back to his old self. He still loves you very much, and I know the feeling is mutual. You two will meet again when the time is right. My prayers are with you.