poor Comet...

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I don't feel that all 'kids' are irresponsible, either. The boy that has Comet is about 10 years old, and bought her from me at a show with his own earned money with his parents there. He cried when I told him I had never seen such a case of stuck shed and face rub, and that she might go blind or even die. He loves Comet, but now I think his folks will supervise her care better... or at least I hope so!

 

[dprince]

Well, it sounds like the prognosis is good, and the parents paying more attention is a huge step in the right direction.

And I agree, not all kids are irresponsible. :main_thumbsup:

 

[MSMD]

Oh, Marcia! *HUGS* Glad that you had a good update on Comet and that she, fortunately, has another chance with that eye after this experience. It's unfortunate that she had to suffer, but hopefully it will be enough of an awakening to get her people to come around!

 

[geckoboy16]

Im so relieved Comet is ok. Also, I think you should only sell to responsible kids. Im 14 and had reptiles forever and all my animals are healthy.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I think you should only sell to responsible kids.

How canI tell the difference between a 'responsible' kid from an 'irresponsible' kid?

 

[geckoboy16]

Sorry I worded that last post wrong, I meant that the parents should make sure there child is ready to take care of an animal.

 

[rubym]

I agree that it is the PARENTS responcibility to make sure that their child is ready for a pet and if it turns out that the child isn't ready then the parents need to step in and either help to care for the pet or find it a more suitable home. Just because it is an "animal" doesn't mean that it is disposable. It is a living breathing thing that you are dealing with.My youngest son begged for a guinea pig 3 years ago( he was 11) and we gave in and let him have one. He did not do as he was supposed to and as a result the poor little guy got sick and after a vet bill and days of bottle feeding it passed away. I have not let him have another pet. He wants a snake but he has not proven to me that he is capable of taking care of another animal and I am not good with snakes so he has a while to go before he will get a pet of his own. Marcia, I am so glad that things are improving with your comet. I hope that his family continues to do things the way they are.

 

[GroovyGeckos.com]

A warning would have been good, it really made me very sad to see that pic. That`s life tho`.:main_huh:

Glad to hear she should be doing better, at least!

 

[2.1SRR.YYC]

I don't have the time or resources to undertake an effort like this but maybe someone here should create a Health Check Sheet. Something that shows prospective gecko purchasers the implications of substandard leopard gecko care.

I'm talking about a color printed sheet with a picture of Comet at his worst (and other geckos with different health issues) on the left hand side and three columns. One for "What Happened", one for "How To Prevent It" and another for the "Vet Bill".

We could hand this out to the people who we figure may have issues with regular upkeep of a leopard gecko.

The shock value and even financial costs may be just what it takes to save another gecko(s) from the torture that Comet went through...

 

[Ipsl]

Thats not a bad idea.
I have to go to the Vet soon anyway So I can get some vet bill prices if people want to PM me some pics and ailments.

 

[ByRandom]

MBD is a really big problem, especially when it comes to kids taking care of the animal. Most don't fully understand the importance of calcium and vitamins.

--Katie

 

[ganjaMan2800]

wow that's a pretty amazing story, i can't even believe that picture that they sent you...absolutely horrific!

I would love to see update pictures if they ever follow through and keep in contact with you...She looks to be a beautiful gecko underneath all of that neglect...

 

[LizMarie]

Wow, I've never seen a leo like that before. I don't understand why they just didn't take the breeder and vet advice because a Gladware Container and a roll of paper towels is a lot cheaper then a Vet visit. Some people have ot learn the hard way, even if that means their pets life is a stake.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

*** UPDATE ON COMET! ***

Well, Comet is doing much better! Her eye in completely healed, but she still needs medicine for the injuries to he face and gums. I can't believe she didn't lose her right eye! She is off the slurry, but still won't eat from her mealworm bowl. He will eat tweezer-fed mealworms and has eaten a few cricket on her own, so I think that's fantastic!

Here is the latest pic of Comet I received today:

 

[Baysidegeckos]

That is great to She is doing alot better! YaY!!!!
Hope she keeps up the good work and continues to get better!
Thanks for the update!

 

[Leopardbreeder]

My god, you have a miracle gecko there Marica! That is amazing how fast the wounds healed! I am so glad she still has her right eye. I bet thats a stress reliever for you! I am so glad! Your a saint!

 

[Baker14]

She has really improved! That is so great!

 

[BettaDragon]

That poor thing. I'm glad I didn't make a stupid mistake like that when I was 11 got my first gecko. I made a bunch of stupid mistakes because I actually trusted the advice of the morons working at a certain pet store chain (cost one of my geckos a tail). The fact that they were told what to do and didn't is sad and to be honest a bit pathetic. I hate it when animals suffer because of human mistakes. I'm glad she's looking better now. That was an amazing recovery. She's a pretty girl. That thing should be pampered for the rest of it's life now to make up for that.

 

[Michelle]

Goodness, I only saw this post today! You must be so relieved!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

This is the email from Comet's keepers along with her photo:

Marcia, we appreciate all your help and expert advice. We feel horrible that Comet is going through this knowing it is our fault. She is part of the family now, so whatever it takes we'll take care of her. She enjoys her humid hide during shed time (thanks for that tub!). We'll keep you updated.