Ramblings of a gecko veteran....

[acharpenter]

You were the very first person to speak with me personally - I have never forgotten that

Thank you and seriously - my Gecko's owe you a thank you also - as well as many other Gecko's across the world - seriously


Your tired - I sincerely do not wish to see you go, but - I do encourage you to at least take a break. After all the posts, threads, help and follow up I have seen you do - I think you need - and most certainly deserve at least a break.


I am sorry that I was not aware of your health issues - but that being said - it just makes me respect you all the more

You have to do what is right for you and most certainly for your health.

Whatever you decide - I support you

 

[LeopardShade]

Marcia, you have always been one of the most illustrious and inspirational people to me in the Herp world. I support wholeheartedly whatever decision you choose to make and hope you are satisfied with it.

 

[fallen_angel]

To be someone that truly cares about their animals get out of the hobby is a shame and would be one less of the very few.

:thinking2:
Most definitely this.​

Your health and sticking with what is manageable is definitely extremely important. No matter what may unfold, a person like you would be greatly missed around the forums, radio shows, well.. everywhere. You'll always be loved and appreciated within the hobby, you're a mentor and inspiration for countless people; and if I could describe you in one word, it would be Humani-Gecko-tarian. You're like a second mother, the most caring/heartwarming person I've ever met. I think those of us that do know you and have met you in person can all agree that simply put - you're amazing.

I know this is very difficult for you. No matter what, we all support you!! You're always in my prayers and will always hold a very special place in our lives and hearts :heart:

 

[Kristi23]

I definitely agree with Jess. I just wanted to know that you're still someone I look up to in the gecko world.

 

[roger]

I will definately miss your posts.You've always been there to patiently answer all questions.Thank You

 

[727geckokid]

I dont want this to sound like I am "Waving Good-Bye" But would like to say that I do wish you the best with whatever decision you decide is best. The health and care for your geckos is important but you also have to do whats best for Numero Uno. Its has been a true pleasure talking with you and taking advice of the years especially most recently this year when a Thermostat failure killed over half my babies this year. It was unfortunate yet quite helpful that you had experienced the same problem a few years back and were able to point me in all the right directions to save those babies that could be saved.

 

[Dimidiata]

No matter what happens the herping world owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude for everything you have done. Do what is best for your health.

 

[Dragoon Gecko]

Marcia...what can I say?
You have always been an inspiring example of how a gecko Breeder should be - not only for me, but for all of us. There are so many things I owe you, and I can and will not imagine a community where you are not alround.

IMO, Your position in this "modern world" is totally clear:
Your're needed- more than ever. Please stay. No matter how dramatic it may get sometimes - the love and respect for you can be found everywhere in this place..

I guess no member in any forum has been loved and adored as much as you, and you deserve your position very well. Lock this certainty in your heart, and it will show you the way..

Be aware that we won't let you go that easy :main_evilgrin::sweetheart:
/Rebecca

 

[jski711]

Coming back into the herping world I have no idea who you are but I can already tell what kind of person you are. You are passionate about your animals and you do whatever it takes to care of them. People like you are what this hobby needs. I'm coming back to reptiles after keeping a reef tank for the last six years. You remind me of a fish breeder I came to know very well. Her fish ate better than normal people do! LOL. I realize you are sick and I'm sorry to hear that. No matter what happens it sounds like you have left your mark on this hobby and It's a great one. Hopefully I have the opportunity to pickup a youngster from you when my setup is ready. God bless and whatever you decide it sounds like everyone here will support you.

 

[PhoenixCoconut]

Marcia, you are one of my biggest inspirations, you are one of the most knowledgeable people out there, your slurry is amazing and all of your HELPFUL posts, helped people like me know more about the wonderful creature, the leopard gecko. I know your health is a huge factor and I really consider it. I just hope you do what is the right thing! I will remember you in my prayers!

 

[eyelids]

As a fellow 'not-a-person-of-perfect-health' I say get rid of everything, but your favorites and maybe breed a pair if you want... I did this a couple years ago and it's been a great! Of course you will miss hatching/raising babies, but you'll have much more time with your family and hopefully a lot less stress... Best wishes to ya whatever you decide!

 

[Mel&Keith]

Marcia, I love you. You've done more to help this community over the years than any person I know.

I totally understand the dealing with people aspects of where you're coming from. We let almost everything go last month. We reduced our collection to about 40 geckos a couple of years ago and last year we bred one female. I didn't even try to sell anything. After agonizing about it for a REALLY long time we decided that it was't right for us to keep that many geckos as pets and that it was too much of a financial stress. I kept making lists of who I couldn't bear to see go and it was almost all of them. lol There was a day when I was completely overwhelmed and moved all but a trio of Leos, a pair of Cresteds, and the Milii's out of the "must stay" column and into the "need to go" column. It's been a month with 10 reptiles in the house and honestly, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

I don't know if I can picture you with no reptiles but if having less of them would alleviate stress in your life I would just do it. If you have a day when you feel like you can let some of them go mark them for sale and don't look back.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I'm surprised to see this thread resurrected... I honestly thought it would just vanish into oblivion. I have so many wonderful relationships that have developed over the many years from an 'online community' like GeckoForums.net. I feel privileged to be a part of it all, and to know many of you feel it too. My husband could never understand 'how' I could feel so much love for all of you and your geckos, and yet never have laid an eye on most of you!

I am still struggling, although I do not feel as strongly about making a decision this very minute. What I HAVE decided is, that I will phase-out Golden Gate Geckos as a business over the next year or so and go back to being a hobbyist. I just don't think I could survive without my geckos and snakes... I just don't need to breed them all or have so many!

Thank you all. Your words mean more to me than I can express.

 

[lora01fl]

I'm surprised to see this thread resurrected... I honestly thought it would just vanish into oblivion.

Marcia, no one here is going to let you vanish into oblivion! You are a very valuable part of this forum and I think everyone would miss you and your contribution to both the forum and breeding.

Downsizing and going back to being able to enjoy your geckos and snakes is probably a wonderful idea. It is so hard when you hurt and and face limitations that hinder your ability to care for and do what you love.

We don't "know" each other, but I believe that you have to do what is best for you...whatever that may be. I also refuse to just wave goodbye to you. I hope you are around for a long time even if you aren't as active.

Lora