Reptile & Amphibian Forums

to me...sorry couldn't resist the Beegee's reference
This is something my wife brought up recently and asked me to do some homework on. What sort of provisions can one make for their critters in the event of their death?? I'm the only person in my family that's at all interested in herps (apart from my great aunt but she's way too old for my stuff). And there isn't a local reptile rescue...it leaves me at a loss as to what to do in the event of my death.
I don't mean to sound morbid but she's got a point; she's fine with the animals being here but doesn't want to care for them for 20 years if I buy it. I'm open to ideas/suggestions?

>>I don't mean to sound morbid but she's got a point; she's fine with the animals being here but doesn't want to care for them for 20 years if I buy it. I'm open to ideas/suggestions?

Network. Honestly, if I were to die tomorrow people from I think 4 states would take my animals. Your wife may need to do basic temporary maintainance on the animals (ie adding water) but depending on your stock, larger pythons can skip a feeding or two. Contact a herp society in your area. Look a little further out for reptile rescues. If there isnt one this time, check again. There are many reptile rescues nationwide. Arrange ahead of time with your wife to be sure she knows who to contact. What state are you located in? Perhaps I could help give you some names. Check the references. I know my personal rescue could give you more than 10 professional references

This *IS* something important that any pet owner should plan for. I have arrangements for my dogs, cats and reptiles.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

AFAIK the closest herp societies or rescues would be in Dallas, Albequrque or OK City. I know there's nothing within an easy drive but that's part of living in a rural area *shrug* I'll start trying to look around at those cities some more and see what I can find.

I'm only 24 so doing this makes me feel so freaking morbid it isn't funny.

>>I'm only 24 so doing this makes me feel so freaking morbid it isn't funny.

ditto on that, dude! i was 23 when i was asked the same questions from my mother (about 2 years ago). i actually have a whole 5 page of directions for my snakes lol. i actually went through the process of feeding and taking care of them with my brother and a few close friends so in the event of my death i knew they atleast had short term care. Then i went through my friends and asked each one if "in the event" whether they would want to take a couple of them. Then i have two people designated to sell which ever ones werent taken.... like i said i have a 5 page plan and thats not even including the caresheets! its good to have a plan no matter how morbid it is to think about.
A buddy of mine grandma died about 3 years back and all her snakes ended up getting put down after going 2 months without food because no one knew how to care for them (not to mention no one even thought about them). when we finally heard about it it was already too late..... so its really just part of the deal in taking in a pet. Even if youre dead its still your responiblity to make sure that they are taken care of.
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2.2 red tail boas
1.0 blood python
1.1 kenya sand boas

>>>>I'm only 24 so doing this makes me feel so freaking morbid it isn't funny.
>>
I did this for the first time in my early 20's. I am now 33. I update my list regularly of what animals need to be disposed of in a certain manner. This is my personal collection listing. Rescue animals will go up for placement and I even have money stashed in the event something happens. My note contains directions on how to get into my bank account and take money if needed. When we added the dogs 6 years ago was when I formally wrote something up. Unfortunately this is a step many folks never even think about. I think while morbid, its great that you are planning for it!
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

"...my personal collection listing. Rescue animals will go up for placement..."

Good distinction! While we don't want our family & friends to be burdened with our captives and we don't want our captives to suffer, I, personally, would like to see my family get at least some of the value of my collection. It adds a new twist and applies to some more than others, depending upon the value of our collections.

Regardless of our age, there's no guarantee on life. I'm 47 and due to some recent health issues my wife recently brought up the same question: "What am I gonna do with these big snakes if you die?"

I live in a very rural area, waaaayy out in the boonies. However, from networking like Cindy said, I've got a few people locally & across the nation that can help. You've got to beat the bushes but you should be able to find a few people in your area that can & will help. Talk to the local pet shops, get more acquainted with them, put up flyers there looking for fellow reptile enthusiasts. Get the word out that you're in the area.

For those that have extensive and/or expensive collections - setting up an advertising account such as those available here at KS, PayPal account or some other money merchant account, and becoming FedEx certified is well worth the small effort & time it takes to do so. I suggest doing it with whoever might be left holding the bag so they learn the ropes with you. At least leave instructions on how to go about it like already mentioned.

I'm just a small-time breeder/collector and I don't have very many expensive animals but I still want my family to get what they can out of what I've got because they're gonna need it. I'm glad I have all of the accounts listed above already setup & in place. It's not near the hassle that it may seem to be & well worth the effort.

I live in the southwestern corner of NC. I'll be more than glad to help anyone nearby or far away in any way I can. I've heard of a few people that I believe live near the Dallas area that has helped other people in sticky situations in times past.

Have a great day!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

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