Well, Pebbles still has an arm that is so swollen it is hard to the touch. I must say I am very upset about the whole purchase and the people I bought her from. I was told before I bought her that she was absolutely perfect, housed solitary her entire life and I would love her. When she arrived she seemed okay besides some scarring on her back and an abrasion on her mouth, both of which I was not informed about. However, within an hour it became apparent her arm was not doing well either. I talked with the people on the phone and they said she was walking fine before she was sent and that they were animal lovers and they would work with me to get her back to health by splitting veterinary costs, which seemed like a very nice thing to do. They also said the I took her in to the vet for a checkup ($60) but I figured I would probably have taken her in anyway so I told them to not worry about the cost unless the swelling did not go down and we had to take x-rays. Well, the swelling did not go down. I emailed them telling them I was going to take her in, the approximate cost of the x-ray and that I would like to split costs with them. They did not write me back (strange how someone will write you back within a couple hours when you are looking to give them money but will not get back to you in other times) but I took her to her appointment because she was obviously in pain. The x-rays came up negative. I sent another email to them telling them the total cost ($113) and that I could fax them the receipt, send pictures of her arm and have my vet call them if need be. No reply. I called and talked to the owner who proceeded to start yelling about how he had a business to run, that I had had the animal for over a week and that I could send her back if I was not satisfied but he would not pay for any veterinary costs. At this point I was thinking about sending her back but would then lose $70 for shipping, plus $180 (= $250) in vetinery costs and get nothing in return, plus I knew he would not take her to the vet or treat her himself which is what really made up my mind to just keep her. Now, the swelling has still not gone down. I have already payed over $500 for her and I just got an estimate on her next vet visit and it is going to be $250. I really don't know what to do because I honestly can't afford it with Christmas a couple weeks away. I sold one of my Bearded Dragons to try and pay for some of the costs but it still is adding up so fast.
I guess the moral of the story is don't be hasty with your purchases. Do your research before you buy. The $25 mali or $35 dollar Saharan may seem like a good deal but it's probably going to cost you way more in the long run than paying the extra to get one from a reputable breeder.
I really hope that Pebbles comes around. She's obviously in pain, the medication is not working and because of all this she is not eating very much at all and losing weight. Anyway, thanks for letting me rant, I needed it.
Peter
