Reptile & Amphibian Forums

To everyone who has been there to support me in my efforts to produce smoking hot pastels, thank you.
To those who were waiting on this years litters (many of the same people mentioned above), I am sorry.
I will not be producing any of the snakes known as "DPs" this year. The one female that I knew was gravid died this morning, aparently due to low temps from a heat tape malfunction.
Since I moved, I have not been able to monitor my snakes as I had when they were in the same house as me. With the snakes being at my moms I can't just walk in there and syy, "Oops, this one's messed up".
I was there Saturday, and everything was fine, and has been since the move.I don't know what the problem was and frankly, dont want to even guess.
I don't remember the last time I felt this sick. She was one of only a few females that I had kept when I moved, and there is no way I can replace her.
It's so hard to live by the words "Don't count your chickens before they hatch". Of course I had to be a jackass and open her up...28. I guess it wasn't as bad as it could have been if they were farther along. At this stage of development they were just big yolks with purple things on the side.
Anyway, I am done. I don't know if I will even try to recover from this and continue on with boas, or just say screw it and give up on boas all together. Its hard to think right now.
I know there are many people who have lost gravid females before that were worth a whole lot more, but I can't help but think that they couldn't have felt much worse than I do now.
-----
Davey Giltner

Not sure what to say, but that we are deeply sorry for your loss.
-----
"Life is a Safari"

Thank so much for your response. The community is really helping out with all the well wishing, and condolences.
-----
Davey Giltner

Davey, that really sucks man. I have only seen your DP line in pictures but they have always impressed me. Please don't give up though, I can only guess how upsetting the loss of your female is, especially accompanied with whatever personal issues you happen to be facing, but press on. Something, somehow, some way will present itself to you as an opportunity and your world will be better again.

Our thoughts are with you tonight!

Denny & Kathy

Denny, your words mean a lot to me bro. I have been having some very rough times, and this just seemed to be the tar icing on a rock cake.With all of the responses and seeing that people actually have noticed my efforts I am thinking I might try to tough it out.
-----
Davey Giltner

I am sorry for your loss, I know that one held a special place in your heart. Sometimes we get discouraged because we don't know what's up ahead...stay strong Dave...I am sure better things are on the way for you. Andy

I agree Andy, better things HAVE to be on the way. There isn't a whole lot that can get worse right now. Thanks for your thoughts, and thanks for helping straighten out my head..sorta.
-----
Davey Giltner

Sorry you lost a pet
Where you useing Flex Watt or heat rope ? Can you prove it failed and not your Thermostat or power outtage of some sort or short ?
FlexWatt has an outstanding reputation for long-term stability.

Regards;

The only "proof" is that it is on a thermostat with one other cage, and that cage is fine.The heat tape in the dead snake's cage is barely warm to the touch, and it looks like the lamination is bubbled away from the coils, and has one hot spot on it.
-----
Davey Giltner

.
-----
Actions Speak louder than words.
Dave @ East TN Reptiles

Thanks Dave, its gonna be rough for a while, but I think I will make it back around here.
-----
Davey Giltner

I extend my deepest condolences to you on your loss Davey, that is truly tragic.
I hope you can pick up the pieces, and continue, someday at the least.
Please do take care, I wish you well.
I am so sad for your situation. Stay strong.
-----
Jeremy J. Anderson
snakepimp.com
gemstatereptiles.com
Of course it's my opinion, I said it, didn't I?
Are they using the beef to control your mind? That stuff in your cigarettes, your beer and the wine Is working its way, infiltrating your spine, Today is the day you should wake up and find That they’re using the beef to control your mind. --(excerpt from a musical I wrote...)

I am hoping to start smuggling the snakes into my apartment this weekend, so I should be up and running soon. Its just gonna take a long time to dust myself off.
-----
Davey Giltner

Many of us have been where you are now and speaking from my own experience believe me I know how much it hurts. Losing special animals/pets such as yours is the absolute pits. Do yourself a favor and try not to second guess yourself. I'm sure you did your best possible to maintain her under proper conditions. The simple fact is these types of accidents happen not by choice. I hope you'll hang in there and bring more beautiful animals into the world someday.

I know that this really wasnt anything I could control, and am coping with that part. It is just one more bad thing in what seems to be a never ending list the past couple of months.Thanks for you reply.
-----
Davey Giltner

Whatever God gives He can take...and whatever He takes...He can give back...
Keep your head up man...I'm sure most of us have gone through something one time or another...
-----
Luke Martin
Bronze Serpent Reptiles

...
-----
Davey Giltner

I'm so sorry. I won't say I know how you feel, but I have experienced similar losses...and my heart is heavy for you. I hope you decide to stay in. There will be better moments for you.

Take care, Chris O
-----
www.chrisolsonreptiles.com
Naked I see the camp of those who desire nothing

I am still hopefull, and the more people resond, the lighter the burden feels. Thanks for your condolences. It really does mean alot.
-----
Davey Giltner

That's really tough. Give it some time.
When I lost my first litter I was deistated. I almost quit as well. I am very happy I didn't. But, I understand your pain. Sorry for your loss.
John
-----
"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

Thanks John, this keeping my head up is getting easier with people like you sharing.
-----
Davey Giltner

I haven't read the other posts.....So, if I'm being repetitive...I apologize. One way to carry on the mother's legacy and memory is through her babies. I think that if you take your time to mourn...And, then think about how the "children" can make their mothers memory live on. I know if I were in your shoes...And, in a couple of years had a baby from her produce.....That would be pretty darn cool.
Take care,
John
-----
"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

I'm so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your pastel girl.

I remember talking to Frank Martin a couple of years ago and telling him how I how felt about Ms Muir, the mother of both of my Ghost litters. I was a little intimidated by her and had not really grown fond of her, like I had with some of the others. He told me I would fall in love with her after she delivered that first litter. It was true!!!! Now, after two litters, she is my bud as much as a boa can be I know how I would feel if I lost her.......absolutely crushed......as I think you are feeling right now.

Please don't give up. You are such an asset to the hobby. You would be sorely missed if you threw it all away. I love looking at your pictures and reading your posts. Heck, if you need another girl to replace your special one, I will donate the one I bought. Although, I know you have some gorgeous yearlings who will be ready to go before too long.

Lastly, before you toss in the towel, think of how Jeremy Stone felt back in '01 when he lost a whole section of Motleys and Hypo Motleys. He lost a good portion of his Motley babies for that year. I can't even imagine how he must have felt. I would have probably ended up in my closet, sucking my thumb. I didn't even know Jeremy back then, but I admired him for picking up and going on.

I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but I know I can't. Think about it long and hard before you call it quits. You will truly miss that special girl and her babies unborn this year, but think of her other offspring that will carry on in the future.
-----
Linda Hedgpeth
lindafh@frontiernet.net
Sierra Serpents

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

Linda, Thanks so much. I apreciate your offer, but like you said, if I decide to stick around, I do have those other girls to work with in a couple years. It would cheer me up to see some pics of yours though. Is she doing well? I got your card the other day, way late because I have moved and it got stuck at the old house for a while. Thanks for that as well.
-----
Davey Giltner

And she is as beautiful as ever! I have just been swamped with other stuff right now, I haven't had anytime for picture taking.

You may have heard about our snow lately. Well, I had to fire up the John Deere to bucket and blade roads...out to the road, to the horses, barn, etc. The snow is waist deep in front of my house but at least I can walk around *on the roads I made* I love my tractor!!! John Deere rules!!!!!
-----
Linda Hedgpeth
lindafh@frontiernet.net
Sierra Serpents

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

But it is times like this where we are tested to our fullest, and when, NOT IF,we survive we will be that much better for it. Life has a way of testing those of us who need it most...

Once again I am very sorry to hear the bad news, and Id also like to say that the boa community will miss you, if you indeed decide to hang it up...HOPE NOT!!!! Keep fighting and I guarantee you will persevere.

Bob

Thanks Bob. I know we have never talked before, but it means a lot to know that even people that don't know you can help you through times like this with kind words.
-----
Davey Giltner

I to have lost a couple of special animals and I know how it hurts.
I know its painful. But I'm so glad I have the animals I have in my life now. I hope you do not let this tragedy stop you from enjoying
the other animals you have and the animals that will come your way in the future.
Sincerly,
Chuck

Youre right Chuck. After reading your post, I went and got out the snakes I have here and let em roam around for a bit. I don't wanna sound all cheesey, but they do seem to know that something is up with me, and they are acting kinda clingy. They keep climbing up me rather than going straight for the curtains as usual.
-----
Davey Giltner

Davey- Feel my arms around you and comfort you at this sad time in your life...
I hope you comr back to breeding Boas in your own due time.

With all the arms I am feeling now, I dont think I will be down and out too long.Thanks a million to everyone who responded.
-----
Davey Giltner

sorry to hear about your loss... i know that it's hard right now but I know one day you will bounce back from this. my condolences,
tristan

Hey Davey man we spoke shortly last night about this situation. Last 2 yrs have been the pits for me and boas. The mother of my lat striped female died march 21st after giving birth to 42 babies she was my first boa and was about 11 yrs old so i was attached to her like a first born child. when she died 90% of my boas didnt even wanna see a boa again. I kept the one laterial striped girl as a torch to carry on in her name. I know when she breeds it will bring me all the joy her mom did so i keep saying in o6 ill be all better lol . I know how hard you worked to make your name what it is people now speak of pastels and a Davey Pastel is one line mentioned and lookedat for the traits it has. As linda said think of what Jeremy felt when he had the set back i dont think a closet aqnd thumb would do it for me lol.

Last yr was no better for me i lost a few snakes that would have bred this yr and made my dreams come true 1.1 anery het snow & a het albino male het stripe. several of my friends remeber me posting the rest of the collection for sale but talked me out of it which i am grateful for ( thanks you know who you are guys/gals ) it wont be a easy loss to forget and never will but think of her offspring carrying on her line and how good it will make you feel to see her babies have babies and we all know there is nothing better to walking in to a pile of soaking wet baby boas hissing striking and roaming a cage ... in the immortal words of " Jimmy V" DONT GIVE UP ...DONT EVER GIVE UP
best wishes Davey and keep you head high my man you have every reason to do so take care man best wishes
Alan
-----
Buisnesses come and go everyday, what keeps you here is how you treated the customer the day before....My Boa Can Kick Your Boas _ss!www.cheapcages.com
Visit the new website while the Jungle gets made over.

.