Why Sugar Gliders Are Part of My Family

Written by: TMarie - GA Owner/Admin

Download printable version here

My first glider was an impulse buy from an exotic auction. My boyfriend picked him up for me because he felt bad for making me find my cat a new home (he was allergic). I fell in love with Erwin the first moment I saw him. He was older (at least a year), not tame and very afraid of people. My boyfriend warned me that he was a little different to take care of than I was used to due to him being an exotic animal. I told him that was okay and I would look up all the information I could on him and really wanted to bring him into our home.

The next day I had a long day at work and I did not put it to waste. I immediately went and looked up all I could on gliders and compared information and articles. I joined forums and viewed websites. I printed out tons of information and had what I called my Sugar Glider Bible. That night I went home and started with what I learned such as diet and bonding. It was so much harder than I thought. Erwin refused to eat a diet that was recommended and I ended up having him on the MacPherson diet. He would not bond with me either. It was hard. I am not known for my patience and I just about gave up. I stopped looking up information online for a few months. During this time, there were many times I pondered over this same topic. Why are sugar gliders a part of my family?

After I graduated from college, I tried working even harder with Erwin. I was determined to bond with him and get him on a good diet. Finally, with the help and support of many within the glider community as well as my own family, I was able to have him eat the Suncoast diet. I also began to be able to hold him in my hand and have him not crab at me. To this day though, clipping his nails is a no no. After seven months approximately I had finally made peace with Erwin and he realized I was here to help him and love him all I could. It was at that moment I knew this was not any ordinary pet.

No pet had ever captured me like this before. Soon after I found a female friend for Erwin and so my list of animals grew to two. A few months after that, I brought Zack and Slater into my life also and here in a week or so I will bring two more gliders into my home as well.

I am now working on helping gliders all I can. I have started a website with tons of information for owners and others as well. I have started helping out in rescues and rescue funds. I have started a help database for new owners as well as pet shops and shelters. I have an information sheet for that database as well. Soon I will also start breeding these loved ones of mine also.

I never learned patience until I had a glider. This has become my motto. I also think this is why I have a great love and care for sugar gliders. I have always had a love for animals, but this is the first animal that has truly captivated me. Some tell me I have become one of those obsessed animal freaks, but I do not think that is the case. I have just found that love and hobby in my life, and for once I am truly happy. This is why gliders will for ever more be a part of my life and my family.

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