The unimaginable... ALL OUR ANIMALS LIVED through the fire!!!

[frankykeno]

I have to start off by saying that I have never been a big fan of forums of any kind. In my mind they were a haven for misinformation and users who had not much good to say about anything. After reading the entire list of responses to Bruce's tragedy, I am happy to say that this group of real people and supporters has changed my mind 100%. My name is Norm, and this is the first time I have ever posted anything on a forum and l look forward to reading more and getting more involved. My wife and I run DINO Reptiles out of Ottawa and have been lucky enough to be trusted to look after 5 of Bruce's pythons (some of them gravid) and one of his gravid corns. My hat is off to all of you who have offered support by way of a message of encouragement or offer to foster some of his friends.

Norm thank you so much for offering to help out Bruce. Bruce has a lot of friends here but so many of us are across the border in the U.S. (and around the world for that matter) that we cannot help with the fostering due to the paperwork involved in bringing his snakes across the border. The relief felt when we heard that you and your friends were stepping up to help, to take on these snakes so Bruce could catch his breath and deal with his life - well Norm it's pretty damn wonderful!

I'm sorry your experience with online communities has been poor in the past. If I may say so myself we do work hard around here to change that image and make this about the snakes, about folks being decent to each other and just acting pretty much like we would if we were sitting around somebody's livingroom gabbing with each other. It's a family friendly place and I can say there's few like it around. Hope you stick around.

Bruce, I appologize for just writing now (I had a PC crash), not that important now, but I am so happy that you and yours made it out ok. You know that I have the upmost respect for you. I've always thought you were a stand up guy. I've helped folks through fire emergencies before (including animal injury, rehab etc). It sounds like your guys just need some fostering. Please let me know if I can be of any help now or in the long run.
Again, I'm thrilled you and yours are ok, Please let me know and keep us updated.
Rusty

It's been so great Rusty that these folks from the Ottawa area have helped Bruce out. To take on that number of snakes without notice, with such open hearts and giving souls - well it just makes me smile. A wonderful bunch of good people and true herpers (I hope they stick around here too ).