First off, that was not a scolding. If you want to see a scolding, I can be MUCH harsher.

Secondly, the length of time that someone has been a user of any given internet forum (and/or their post count) is no indication of their expertise or lack thereof. I do not assume that because someone has been on a forum for a year or two that they know what they're doing.

Anyone can screw up, but the number of posts on this forum that are some variation of "my snake/lizard/whatever escaped, help me find it" is truly disturbing. Bottom line, if your animals are escaping their cages, you're doing something wrong, and you need to correct it. Whether it's an equipment problem (faulty latch/door, inadequate cage, etc) or a failure to pay attention to what you're doing when closing cages, or some other cause, it needs to be fixed, or eventually, you'll have a story like this one.

Again, I'm sorry for Kat (and Plop, who was adorable, and had just about the most appropriate name ever for a crested gecko).

Hopefully the fact that this was posted here rather than in rainbow bridge will cause a few more people to see it and realize the importance of the topic. On that note, I somewhat wish it was in General Herp. If arguing with uninvolved third parties (you) saves even one animal, it was worth the hassle for me.