My Collection is Complete: I am done acquiring reptiles

[dakski]

I think you have indeed found that perfect balance! Congrats! It sounds like they are all loved and give you joy. What more could you ask? And what more could they ask?

When I had parrots (which I successfully rehomed when going through a nasty divorce) I wrote them into my will, to be given to a specific parrot sanctuary along with donations to the sanctuary. I knew they would outlive me even under the best of circumstances.

I'm a nurse, and I'm also the daughter of a man who donated his kidneys and liver upon his death, *and* the partner of a man who was on the liver transplant list for awhile. I have done a lot of research and seen a lot of amazing things. What you were told when you got your kidney-- things have changed and improved since then, and will change even more before you reach age 65. ALL of us should count each day as the blessing it is, but also be hopeful that your original prognosis may not be correct, either.

Thank you. I really believe I have found that "balance."

I really appreciate your kind words and information regarding the kidney transplant.

I know it's just a number/expectation, etc. that statistics say. However, I am realistic. I take a ton of immune suppressants, including a lot of prednisone (long story) daily. That's not good and I am struggling with weight and pre-diabetes now. My father dropped dead at 58 of a heart attack, etc. I am doing everything I can to be here for a long time for my family, especially Katie, but it's a tough battle.

I too, as did Katie, go through a ridiculously bad divorce. Feel free to PM anytime if you want to vent, or even just talk reptiles, etc.

Reptile keeping is a slippery slope kind of hobby. Meaning it's addictive and starts out low responsibility. One or two are simple to keep. But when you inevitably add more, the responsibility starts to mount, especially when you have a situation as in Yafe's case.

It looks like you have an admirable array of animals that will provide years of enrichment for all involved. Personally, ten sounds like a great number to me. Enough to be diverse and interesting, but not so many as to become a crushing responsibility.

Congratulations on that, and best of luck with your health.

Thanks JR. I think the number depends on type of animal, your time availability, desire/passion for the animals (and knowing how long they live), etc. I've been keeping reptiles for the better part of my 38 years. I am devoted. This is the most I've ever had, but it feels right; it feels complete and perfect. It's an individual thing, but for me, I am there.

It's also very important that I have flexibility in my life and not be completely tied to the reptiles. I have other responsibilities and want to be available and a great husband for Katie. She is, and always will be, the priority. I probably should have put it in the original post, but I think she needs me to stop looking at the "next" reptile and doesn't want me to get overwhelmed either. She wants me happy and fulfilled, but also wants me to be there for her and spend time with her. I think that is fair. I feel I was getting to a point where the reptiles would take up more time than I would be able to spend with Katie, at least if I kept going. She has been incredibly supportive of the reptiles. I need to show her that I support her 100% as well.

She had never held a snake before she met me and was ambivalent about me moving in because of them. I've acquired 7 animals since I've moved in. It's a lot for her.

Very sweet !!
I only have 1 BP. Only want maybe 1 more....a leucistic.
Being that they live so long....I dont want too many when I'm 80. LOL



Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

Careful, they are addicting. Remember, I have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13! 13! LOL.

Mazel Tov on 80. I wish you Cent'anni, as they say in Italian.

Very cool, Dave. I was one of the doubters in the past, this time I believe you, hahaha.

You've got a super cool reptilian family and there's not a doubt in my mind that each and every one of your animals (dogs included) get the best care humanly possible.

Great thread, great info. This could be a great learning tool for others who are not quite sure when they've reached their "limits" without sacrificing any care for the animals.

I've said it before, I'm sure I'll say it again after today: you're an asset to the forum and hobby as a whole. I'm fortunate to have met you both on here and in the real world. Keep up the great work as an ambassador for these amazing animals.

...and as always, regarding your health: all my best wishes sent your way.

Thanks, Dave!!!

Craig,

Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words and the recognition of how hard I work to keep my animals happy and healthy. It means a lot coming from someone I respect greatly as a hobbyist and forum contributor.

Don't worry, I am still learning and plan on sharing on the forum. My collection is diverse enough that I can help others' with a variety of different species. The forum is one of the things that keeps me passionate. I love sharing and helping.

Thank you again brother.

Wow, wow, wow. I’m so sorry to hear about your health, but really love your attitude. I myself am very sick (severe injuries resulting in nerve disease and a stomach cancer survivor). I’m also terminal, but to stupid to give up. We should talk more, I relate so much to some if not all you are dealing with and going through. It’s late, I’m tired (watched the royal rumble). Or I would go on, never caught you were sick. We have a lot in common being “ill”. So sorry in your in my prayers.

Sonny,

Very sorry to hear about what you are dealing with as well. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you on the attitude comment. I wouldn't have that attitude, at least to the level I do, if not for the adversity I've faced in my life, largely health wise.

Every day is a blessing and I cherish everyone and everything I have in my life. I am blessed to have the reptiles, the dogs, and most of all, Katie, as well as many other good people in my life. I know this. I do not take it for granted. Whenever my time on Earth is up, I will die without regrets. I will be able to say I lived every day to the fullest and I treated people with love and respect. What else can you ask?

Very cool dak. I didn't know you got a Varanus! I just saw the other thread. It's cool to be happy with what you have. lol

Yeah, Toref rocks! He's too smart for his own good. He's being picky about food already. He likes giving me a hard time, but I can see, I am already starting to earn his trust and he's getting more curious about me than scared.

He will probably be one of my most challenging reptiles. He's an awesome animal to end the collection with. Rare, beautiful, a challenge, etc.

Congratulations to you dakski!
Good for you for putting the animals first by knowing your limitations with your time and energy. Any responsible keeper would greatly respect that.

And good luck with your upcoming wedding, and much prayers for your health.

Thank you!

I have struggled with balance and knowing my limitations in the past. I am glad I figured it out with the reptiles before it was too late!