rugby's_mom
09-17-2012, 06:31 PM
Hello all...
I have found myself in a terrible predicament and am seeking some help…
About 2 years ago, I was given a baby squirrel who had fallen from his nest. I named him Rugby and he was a great eater and a wonderfully sweet little guy. The plan was to raise him and then release him into a safe environment. Soon after finding him, I discovered (in a very unpleasant way) that he had scabies. Vet visits and medications did the trick and he was back on track. I researched endlessly about raising him, weaning, dietary needs, etc. Everything was going well again until weaning time came. Suddenly, one night, Rugby had a terrible seizure. I rushed him the emergency vet. Rugby was given diazepam to stop the seizing and was sent home. First thing the next morning, I called my exotic vet and was able to take him straight in to be seen. Through a physical exam and some testing, it was determined that Rugby had meningitis. I was crushed to see my little man revert back to almost infantile behavior. It was a very long and very expensive road to recovery. I knew Rugby would never be "normal" again… and it took a lot of physical therapy to get him mobile again. He had to learn to sit, stand, climb, balance, and eat all over again.
At present, Rugby is at "maximum recovery" - he balances fairly well (but will still teeter when on a branch), he eats well, makes nests, and bounces around his cage.
Now comes the difficult part - I have been going through some "interesting" life changes and can no longer care for Rugby properly. I am desperately seeking a new home for him. He is not afraid of dogs or cats, so a release into a neighborhood type environment would never work. Plus, he never learned to fend for himself… Neither the vet nor I ever thought that he would improve to the point that he has.
I am hoping to find a home or sanctuary type environment for him… somewhere that he is protected and looked after. He is social, but I would not call him "tame". He certainly can be handled, but will nip/bite at hands when held. I have tried to keep his up with his dietary needs and at this point he seems to be in very good health.
I am located in South Florida (Davie, in Broward County). I would be willing to work out traveling/shipping arrangements for the right home.
Please contact me if you can help or provide any information.
Thank you so much,
Megan and Rugby
I have found myself in a terrible predicament and am seeking some help…
About 2 years ago, I was given a baby squirrel who had fallen from his nest. I named him Rugby and he was a great eater and a wonderfully sweet little guy. The plan was to raise him and then release him into a safe environment. Soon after finding him, I discovered (in a very unpleasant way) that he had scabies. Vet visits and medications did the trick and he was back on track. I researched endlessly about raising him, weaning, dietary needs, etc. Everything was going well again until weaning time came. Suddenly, one night, Rugby had a terrible seizure. I rushed him the emergency vet. Rugby was given diazepam to stop the seizing and was sent home. First thing the next morning, I called my exotic vet and was able to take him straight in to be seen. Through a physical exam and some testing, it was determined that Rugby had meningitis. I was crushed to see my little man revert back to almost infantile behavior. It was a very long and very expensive road to recovery. I knew Rugby would never be "normal" again… and it took a lot of physical therapy to get him mobile again. He had to learn to sit, stand, climb, balance, and eat all over again.
At present, Rugby is at "maximum recovery" - he balances fairly well (but will still teeter when on a branch), he eats well, makes nests, and bounces around his cage.
Now comes the difficult part - I have been going through some "interesting" life changes and can no longer care for Rugby properly. I am desperately seeking a new home for him. He is not afraid of dogs or cats, so a release into a neighborhood type environment would never work. Plus, he never learned to fend for himself… Neither the vet nor I ever thought that he would improve to the point that he has.
I am hoping to find a home or sanctuary type environment for him… somewhere that he is protected and looked after. He is social, but I would not call him "tame". He certainly can be handled, but will nip/bite at hands when held. I have tried to keep his up with his dietary needs and at this point he seems to be in very good health.
I am located in South Florida (Davie, in Broward County). I would be willing to work out traveling/shipping arrangements for the right home.
Please contact me if you can help or provide any information.
Thank you so much,
Megan and Rugby