Goodbye, Jean Luc

[eleda]

I recently noticed that Jean Luc had lost a third of his weight. I don't know how long he'd been loosing. Between being busy, him hiding so much of the time, and the tank being in my bedroom instead of a living space, I just didn't notice it happening. I tried to fatten him up with good soft food (since he didn't seem to have been eating the seed mix) but it seems it was too little too late. He died last night.

He was two years old at least - probably a few months more - so I suppose he had a good life. He was a pet-shop gerbil and commonly developed growths so I don't think his genetics were an advantage to him. I can't help feeling bad though; fearing I neglected him and it led to his death. I buried him under a flowering bush in the garden.

I'm not sure what to do about Data yet. It seems he's already a bit more skittish, so I'd like to try to find him some pups. But I'm moving very far away in a few months time (June) and its entirely possible I'll loose Data before then too (he and Jean Luc were about the same age.) In which case I would have no gerbils and moving with no gerbils is way easier than moving with them for a whole lot of reasons.

Good news is that for now Data is doing fine. He's chunky and well energized since he ate all the food Jean Luc ignored <_<

[the_gerbilpetsworld]

Aw Bless so sorry for your loss R.I.P Jean Luc sleep tight little one. I think Data will be fine. As he is on his own now I would give him one to one time daily and make sure he is healthy and himself if you are worried about him I would take him to your nearest vet to make sure he is Ok. Are you moving abroad or moving far in the country you live in?

PetMad15

[eleda]

thanks <3 im moving from the middle of the US to the coast

[catnut]

soo sorry to hear about Jean Luc, I'm sure Data will be fine on his own, just give him some extra attention, enough to chew and keep him busy when he is awake and he should be okay. lone gerbils are more skittish so they just need you to be more understanding and to let them know you are around before they can see you, I talk to my gerbils and give them extra hidey homes to feel more secure. Try not to blame yourself, I'm sure he knew you loved him and he had his brother to cuddle with.

Take care of yourself,

Tammy

[eleda]

thanks <3

[urofan]

I am very sorry that your gerbil Jean Luc died. I live rear the coast in Western Oregon.

[eleda]

thank you <3

[PurpleSheep]

I'm sorry to hear about Jean Luc.

You could see how Data does on his own for a few months, and when you have moved, if he is still around and doing well, you could look at introducing him to pups then? That way, you're leaving your options open and moving just one gerbil won't be quite as difficult as moving three.

[eleda]

PurpleSheep - yeah, i think that's what im going to do. for now he seems well, just bored. trying to think of new enrichment ideas for him

[mina]

I love the gerbil names, and I wanted to say sorry for your loss. I don't think you did anything wrong and am positive you did all the right things. He's in gerbil heaven, probably in charge of a gerbil's version of the Enterprise. You couldn't help his origins but you did enjoy and love him from when you met, right? I agree with what Purplesheep said, wait a bit. Also, think data will be fine on his own until the move. He's Data after all ^-^, I wish you could name one the new pups "Lal", so it would be kinda like the show, Ah I'm getting carried away!

Happy moving, hope it goes smooth!

[eleda]

Awww thats such a cute idea! I might do that! So far I had been thinking Geordie and Troi, because they are my next-favorites =3 thank you for the condolences <3

[rs]

Sorry to hear of your losses (you have two others listed), and regards to Data.

[sparky]

Sorry to hear about Jean Luc. I remember when you got him How is Data doing now?