Leo

Kiwibird

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Jul 12, 2012
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1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
Last weekend Leo, my ancient leopard gecko, finally passed on. Similarly to what's happened when other beloved humans and animals in my life have passed, I felt it when he went. This time I woke from a dead sleep in the middle of the night like a bolt of lightning went through me and I knew sweet little Leo was gone. He had been showing his age for several years- completely blind, missing almost all his toes, unable to shed on his own or catch his prey without help. His passing was an end to his suffering. I cannot be sad because that little gecko well and truly lived up into the very uppermost reaches of his lifespan and never knew a day of neglect or mistreatment. He was approximately a year old when I got him in 1997. He was my first pet that I was responsible for. I quickly found out he was nocturnal and not all that exciting of a pet, though he did enjoy curling up in your hand because of the warmth humans have. He survived a massive sand impaction early on, but otherwise had no health issues until he became of advanced age. He enjoyed eating giant wild-caught insects such as grasshoppers and leaf bugs as big as his head in the summers and went into a semi-hibernative state every winter where he barely ate for months on end. I believe these 2 factors contributed greatly to his advanced years.

While I do not believe in any kind of consciousness after death, I do thank mother earth for allowing me to enjoy this precious being for the time he was here. I wan't sure if I even wanted to post this in bereavement, as I don't think that an animal living a full, healthy, happy life before returning to the earth is sad or tragic. I am happy he lived out a full, healthy and to whatever extent a gecko may experience happiness or contentment in his life.
 
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LauraC

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Aug 27, 2017
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Fuji - Moustache Parakeet 6 yrs Old
What a beautiful post. Even though Leo lead a full life, it is still a loss to you. I am sorry for your loss. RIP Leo.
 

itzjbean

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Aw, so sorry to hear of Leo's passing but it sounded like he was very loved.

I think it's really cool that you came out of a dead sleep and just knew. Sounds like you have amazing intuition.

Rest easy now, little Leo!
 

GaleriaGila

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Taking responsibility for, and loving, and seeing an animal out in style... that's a beautiful thing. I hope to do the same for the Rickeybird.
Thank you for this.
Do you have a picture of Leo?
 

bigfellasdad

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Sep 21, 2017
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Enzo - adopted Female CAG circa 2004. A truly amazing young lady!
R.I.P little Leo, its heart breaking losing a companion, especially a freind ship that is as long so take care KiwiBird.


Andy
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Leo was so fortunate to have you as his companion and guardian. Your psychic awareness of his passing is a phenomena we may not understand but seems a harbinger of a greater consciousness of some sort. Perhaps not fully knowing is what keeps us human and anticipating each day anew.
 

Tami2

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Aug 18, 2017
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Levi - 6 yr old CAG

DOH-4/2/2016
Awww, thanks for sharing. So sorry for your loss. 💔
 
OP
Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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Jul 12, 2012
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1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
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Thank you all. Took a while for me to locate my favorite photo of Leo, taken many years ago (I think I was still in high school!). I swear he was smiling:

attachment.php
 
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Terry57

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Oh April, I am so sorry for your loss. Leo was a real beauty! What a wonderful life he had with you.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Thank you all. Took a while for me to locate my favorite photo of Leo, taken many years ago (I think I was still in high school!). I swear he was smiling:

attachment.php

What a beautiful and ethereal image of Leo!
 

BoomBoom

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May 2, 2012
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Boomer (Sun Conure 9 yrs), Pewpew (Budgie 5 yrs), Ulap (Budgie 2 yrs), Eight & Kiki (Beloved Budgies, RIP)
That's an awesome picture. Thanks for having given him a wonderful and comfortable life :)
 

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