In Memoriam

[Fireblade]

I'm so very sorry about that! I can't even begin to imagine that much agony.

I hope you find all the animals that you want. You can't replace the lost ones, but you can learn to love some new ones.

I am working on it and no you cant replace but i don't ever want to know a day where I don't have animals in my life.
and thank you its been rough.

 

[William Lee Kohler]

I just lost all of mine in a House fire couldn't even safe 1 of my animals including my dogs it was still Winter so they where all in the house,
Now I am starting over I had several Adults of different species it was the worst day in my life.

Now awful to even imagine this. So very sorry for your animal family and for you.

 

[TSavannahx]

I just wanted to say this to these type of websites where owners of tortoises come together and talk about tortoise life.

One of my tortoises passed away last night. It's heartbreaking, I barely had any sleep and I haven't done anything but get upset. It's broken my heart and I can't believe that he's gone.

People can say that he was only a pet but to me he was family, I spent every single day taking care of him and showing him love.
Even though he's no longer with me, I won't stop loving him and I'll miss him until the day we reunite with each other.

I have to carry on taking care of his brother and loving him. Even though my other tortoise is no longer here, I'll never forget him and I'll never stop loving him.

Thank you for reading this.

 

[ISU]

I am so sorry for your loss. Take your time to recover and do not blame yourself

 

[Tom]

Losing one is heartbreaking. I try to discover how they died in an effort to prevent this heartache from happening again to me or anyone else. Do you know why it died? Were they living together as a pair?

 

[Lyn W]

So sorry for your loss - was it sudden or had he been ill?

 

[wellington]

So very sorry.
If you could share more details of what led up to this happening it could help others even more. Like did you keep him together with his brother?
Was he sick before hand?
Again very sorry.

 

[Jan A]

I just wanted to say this to these type of websites where owners of tortoises come together and talk about tortoise life.

One of my tortoises passed away last night. It's heartbreaking, I barely had any sleep and I haven't done anything but get upset. It's broken my heart and I can't believe that he's gone.

People can say that he was only a pet but to me he was family, I spent every single day taking care of him and showing him love.
Even though he's no longer with me, I won't stop loving him and I'll miss him until the day we reunite with each other.

I have to carry on taking care of his brother and loving him. Even though my other tortoise is no longer here, I'll never forget him and I'll never stop loving him.

Thank you for reading this.

So so sorry for your loss. Big hugs to you & your family

 

[TSavannahx]

Hi everyone

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your kind messages. I really, really appreciate that.

It's all a huge shock and I was in absolute bits.

I'm lucky that I was actually off on annual leave today because if I wasn't then I wouldn't even imagine how much of a wreck I'd be.
I'm back in work tomorrow and I don't know how on earth I'm going to be able to cope.

As silly as this may sound, I've been thinking of putting some photos that I took of him during the times in his life and putting them inside of a memory box to look back and remember him by.

Again I just wanted to say a huge thank you, I would've replied to all of the replies but I think that that's set me off again.

You guys seem to be great, caring people and I should using these forums more often and get to know yourselves and your tortoises along the way!

Also, thank you so much for putting my thread in the 'In Memorian' section.
You all didn't know my tortoise as I've never used this, I've only looked through threads every now and again by other people to read advice and tips that you guys give, but in some form, my tortoise who's no longer with us, will be remembered by being on this thread.

Thank you all once again, I'll be sure to drop by in the forums regular and get to know you all! I'm a pretty shy person so bear with me as I'm the type of person who would just read threads and not send a single reply!

 

[Suzanne]

MCTLONG WROTE THIS AFTER DAVID'S RAINBOW BRIDGE THREAD, AND I'VE MERGED THE TWO, BUT MCTLONG'S WAS FURTHER DOWN. SO I CUT IT AND MOVED IT UP HERE. THE GREEN PART IS MCTLONG'S POST:

This week I've noticed several posts about members loosing shelled family members. I don’t know about you guys, but I mourn for every last one, from the youngest hatchlings to the very old torts who have been with their owners for decades. Although I have not met most of these little torts or their owners in person, I cry almost every time I hear about one of them passing. Searching the forum, I could not find a group In Memoriam thread, so this is a thread to remember all our shelled friends who have been lost. This is a thread to post pics and memories of the shelled loved ones who have passed, offer support to their owners, and never forget how much our lives have been enriched by these beautiful creatures.

Here are some of torts that have been lost recently -

• Craig’s (@Anyfoot) beautiful homeana adult and redfoot hatchling
• @Sweet0dodo’s tortoise
• Maggie’s (@maggie3fan) Bob the Sulcata

Rest in Peace.




And now on to David's thread:

So I have been posting the poem rainbow bridge for awhile whenever someone loses a tortoise, I always felt bad since it seems written more for cats or dogs, as we all know we love our tortoises as much as anyone else who loves a cat or dog. So I decided to rewrite rainbow bridge for tortoises.

Just this side of heaven is a place called rainbow bridge.
When a tortoise dies who was loved by someone, that tortoise goes to rainbow bridge.
There are wide open plains and warm basking spots for all our beloved tortoises to spend all day basking in the warm sun. There is plenty of grass, and flowers, lots of warm water to soak in. Our friends are all warm and comfortable, and play together all day long

All the tortoises who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remembered them in our dreams of days and time gone by. The tortoises are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special who had to be left behind.

They all bask, and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are eager and intent, his shell starts to wiggle. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, his stubby legs carrying him over the plains, faster than they ever could in life.

You have been spotted, and when you and your tortoise meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy head rubs commence, your hands once again caress your tortoise's head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your beloved tortoise, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author known.

 

[HawkTheRedFootTortoise]

Wow, that put a lump in my throat. Turtles/Tortoises should be remembered just as much as a cat or dog.

 

[ANGELA BRZECZKOWSKI]

My sympathy and condolences are with you. Bless your heart for your peace in your mourning. I still mourn my little doggie Brownie. He was an old little toothless doggie who Charlie the tortoise would snuggle up to. It has been 2 years since he's been gone and Charlie the tortoises still wanders over to his pillow spot. God gave me Charlie for a reason. Now I'm crying. They're such a big part of our lives. So Sorry .

 

[Jan A]

My sympathy and condolences are with you. Bless your heart for your peace in your mourning. I still mourn my little doggie Brownie. He was an old little toothless doggie who Charlie the tortoise would snuggle up to. It has been 2 years since he's been gone and Charlie the tortoises still wanders over to his pillow spot. God gave me Charlie for a reason. Now I'm crying. They're such a big part of our lives. So Sorry .

Our animals for many of us keep us going in tough times 'cause you have to get up & feed them, walk them, clean up after them. They invade your heart so Angela, I know what you mean & I'm so sorry for your loss.

We had to put our big Maine coon cat down 2 weeks ago, who suddenly went into acute kidney failure. He loved his cat food & he let you know when he wanted you to feed him all day & all night. He was always hopeful. He caterwhauled at night if he thought there was a chance he'd get some food. He was a bully, but if the door bell rang or guests came inside, he ran for cover & you didn't see him again until the coast was clear.

So we miss him. I've heard his cry or his coo a couple of times at night since he left us.

 

[Duckster RT]

My sympathy and condolences are with you. Bless your heart for your peace in your mourning. I still mourn my little doggie Brownie. He was an old little toothless doggie who Charlie the tortoise would snuggle up to. It has been 2 years since he's been gone and Charlie the tortoises still wanders over to his pillow spot. God gave me Charlie for a reason. Now I'm crying. They're such a big part of our lives. So Sorry .

Thanks for your contact. Best wishes into the future

 

[Dragon]

What a wounderful idea, and poem....i have no idea how old sissy is but it would break my heart if anything should happen.....Could someone also put up the orginal poem? My service dog sheba is 17 now and i charish each and every day God allows her to stay with me, but i know her time will come and how hard it will be. I want to do an emboridy with the poem and a place for pictures...one for my first dog after i was married....jalbowja, and my dear charlie, my first service dog...( poor little guy always had to stay in the car as my kind of service dog wasnt regonized yet) and my dear toby who somehow knew how much i needed him ( spike stoped at the pound after charlie was put down and came out with toby) and of course a place for sheba when her time comes..... i saved this one too just in case but pray my sissy will outlive me by many many years..... my pareekt holmes and ivy my cat will find places in the second one .....the one posted here ( maybe i can find a way to add a bird and cat to it.... ) I am so very very sorry for our tort parents who have lost there loved ones. I do hope this section of the fourm will remain here, and perhaps be for all of our animal children, as i have never found a place where people who consider and love there animal family members as much as the human family members so we can come together to moarn..... please know my heart is there with all of you at this time.....If i can figure out how to make the emboridy picture frame with these poems I will gladly make one for anyone who wants one, all i ask is you pay shipping .... again i am so sorry for your loss and will pray God and Jesus will give you the strength you need during this time of moraning

 

[Cybertort]

A star tortoise hatchling of mine passed away, though he was only with me for a brief moment in time, I would like to share its story with you all.

Against all odds, a story of a smashed egg and the spirit of survival

Dear all, a long time member here but first time posting, I hope to share a story about my tortoise. Best, Albert. Against all odds, a story of a smashed egg and the spirit of survival Prologue My 2 Indian Star tortoises are about 30 years old, one male and one female, the female had been...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[LeeB60]

MCTLONG WROTE THIS AFTER DAVID'S RAINBOW BRIDGE THREAD, AND I'VE MERGED THE TWO, BUT MCTLONG'S WAS FURTHER DOWN. SO I CUT IT AND MOVED IT UP HERE. THE GREEN PART IS MCTLONG'S POST:

This week I've noticed several posts about members loosing shelled family members. I don’t know about you guys, but I mourn for every last one, from the youngest hatchlings to the very old torts who have been with their owners for decades. Although I have not met most of these little torts or their owners in person, I cry almost every time I hear about one of them passing. Searching the forum, I could not find a group In Memoriam thread, so this is a thread to remember all our shelled friends who have been lost. This is a thread to post pics and memories of the shelled loved ones who have passed, offer support to their owners, and never forget how much our lives have been enriched by these beautiful creatures.

Here are some of torts that have been lost recently -

• Craig’s (@Anyfoot) beautiful homeana adult and redfoot hatchling
• @Sweet0dodo’s tortoise
• Maggie’s (@maggie3fan) Bob the Sulcata

Rest in Peace.




And now on to David's thread:

So I have been posting the poem rainbow bridge for awhile whenever someone loses a tortoise, I always felt bad since it seems written more for cats or dogs, as we all know we love our tortoises as much as anyone else who loves a cat or dog. So I decided to rewrite rainbow bridge for tortoises.

Just this side of heaven is a place called rainbow bridge.
When a tortoise dies who was loved by someone, that tortoise goes to rainbow bridge.
There are wide open plains and warm basking spots for all our beloved tortoises to spend all day basking in the warm sun. There is plenty of grass, and flowers, lots of warm water to soak in. Our friends are all warm and comfortable, and play together all day long

All the tortoises who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remembered them in our dreams of days and time gone by. The tortoises are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special who had to be left behind.

They all bask, and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are eager and intent, his shell starts to wiggle. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, his stubby legs carrying him over the plains, faster than they ever could in life.

You have been spotted, and when you and your tortoise meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy head rubs commence, your hands once again caress your tortoise's head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your beloved tortoise, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author known.

That is so beautiful.

 

[tortinaroundtown]

MCTLONG WROTE THIS AFTER DAVID'S RAINBOW BRIDGE THREAD, AND I'VE MERGED THE TWO, BUT MCTLONG'S WAS FURTHER DOWN. SO I CUT IT AND MOVED IT UP HERE. THE GREEN PART IS MCTLONG'S POST:

This week I've noticed several posts about members loosing shelled family members. I don’t know about you guys, but I mourn for every last one, from the youngest hatchlings to the very old torts who have been with their owners for decades. Although I have not met most of these little torts or their owners in person, I cry almost every time I hear about one of them passing. Searching the forum, I could not find a group In Memoriam thread, so this is a thread to remember all our shelled friends who have been lost. This is a thread to post pics and memories of the shelled loved ones who have passed, offer support to their owners, and never forget how much our lives have been enriched by these beautiful creatures.

Here are some of torts that have been lost recently -

• Craig’s (@Anyfoot) beautiful homeana adult and redfoot hatchling
• @Sweet0dodo’s tortoise
• Maggie’s (@maggie3fan) Bob the Sulcata

Rest in Peace.




And now on to David's thread:

So I have been posting the poem rainbow bridge for awhile whenever someone loses a tortoise, I always felt bad since it seems written more for cats or dogs, as we all know we love our tortoises as much as anyone else who loves a cat or dog. So I decided to rewrite rainbow bridge for tortoises.

Just this side of heaven is a place called rainbow bridge.
When a tortoise dies who was loved by someone, that tortoise goes to rainbow bridge.
There are wide open plains and warm basking spots for all our beloved tortoises to spend all day basking in the warm sun. There is plenty of grass, and flowers, lots of warm water to soak in. Our friends are all warm and comfortable, and play together all day long

All the tortoises who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remembered them in our dreams of days and time gone by. The tortoises are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special who had to be left behind.

They all bask, and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are eager and intent, his shell starts to wiggle. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, his stubby legs carrying him over the plains, faster than they ever could in life.

You have been spotted, and when you and your tortoise meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy head rubs commence, your hands once again caress your tortoise's head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your beloved tortoise, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author known.

Thank you for this, I lost a tortoise, Pocket, December of 2023 and miss her dearly. This was comforting to read

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

MCTLONG WROTE THIS AFTER DAVID'S RAINBOW BRIDGE THREAD, AND I'VE MERGED THE TWO, BUT MCTLONG'S WAS FURTHER DOWN. SO I CUT IT AND MOVED IT UP HERE. THE GREEN PART IS MCTLONG'S POST:

This week I've noticed several posts about members loosing shelled family members. I don’t know about you guys, but I mourn for every last one, from the youngest hatchlings to the very old torts who have been with their owners for decades. Although I have not met most of these little torts or their owners in person, I cry almost every time I hear about one of them passing. Searching the forum, I could not find a group In Memoriam thread, so this is a thread to remember all our shelled friends who have been lost. This is a thread to post pics and memories of the shelled loved ones who have passed, offer support to their owners, and never forget how much our lives have been enriched by these beautiful creatures.

Here are some of torts that have been lost recently -

• Craig’s (@Anyfoot) beautiful homeana adult and redfoot hatchling
• @Sweet0dodo’s tortoise
• Maggie’s (@maggie3fan) Bob the Sulcata

Rest in Peace.




And now on to David's thread:

So I have been posting the poem rainbow bridge for awhile whenever someone loses a tortoise, I always felt bad since it seems written more for cats or dogs, as we all know we love our tortoises as much as anyone else who loves a cat or dog. So I decided to rewrite rainbow bridge for tortoises.

Just this side of heaven is a place called rainbow bridge.
When a tortoise dies who was loved by someone, that tortoise goes to rainbow bridge.
There are wide open plains and warm basking spots for all our beloved tortoises to spend all day basking in the warm sun. There is plenty of grass, and flowers, lots of warm water to soak in. Our friends are all warm and comfortable, and play together all day long

All the tortoises who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remembered them in our dreams of days and time gone by. The tortoises are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special who had to be left behind.

They all bask, and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are eager and intent, his shell starts to wiggle. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, his stubby legs carrying him over the plains, faster than they ever could in life.

You have been spotted, and when you and your tortoise meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy head rubs commence, your hands once again caress your tortoise's head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your beloved tortoise, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author known.

I just lost my dear Crush February 1st. Thank you for your post.


Rest in peace Crush 🕊

 

[Chefdenoel10]

I just lost my dear Crush February 1st. Thank you for your post.
View attachment 387386
View attachment 387387
Rest in peace Crush 🕊

I am so very sorry for your loss.
May it comfort you to know that he will have friends with him up there.
My little Gary just passed Feb 11
and his friend dear sweet Jacky is waiting for them both.
I am hear to listen to your stories when you are ready…..