Miracle find

[guidofatherof5]

Many of you have seen my posts about and that reference a radix named Scar.http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/general-talk/4307-hard-tough-life.html. I didn't make a post about it but Scar escaped from an upstairs enclosure 3 maybe 4 months ago. This was very hard on me since I had worked so hard to gain his trust. We were friends and I think he looked forward to me spending time with me. Since his escape I have worried, thought and prayed about him daily.
Tonight, I was sitting outside with a baby Robin in my hand. I told my daughter Gabby to catch a few crickets for the bird. Gabby stated she couldn't find any.(she had already been looking) I told her to look under the boards I had layed down for visiting radixes. I heard her turn a board over and then she yelled "It's Scar, I think I found Scar". She brought him over to me and sure enough it's my boy Scar. He's much thinner but all the scars matchup. Somehow he made it outside and has been doing fine. That's my boy!
I couldn't be happier but to be honest I never thought I would see him again. Answered prayers. I am a blessed man.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/scar_found.jpg

[misskris]

Steve, that is awesome!! Glad the two of you were reunited :)

[Zephyr]

Amazing. :)

[guidofatherof5]

I gave Scar a check-up and found him to be much more lean then when he lived with us. The scale infection I was treating has healed and scared over(like he needs anymore scars). He smelled me for awhile then calmed down quickly. He seemed to be fine with me holding him and didn't try to get away. I hope it's because he remembers his time at the ranch. He drank plenty of water during his bath and did spend sometime soaking. It's good to have him back and I look forward to the coming months.

[ssssnakeluvr]

awesome find!!!

[Snaky]

Good that you've found him again :)

[Sputnik]

That's incredible, Steve! I'm so pleased for you! :)

[gregmonsta]

Great news :D

[adamanteus]

Good news, Steve!

[drache]

how cool - a reunion

[guidofatherof5]

Scar ate 2 crawlers for breakfast and is doing great. He refused pinkies but I'm sure that will change.
My boy is back. He's calm and doesn't mind being held. I am concerned about a few subcutaineous infections he has. One is in the hemipenis area. He will have to make a Vet. trip at a later time. I don't think any of these issues need immediate treatment and money has become very tight.

[Jack Neary]

Steve...
St. Anthony came through for you!
This is an awsome event and great news, Steve!
I'm so happy for you!!!
Jack

[mustang]

:) God works when you least expect it..im happy for you now let me guess ur taping the lid of his cage down with duck tape this time

[guidofatherof5]

:) God works when you least expect it..im happy for you now let me guess ur taping the lid of his cage down with duck tape this time

I'm thinking about welding the lids down but I do have to feed him and change it once in awhile.:D

[mustang]

then u open the little lid on top of tank and put him in feeding cage and tape comes off so u can clean the cage...and its cheaper...but sadly that just goes back to my lifes quote
"no fire
no fun"

[guidofatherof5]

then u open the little lid on top of tank and put him in feeding cage and tape comes off so u can clean the cage...and its cheaper...but sadly that just goes back to my lifes quote
"no fire
no fun"

I know what you're saying Robert. He's my boy and I'll take him just the way he is. He keeps me on my toes.:D

[Snake lover 3-25]

congrats on the find:)

[guidofatherof5]

Here are some updated photos of my man Scar. When I got him back a few weeks ago he had 1 new scar to go with the rest of his. I have slept so much better since my man was found. I took him out for a walk today. He sat and watched the sights. He didn't like the cars that passed by but I guess I can understand that.
This snakes life with us would make a great book, better yet a movie. It could be called "The legend of Scar" He is one tough, smart snake. He ain't pretty but he my man.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//631/medium/scar09.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//631/medium/scar_091.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//631/medium/scar093.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//631/medium/scar_092.jpg
Here's a photo of his stubby tail from a year ago.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//631/medium/scar6.jpg

[k2l3d4]

Awesome steve!! Hey isn't scar the one that had stitches awhile back? Glad that he is back at home on the Ranch!

[guidofatherof5]

Awesome steve!! Hey isn't scar the one that had stitches awhile back? Glad that he is back at home on the Ranch!

That would be my man Tang. Slow recovery but any recovery is better than not having him.

[k2l3d4]

Yeah... i have been following Tangs recovery......Glad that all of your little ones are where they can be taken care of and healed.

[Mommy2many]

I'm so happy to hear that you & Scar have reunited. He seems like a really cool snake. And he must appreciate you since he didn't stray too far. Maybe he needed some "outdoor time". What ever the reasons, he stayed on the ranch and that is all that counts. Give Scar hugs and kisses from Mommy in Connecticut. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to meet him in person/snake? someday:D

[guidofatherof5]

It just dawned on me what he was doing outside again. He was out there during the prime mating time. That dog! I wonder how many females he serviced before we got him back. He's been double-dipping. As if servicing all the females in the house wasn't enough, he had to go outside for some more. He did seem tired when I got him back. Maybe it's not his fault at all. Maybe the girls came and got him:rolleyes: Yeah, that's it , blame the girls.
I'm so proud of him.:D

[Mommy2many]

Forever blaming the girls. That's rich! Sounds like Scar knows what's what and has it going on! How many babies you got there Steve in the radix nursery? You're going to have to open a home for unwed radix's. Do they marry? That's a whole other venture isn't it, after the B&B thing and hospital/trauma center thing going on.

Quit your job and just run the T. Radix B&B, EMT Center and Home for unwed mothers.

I'll make the sign!

[guidofatherof5]

All great ideas but once again not a money maker in the bunch. With all 5 of my kids still at home I have to work the money angle thing. If there were a call for a radix stud service, I'd have it made.:D It might kill poor Scar but I'd have it made. On second thought, he'd have it made also.:D

[Mommy2many]

So true, So true.

Maybe some day...

[k2l3d4]

Oh scar... you dog!!!! So how many of the little scrubs upcoming are his :)

[guidofatherof5]

Oh scar... you dog!!!! So how many of the little scrubs upcoming are his :)

The crazy thing is, Shorty who just had babies was a W/C from my backyard. It's not what you think. She caught me.
I wonder if Scar told her to hit me up for some lodging. That crazy Scar:D

[k2l3d4]

Probably!!! He is letting all the girls know how good he has got it to lure them in to his grasps :)

[gregmonsta]

Good news travels fast :D

[mustang]

apperently scar hasnt heard of
1) taking his time
2) "rock me GENTLY rock me SLOWLY"

[Didymus20X6]

All great ideas but once again not a money maker in the bunch. With all 5 of my kids still at home I have to work the money angle thing.
I done told you: Advertise yourself as a "Professional Snake-Catcher", then when people call you to remove a snake, charge them a small fee for it (not a lot, you don't want people to decide to kill them instead of paying the money).

[guidofatherof5]

I done told you: Advertise yourself as a "Professional Snake-Catcher", then when people call you to remove a snake, charge them a small fee for it (not a lot, you don't want people to decide to kill them instead of paying the money).

I would be so inundated with calls. In my area radixes are everywhere. What do I do with them once I have them? I would keep them, of course. Food and housing for 10,000+ radixes. How many of them would be gravid? I'm sure there's a housing code violation in there somewhere. Money for gas to go get them?
All that being said!
I love the idea:D

[guidofatherof5]

Scar is headed off to the Vet. tomorrow(Friday) to get a check-up and have an subcutanious infection in his tail taken care of. He's back to eating pinkies and comes out to greet me everytime I open the enclosure. Since he returned he's been much more calm. He'll sit with me during a movie and I think he goes to sleep in my hand. I smile everytime I see his face. I'm so glad he's back with the family. There was a void here without him.
He's one special radix.

[bkhuff1s]

I think I'd be tired to

[Mommy2many]

Want more pictures of Scar. Hope all goes well with him. I said I would put a sign up on the Nebraska/Iowa border, now I'm thinking maybe Pennsylvania...Plenty for me, plenty for you...:rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

Want more pictures of Scar. Hope all goes well with him. I said I would put a sign up on the Nebraska/Iowa border, now I'm thinking maybe Pennsylvania...Plenty for me, plenty for you...:rolleyes:

Sound great. Make sure you have the proper permits:D

[Mommy2many]

Permits??? What permits??? I don't need no stinkin permits!!! I'm sending them your way as "tourists", yeah, that's it, tourists. Or maybe "exchange students". Yeah, I'll "exchange" mine for yours! We have it all under control. I think it's covered.:rolleyes:

[Mommy2many]

BTW, do you know anyone in law enforcement?:D

[guidofatherof5]

Scar is being kept at the Vets. until this afternoon. The Vet. is going to give him a local in the tail and lance the infected area. I will then treat with Silver Sulfadiazine until it's healed.
It was very hard walking out without my boy.
My daughter(Emmy) drove(learner's permit) and Scar road with me. He sat on the top of my hand and watched out the window. He's a good boy.
I wish you all could meet him.

[wolfpacksved]

Is it possible that Scar's absence was due to him attending one of those town hall health care meetings that are becoming the trend these days? Seriouslythough, any radix that ends up in your possession appears to treated like royalty as they well should be. Keep saving those radix!

[guidofatherof5]

He's back home and no worse for the wear. The Vet. said it was an abscess. He lanced and drained it. A week or so of medication and he should be fine. Now he has another scar. How fitting.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/scar4.jpg

[Mommy2many]

Good job, Scar. Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery!

[justme]

Maybe you can submit your story or stories (hell, you have so many!!!) to Animal Planet! I know we would all love to see a glimpse of Life on the T Radix Ranch!

[guidofatherof5]

I thawed out some pinkies tonight. I started with my group of T.s.parietalis(red-sided) The more time I spend with these guys the more I appreciate them. They are really starting to grow on me.
But back to this post.
When I moved to Lucky's enclosure I was meet by Big Girl. She knows that the towel I bring with me has the pinkies inside. I allow her to free-feed.
Then my boy Scar stuck his head out of the logs. He came right over to me and took a pinky from me, then another and another and another and finally his last one. I feel good with his eating and the fact that he's back with the family but I'm also concerned that he doesn't seem to be filling out as quick as I think he should. It may be nothing but I also know that the lack of weight gain can be a bad sign. I think he's an old male and I hope he's just slowing down and changing on me and not coming to the end of his life. I love all my radixes but this male has captured my heart and I hope to spend a few more years getting to know him.
He gives me a look like no other snake has. I see something behind those eyes and it's not eat,poop,sleep and breed.
I do have some radixes that are on automatic pilot but Scar seems to be doing more. I'm glad he's with me again. The 4 months he was gone were long and full of worry for me.
I wish you all could meet this guy.

[Mommy2many]

Again, I say "Road Trip!"

Steve, you have given all of us "a thousand" reasons to come & visit you, your family and your extended family (the radixes).

One of these days...

[guidofatherof5]

I pulled my boy out for a little one-on-one time. I let him have a couple of nightcrawlers and then gave hime a bath. I had to get him cleaned up or the other radixes would smell the worms on him. He let me scrub him down and dry him off. I even rub some dirt off his face and he didn't mind. Now that he's back for being lost the Ranch feels complete. I thought I would share a couple new photos.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/scar.jpg

As you can see he was named well. I've never seen a snake this beat-up before.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/scar2.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Wow. Glad he's doing OK. I have definitely found garters in much worse shape then that, and they lived. I'm not surprised that your snake is alive and wouldn't be surprised at all if it lived a full life span in captivity.

He actually doesn't look that bad compared to some T. ordinoides I have found. In just one example, I found one in my backyard around June of 1999 and he/she was missing a very large portion of skin in several places on his back. No scales, just raw, still oozing/moist pink flesh and obviously a broken back, kinked at perhaps a 15 degree angle. It couldn't move very well and just kind of went limp when I picked it up but appeared to be breathing normally. There was no ideal habitat around my house but there was a small open field behind our house surrounded by fresh cut lawns, and urban development so there's really no guessing what happened to the little guy. Anyway, he was only about 6 inches long at the time and I figured he would die. But, in spite of considering euthanasia, I put him in the field behind my house and let him be.

Flash forward to 2004. The field behind my house has been gone for a couple of years now. It's now a dental lab and parking lot. All my neighbors and myself, maintain our lawns and generally have very little cover for snakes. In fact, he's the only snake I have ever found in this residential/commercial neighborhood at all. The nearest lighted intersection was the busiest in the state in 2001, just a couple of blocks away. Anyway, 5 years later, I walk out to my backyard via the back door and I find that same snake, much larger now, perhaps 10 inches, but still a bit slow, and still has the kink in his back and obvious scars where the scales were taken off, but when I picked him up to examine him, to make sure I wasn't mistaking his identity, he put up a fuss and bit me! I put him down and saw him several more times that summer, and he always made a mad dash for a hiding spot he had under a slab of concrete near my backdoor.

I never saw him again after that summer, but it just goes to show you, massive injuries, including a broken back, or even a collapsed lung, is no reason to be sure that a snake won't survive. They can, and do survive such injuries. The injuries to your snake look like they are not life-threatening to me and are healing nicely.

[gregmonsta]

It's hard not to develop a soft spot for these little survivors. Clint was ours until her injury became too troublesome this year. I'll be adopting an atratus with a kinked spine soon. Looking forward to caring for him :D

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, I was hoping my backyard survivor would show up now and then, but it's been another 5 years so hope of meeting him again is fading. Too many lawn mowers and cats around here.

[guidofatherof5]

I just wanted to post a new photo of my main male. He is so calm and comes to greet me every time I open their enclosure. Over the weekend I had to put him in the shed box. He's losing some mobility and muscle tone so he needed some help with the shed. As I peeled him he just sat there. No attempts to get away. Afterwords it was a car ride to pick the kids up. This all coming from a snake who at one time bolted every time he saw me. I know the day will come when he leave but until then I will treat him like he's made of gold. He might be a lot rough around the edges but he makes my life better.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/scar13.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/scar12.jpg

[justme]

And you sharing with us your inspiring stories makes our lives better.

[ConcinusMan]

Awesome story. And WoW! Karen's a hottie!

[drache]

did I miss something? who is Karen?

[drache]

okay - got it, Karen is not a snake, and not someone holding a snake in some picture in the thread
sorry, Karen - it's early, and I don't have that male radar thing that can spot stimulants even in miniscule pics
and the comment was so OT, it disoriented me

[ConcinusMan]

Sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to disrupt the thread, I just had to say something. Karen, I love you! (yes, there's a pic of karen in the link provided by Justme)

But how about that story? How about that snake? Good story. Tough snake.

[guidofatherof5]

But how about that story? How about that snake? Good story. Tough snake.

He's a one-of-a-kind snake. Sitting and observing and interacting with him has taught me a lot about all garter snake(at least radixes). I can honestly say that spending the rest of my life with these wonderful snake will not be enough time to learn all their secrets but it's sure going to be fun.

[ConcinusMan]

Oh yes. We have a true garter fan here^^^ I love them too!

[Sssssnakey]

Steve, you get such amazing photos of your snakes! I just read this whole thread and it's an awesome story.

[CRIKEY!]

And you sharing with us your inspiring stories makes our lives better.
I second that. Thanks for sharing Steve. :D

[guidofatherof5]

For the last month my old man Scar has been an eating machine. I've offered food daily and on only one occasion did he turn it down. In most cases feeding an adult everyday would be too much but not for him.
When Scar was recovered outside this Spring he was under weight and had lost much of his muscle tone. I attributed this to being out in the early Spring when his food sources were not readily available. He adjusted back to home life rather quickly and his eating became regular, again. He never regained that muscle tone he had once had. With most snakes, when you pick them up they move, pulling their bodies through your hand or at least while sitting there they are in a "ready to go" position. Scar doesn't do that. His body hangs and he makes very little effort to move, unless his body is being held horizontally. For all the eating he does(worms and pinkies) he isn't putting on any weight. He's not filling out and gaining muscle or fat mass.
In my work with radixes that usually means he's coming to the end of his life. One of his last mates(Bigbig) did the same thing before I had to put her down.
Scar is still very alert and a joy to have out. The other night I took him out while I watch a movie. He sat on a heated blanket the whole time. It was on high and he was covered up with only his head sticking out. After a few moments on the blanket the tongue flicking stopped and his head settled down onto the blanket. The old man fell asleep. Kids walking and running by, the dog walking by, all the activity of a house full of kids didn't phase him. When the movie was over I poured him into my hand and he returned to his enclosure. I wish I would have taken some video of him when he came to the Ranch. He was totally out of control. At the sight of a human, dog, anything he went crazy in his enclosure. This went on for months. It was a very slow process getting his to trust me but well worth the time.
Now I look at him and pray I can have 1 more year from him. Just one more breeding season from him. Looking at his face you see a young snake. He's ready for anything but his body is getting tired. He has been a blessing to have here on the Ranch. He is not only loved by my children but by hundreds of my students. Many times they will ask how's Scar is doing? before they even say hello to me. This old beat-up snake has made a big impact on a lot of children.

[brubru2]

That is heartwarming. Younger kids starting to care more about snakes.

[guidofatherof5]

I think of garter snakes as the great snake ambassadors. When I take them into the schools they are something the student recognize. They are small and for the students who are afraid of snakes, pulling out a 10 foot python might turn them off. A small garter snake keeps their mind open. Granted there are some students who stand in the back of the room or ask to leave because of their fear.
Of course, my students have heard many stories about my snakes and feel they know them.
Scar is the big hit of the presentation. Our girl Lucky is also very popular.
After I retire I will miss going into the schools with my snakes. I'll still try and hope I have a few doors left open to me.

[guidofatherof5]

I just did a weight check on Scar and he's put on 3 grams in the last month. Seeing him every day I didn't see the gain.
I'm feeling much better about my man. His muscle tone is still way off what it was but I'm not complaining. Having a weight gain is a great thing.
You go, boy!

[drache]

sounds hopeful, like he's going to be around a while longer

[guidofatherof5]

I thought I would close out this thread.
I learned more about male garter snake behavior from my boy Scar. He was one special snake. I miss the old man, everyday.
Thanks for everything, Son:) You are not forgotten.

[Mommy2many]

Thank you for telling us about your boy Scar.

[guidofatherof5]

The telling will continue. When I do presentations he will still be talked about and pictures shared.
I've only had 2 males that have had a profound effect on me. He's one of them.
Scar's life will make a good book, someday.
Looking forward to writing it in his honor.
I still owe him for what he did for me.

[guidofatherof5]

It's been over a year since this thread basically shutdown with the death of my wonderful male radix Scar. Now it looks like I will revive it with this miracle.

A few weeks ago I took a beautiful green head female radix outside for a photo shoot. I wanted to send Snakehill a few photos as she will be adopting this beautiful girl.
I dropped her and she fell under my rear deck. My deck is covered on all side so by the time I ripped it open she was gone. I felt terrible as she was safe in the house and now she was at the mercy of nature and all that entails.
Fast forward to a few moments ago. Gabby came running up from the flooded basement holding a snake she caught swimming across the snake room floor.
Yes, it's the same female that I dropped. She came back home.
Unbelieveable.
Prayers answered ;)

[kibakiba]

Nice! Looks like she just wanted to explore a little bit before coming home :)

[RedSidedSPR]

Wait what the heck?!? I wanted to go with snakehill!!

[d_virginiana]

That's great news. I love hearing stories about people finding 'lost' snakes after a long time.

[snakehill]

That is AMAZINGLY GREAT news!!! :D Will you be posting a picture of her soon lol? Please thank Gabby for me!!!!!

[jitami]

Steve, great find on the green girl. Great job, Gabby! I am saddened to learn that Scar has passed, though. He was a special boy.

[snakehill]

Wait what the heck?!? I wanted to go with snakehill!! Sorry! Not adopting any HUMANS at this time!!!:rolleyes:

[RedSidedSPR]

shucks.:(

[d_virginiana]

Sorry! Not adopting any HUMANS at this time!!!:rolleyes:

I think I may have missed something here...? lol

[RedSidedSPR]

LOL Here..


Wait what the heck?!? I wanted to go with snakehill!!

I was "being" the radix that came back. snakehill is adopting him.


Sorry! Not adopting any HUMANS at this time!!!:rolleyes:

There ya go. She joked by making it seem literal.


shucks.:(

Playing along.;)