wow, I am really sorry to hear you lost your garter... I can't imagine jsut having one and then losing it... I am so attatched to mine.

garter snakes actually have a longer life expectancy than 6 years, I beleive. I have two, stubby, and mini zack that are reaching 7 or 8 by now and they don't seem to be slowing down much at all.

hopefully you will find yourself a new friend soon.