Aaaaargh--- so that others may learn

[Lori P]

All I can do is either scream in frustration or cry. Or, type this up so that it may help someone else avoid this....

I just discovered that the sliding top to the 40 gallon tank that Esme, pueblan milksnake, lives in was slid slightly open. And no Esme. And here is how it happened...

One of the cats loves to lie on that tank. Apparently, the weight of the cat was enough to unsnap the clips at the back of the tank that hold the sliding hood closed. Can you all picture what I mean? Do any of you use these tanks/hoods? So when the cat was on the tank, the locking clips unsnapped, and then apparently as the cat moved around, the lid slid forward in small increments... enough to allow a one year old milksnake to scoot out.

I can't even type the words I want to scream. Wait, yes I can, they'll get bleeped. ****, ****, ****, ****, ****.

Of course there is no sign of Esme. I saw her the night before last, did not specifically look for her yesterday morning or yesterday evening. I just saw the tank open when I turned her light on this morning. So I'm thinking she got out last night or I'd of noticed the gap in the top yesterday when turning lights on & off.

****.

I want her back. I love that snake. This sucks. I HATE THIS.

I'm starting to think I'm not qualified to have snakes. This is the third time I've lost one... tho I got Squiggles back, that was luck. Well, maybe luck will hold out and Esme will turn up unharmed.

It never, ever, ever once occured to me that this could happen. I was specifically pleased with that tank because the top slid into those locks.

Shows to go what I know.

Please send good karma for Esme.

[anji1971]

Ohhhh,
Lori.........poor you!
I hope you find her. That really isn't something you saw coming. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Hugs.........

[count dewclaw]

That sticks, Lori. Sorry you have to go through this. Praying that Esme will be found soon, safe and sound.

[guidofatherof5]

Praying that you find your Esme.

[drache]

oh Lori, so sorry - this really sucks
cats are a scourge on screen tops
some of mine have turned into hammocks, and I don't see cats on top of tanks the same way I used to
on one of my hinged tops, the weight of my big cat pulled the metal screen off the frame
I sure hope you find Esme

[reptile3]

Lori, don't beat yourself up....

I hope you do find Esme, she will show up!!! {{big hugs}}

Aundrea says your a great snake mommy, & you will find Esme

[misskris]

So sorry Lori. I hope Esme turns up soon.

[garterchick]

so sorry, hope you find her.
that's just more proof that cats are good for nothing. i keep getting more of them in search of the best one....

[diamondsirtalis]

I'm starting to think I'm not qualified to have snakes.

That's not true at all. A comment born of your frustrations

Fingers crossed for a speedy return.

Big hugs...

[infernalis]

Oh sorry, Sammy never logged off last night.. My bad.

Never noticed until I hit post.

I'm sure she has her fingers crossed for you as well Lori.