Dog Community

Goodbye Iber my Axolotl

Posted : 10/18/2006 12:57:36 AM

"Iber" was my pet albino axolotl. I had him for almost 10 years and last week he started to not look so good, he would not eat his brine shrimp or even his favorite, crickets. He stayed at the top of his fish tank and wasn't responding to my touch. I knew this was it, he had

ushed his life to the extents that axolotls can live, 10 year usually being the max. Today he no longer lives. I dug a small hole for him under a crabapple tree for him to rest.

When I first got him he was missing an arm but grew it back within a few weeks, an amazing little critter and to think he was part of a science experiment. When no longer needed he was given to a pet shop and because the pet shop had no idea what he was and were afraid to sell something from a science lab that was missing some limbs they gave him to me for free. They called him a mudpuppy but I knew better...

He lived a happy life and entertained me for most of my teen years, when I left for college my parents cared for him, he waited all 5 years for me to return to him so he could say his goodbyes. I never thought I could love an amphibian but Iber was different he always had that never ending axolotl grin on his face.

Goodbye Iber and swim well over the bridge.

forpaws

Posted : 10/18/2006 8:49:59 AM

What a nice eulogy for your little Iber. Swim to the rainbow bridge little one.

Such a neat story. Thanks for sharing. And hugs to you for caring for such a funky little critter.

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 10/18/2006 9:08:28 AM

Sorry for the loss of your entertaining pet! Thank you for sharing his story - it was wonderful of you to rescue him and let him enjoy a life that was safe and comfortable.

Fare thee well, Iber!

Xerxes

Posted : 10/18/2006 9:20:22 AM

Thanks for sharing Iber's story. I'm glad that he found you and shared his life and love with you.

MJ

Posted : 10/18/2006 9:51:21 AM

I'm sorry for your loss. I've never heard of an Axolotl before, so I googled it. What a unique looking animal! In case anyone else is wondering, here's a link:
[linkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axolotl]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axolotl[/link]

Xebby

Posted : 10/18/2006 11:43:25 AM

Thanks all, I never talked much about him here on this dog forum and getting a pic of him was almost impossible because the glare of the fish tank and him always hiding in his little home.

Axolotls are used often for scientific experiments because they regenerate whole body parts. Albinos are the most common is labs because you can almost see through their skin. I learned a lot from the little guy and he will be greatly missed.

Here is a site with good axolotl pics, it#%92s not in English but it has some wonderful pics of what they look like. Iber was white with pink eyes. pic #10 looks the most like him. [linkhttp://www.axolotl-online.de/Kauf_von_Axolotln/Nachzuchten/nachzuchten.html]http://www.axolotl-online.de/Kauf_von_Axolotln/Nachzuchten/nachzuchten.html[/link]

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 10/18/2006 6:08:54 PM

What a wild looking critter. I'm so sorry for your loss. Swim free little one. [sm=angel.gif]

tacran

Posted : 10/18/2006 9:50:05 PM

My sympathy to you for your loss of such a special little critter. He did have a sweet little grin on his face - you just have to smile back when looking at him! No matter how small, uncuddly, or "un-handle-able" an animal is, they still work their way into our hearts and leave a hole when they leave us. They all have personalities and behaviors that add light to our lives.

I'd like to think there is a REALLY special place at the Bridge for animals that spent any time in research or science labs. Of course, Iber had many years in a happy environment, but those whose entire lives are in those other places deserve the best in their after-life.

Iber, find a pretty spot with water to join other Axolotl, and swim free!

ron2

Posted : 10/19/2006 7:50:57 AM

Our condolences and may he find a warm rock and a cool water.

bragg1120

Posted : 11/4/2006 5:57:47 PM

I didn't know what an Axolotl was until I saw this! I'm so sorry about his passing & how blessed he was to have you taking good care of him!! It's easy to let any critter into our hearts...

Swim free Iber!! [sm=angel.gif]

calliecritturs

Posted : 11/4/2006 7:31:58 PM

Isn't it wonderful when life lets us see it's unusual side -- and we get to experience some incredible thing that we would never otherwise even know about. What a precious experience Xebby -- and my guess is there's a little protected but very special pocket in the water just under Rainbow Bridge -- quite protected and just his size. Perfect for him.