Our featured reptile rescue of February is Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue based in the Chicagoland area of Illinois.
The President and Founder of the organization, Erica "Air" Mede, CVT was nice enough to answer some questions we had and provided great information and pictures. Please enjoy.
The President and Founder of the organization, Erica "Air" Mede, CVT was nice enough to answer some questions we had and provided great information and pictures. Please enjoy.
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Q: Tell me the main mission(s) of Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue?
A: Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome injured, ill, and neglected herpetiles and invertebrates. We raise awareness about neglect and help educate the public on veterinary care options as well as husbandry options. We don't believe all illness and neglect is on an intentional basis but out of misinformation. With our non-judgemental approach to relinquishments we are hoping to create a bond between ourselves and those who are afraid to ask questions or don't know which ones to ask! |
Erica Mede, CVT. President and Founder of Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue
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Q: How did the organization get started?
A: My personal dream was to open up a reptile sanctuary for large and aggressive reptiles to live out their lives in dignity and comfort. Working at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital however, I was constantly adopting reptiles that owners were unable to pay for the medical treatments but couldn't bear the thought of euthanizing their beloved pets. After taking in so many and rehoming some to people I knew I started to think about opening a rescue. It was just a dream until I talked to Galo and Jessie who really motivated me to put my money where my day dreams were! They were the first two members on my Board of Directors. Once I agreed to stop fighting the inevitable, everything fell into place at a pace that was unbelievable!
A: My personal dream was to open up a reptile sanctuary for large and aggressive reptiles to live out their lives in dignity and comfort. Working at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital however, I was constantly adopting reptiles that owners were unable to pay for the medical treatments but couldn't bear the thought of euthanizing their beloved pets. After taking in so many and rehoming some to people I knew I started to think about opening a rescue. It was just a dream until I talked to Galo and Jessie who really motivated me to put my money where my day dreams were! They were the first two members on my Board of Directors. Once I agreed to stop fighting the inevitable, everything fell into place at a pace that was unbelievable!
Bombshell, a female Sulcata currently in foster with Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue
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Q: FoS looks like a large organization. How many people are involved and to what degree?
A: You know, I really didn't realize how large we actually were until you pointed it out! We have 5 board members including myself that serve not only their positions but as fosters. The rescue also has 2 medical directors, Dr. Todd Gray of Arboretum View Animal Hospital and Dr. Susan Horton of Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital. Both are beyond epic vets and the reason this rescue can take in ill and injured reptiles! We have a very dedicated volunteer base that act as both event volunteers and fosters. In total, I believe there are about 20- 25 people involved in this organization in varying capacities which makes my heart sing! All of us, even on the board, are volunteers. No one is paid for their efforts. Without their dedication this would be impossible! |
Q: What qualities do you look for in volunteers and how can people get in touch if they want to help?
A: We are always looking for dedication and commitment. If you don't have experience with reptiles that's okay, we still want you as long as you want to learn! Experience is always a plus, but we look for people who want to bring something to this rescue either through fostering, promoting, manning tables at events, helping create fliers, etc.
If you are interested in volunteering you can e-mail us at: FriendsofScales@gmail.com
If you are interested in Fostering visit us at: http://friendsofscales.webs.com/fostering.htm
Q: Looking at your website it seems like a lot of turtles and tortoises are relinquished to your rescue. What should people know, or research, before getting one of these animals as a pet?
A: Chelonians are frequently relinquished to us. Everyone loves turtles and tortoises, they are the friendliest looking reptiles out there. We as a species has personified them as nurturers, mystics, and helpful guardians historically. They are living pieces of history and let's face it, no one runs out of a room screaming, "TURTLE!!" in horror movies. Most people relinquish them because they weren't anticipating the level of care these animals require nor the longevity.
Most tortoise (and this includes box turtles) species will live over 40 years. Aquatic turtles like red ear sliders and painted turtles live 20-30 years. Always research the husbandry such as proper lighting like UVB lighting (frequently overlooked), proper diet, and longevity. Also, research the size of adults! Even Galapagos tortoises start out as babies that can fit into the palm of your hand shug. Chelonians make great pets but they are labor intensive and demanding, similar to a canine.
A: We are always looking for dedication and commitment. If you don't have experience with reptiles that's okay, we still want you as long as you want to learn! Experience is always a plus, but we look for people who want to bring something to this rescue either through fostering, promoting, manning tables at events, helping create fliers, etc.
If you are interested in volunteering you can e-mail us at: FriendsofScales@gmail.com
If you are interested in Fostering visit us at: http://friendsofscales.webs.com/fostering.htm
Q: Looking at your website it seems like a lot of turtles and tortoises are relinquished to your rescue. What should people know, or research, before getting one of these animals as a pet?
A: Chelonians are frequently relinquished to us. Everyone loves turtles and tortoises, they are the friendliest looking reptiles out there. We as a species has personified them as nurturers, mystics, and helpful guardians historically. They are living pieces of history and let's face it, no one runs out of a room screaming, "TURTLE!!" in horror movies. Most people relinquish them because they weren't anticipating the level of care these animals require nor the longevity.
Most tortoise (and this includes box turtles) species will live over 40 years. Aquatic turtles like red ear sliders and painted turtles live 20-30 years. Always research the husbandry such as proper lighting like UVB lighting (frequently overlooked), proper diet, and longevity. Also, research the size of adults! Even Galapagos tortoises start out as babies that can fit into the palm of your hand shug. Chelonians make great pets but they are labor intensive and demanding, similar to a canine.
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Q: Continuing the turtle/tortoise talk, we saw that some of your Sick Bay torts have SNHP (Secondary Nutritional Hypoparathyroidism). What are the signs that the owners noticed that made them surrender their pets? How easy is this to prevent and how hard is it to treat once there are symptoms?
A: SNHP was formally known as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and is typically a severe prolonged deficit in calcium being metabolized in the body. In chelonians, this is caused by not providing natural sunlight out doors during the nicer months and UVB lighting in the cooler months or all year round if they are indoor only pets. For growing chelonians, they should have a 10.0 UVB bulb as they grow quickly! Adults can utilize a 5.0 or 10.0 bulb as well as Mercury vapor bulbs. They need these specialized bulbs replaced every 6-9 months even though they still give off light since they no longer give off adequate ultraviolet rays. These bulbs are important for chelonians to metabolize calcium and D3. Without this the body will not have a sufficient store of calcium and will remove calcium from bones including the shell to keep the heart and other organs functioning. Proper diet regiments are also imperative but that is another long rant! |
Another picture of Bombshell whose growth was severely stunted due to improper care.
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Signs to look for are shell deformities, softening of the shell (squishy turtles are bad!), stunted growth (check the internet for the size of other people's similar aged pets), and beak deformities. Constipation, frequent illness, and trouble laying eggs are also signs that there may be a calcium issue.
Treating this disease is easy enough if you can catch it early with the help of a qualified reptile veterinarian (which if you need one, you can find one on through the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians at www.arav.org under Find a Vet or the Membership Directory). Diagnostics such as blood chemistry values (help offer an inside view of how the body is functioning if you will), x-rays (to check bone density and make sure there are no fractures in the long bones), a detailed history of diet and husbandry, and a thorough physical exam are necessary for an official diagnosis and prognosis. Once the severity of the disease is known, treatments can be started. This ranges from prescription oral calcium and corrected husbandry to hospital stays with intensive care. Some of these animal will pass away from this condition! Animals CAN and a great majority do recover with proper treatment and husbandry/diet corrections however any physical changes to the shell will remain permanent.
Q: Education is a huge component of your organization. What resources would you suggest to someone who is thinking about getting a reptile?
A: That's a tricky question. There are so many places to find information and there is so much outdated and incorrect information out there it makes reptile keeping a real gauntlet run sometimes. My best advice, is call a herp vet (again, used the ARAV website to find one) and ask for breeders that they trust, get in touch with your local herpetological society, look at care sheets from my rescue that are from Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital and are being updated constantly, look at care sheets as they come up on the ARAV website, read current publications and always be open to questioning advice!
Treating this disease is easy enough if you can catch it early with the help of a qualified reptile veterinarian (which if you need one, you can find one on through the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians at www.arav.org under Find a Vet or the Membership Directory). Diagnostics such as blood chemistry values (help offer an inside view of how the body is functioning if you will), x-rays (to check bone density and make sure there are no fractures in the long bones), a detailed history of diet and husbandry, and a thorough physical exam are necessary for an official diagnosis and prognosis. Once the severity of the disease is known, treatments can be started. This ranges from prescription oral calcium and corrected husbandry to hospital stays with intensive care. Some of these animal will pass away from this condition! Animals CAN and a great majority do recover with proper treatment and husbandry/diet corrections however any physical changes to the shell will remain permanent.
Q: Education is a huge component of your organization. What resources would you suggest to someone who is thinking about getting a reptile?
A: That's a tricky question. There are so many places to find information and there is so much outdated and incorrect information out there it makes reptile keeping a real gauntlet run sometimes. My best advice, is call a herp vet (again, used the ARAV website to find one) and ask for breeders that they trust, get in touch with your local herpetological society, look at care sheets from my rescue that are from Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital and are being updated constantly, look at care sheets as they come up on the ARAV website, read current publications and always be open to questioning advice!
Devestator the Boa Constrictor. Diagnosed with a systemic infection and severe cellulitis.
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Q: What is the average cost to the rescue for each animal you take in?
A: Haha, this is painful. On average, as of now, we are spending about $60-120 on each animal that come through in vet costs alone. People who relinquish animals to us because they cannot afford euthanasia and they are too sick to continue on cost us $60-90 depending. The adoption fees right now are set at $30 for each animal regardless of what we ended up paying in veterinary bills. This will be increased slightly but not enough to offset some of these cases. |
Q: Since you don’t receive any government funding, what is your main source of support for the rescue?
A: Our main support if from fund raising monthly at Family Video locations as of right now. Dan Krull was also nice enough to let us sell Herpers videos as a mini-fundraiser and we also have a CafePress site that gives a small amount back to us. Donations from kind hearted people are our biggest revenues and sadly, I personally funded a large amount of the veterinary bill myself. Without the wonderful donations from sweet warm hearted people this rescue wouldn't be able to stand on its own. I am grateful for every person that donates even a dollar to us!
Q: Having two veterinarians assisting with your rescue, how important do you think it is to have a vet you can trust with your pets?
A: I am a strong advocate for all reptile rescues to work with a veterinarian. I was very fortunate that two of my friends were two of the best reptile vets I know and conveniently located to boot! Dr. Todd Gray of Arboretum View Animal Hospital and Dr. Susan Horton of Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital are phenomenal and have helped this rescue grow. Not only do they provide amazing medical support they lend their credibility and reputation to this rescue. We are not just using ANY vets, we are using two of the best vets in the area! The amount of trust they show by joining this rescue has been astounding. The rescue also benefits other reptiles by having these two vets as we are able to try experimental therapies and medications to treat certain issues and report back how they are doing and the effectiveness of it. There have been some wonderful treatment protocols created for red tail boa acute kidney disease because of the number of cases we have seen with great success!
If you don't have a vet you can trust with your pets you will never have a fruitful relationship. When you go to the vet you should have no doubt you are being listened too and taken seriously. If you are having doubts talk to them, if you feel they are inapproachable or disingenuous, find a new vet. It's worth the search!
A: Our main support if from fund raising monthly at Family Video locations as of right now. Dan Krull was also nice enough to let us sell Herpers videos as a mini-fundraiser and we also have a CafePress site that gives a small amount back to us. Donations from kind hearted people are our biggest revenues and sadly, I personally funded a large amount of the veterinary bill myself. Without the wonderful donations from sweet warm hearted people this rescue wouldn't be able to stand on its own. I am grateful for every person that donates even a dollar to us!
Q: Having two veterinarians assisting with your rescue, how important do you think it is to have a vet you can trust with your pets?
A: I am a strong advocate for all reptile rescues to work with a veterinarian. I was very fortunate that two of my friends were two of the best reptile vets I know and conveniently located to boot! Dr. Todd Gray of Arboretum View Animal Hospital and Dr. Susan Horton of Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital are phenomenal and have helped this rescue grow. Not only do they provide amazing medical support they lend their credibility and reputation to this rescue. We are not just using ANY vets, we are using two of the best vets in the area! The amount of trust they show by joining this rescue has been astounding. The rescue also benefits other reptiles by having these two vets as we are able to try experimental therapies and medications to treat certain issues and report back how they are doing and the effectiveness of it. There have been some wonderful treatment protocols created for red tail boa acute kidney disease because of the number of cases we have seen with great success!
If you don't have a vet you can trust with your pets you will never have a fruitful relationship. When you go to the vet you should have no doubt you are being listened too and taken seriously. If you are having doubts talk to them, if you feel they are inapproachable or disingenuous, find a new vet. It's worth the search!
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Q: Do you have any specific goals for 2013?
A: Our goal this year is to set-up an annual fundraiser event that will help bring the rescue to light and also thank all those that help. We hope to be some what self-sustaining this year and not rely on board members donating large sums of our funding. We also hope our 501(c)3 paper work that is pending is finally approved! We are also aiming to vend at NARBC and Reptilefest this year to promote awareness at both shows! This year we are also going to attempt a Tattoo fundraiser with an epic artist. If all goes well we will be fundraising and supporting awareness like we never imagined! Q: Would you like to highlight a specific animal currently in your care? Pictures are a plus! A: Currently in our care, is Bombshell! She is a sulcata that is over 6 years old and weighs as much as an adult three toed box turtle! She should be in the 20-30 lb range at this point in her life! She was incorrectly taken care of by people who were misinformed and felt awful once they learned what they had done to this little girl. However, she is full of spunk and currently receiving medical treatments with the foster family. For such a tiny nugget she has a big personality and is being treated like the princess she is! |
Items needed by FoS
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Q: Is there anything else about your rescue you want to discuss that we didn’t mention above?
A: Well there is one thing I'd like to mention. It's a question I am frequently asked why we name the animals like we do. Well, I am a huge Transformers fan and most of the Board members are fans as well. All of the rescue animals, save for a few in the beginning, are named after various Decepticons and Autobots. When we run out of those names we will move on to Star Wars I believe as that is the second favorite of the Board. We also have an official theme song, that we probably need to discuss with Sting, called Sending Out an FoS based off the song Message in a Bottle. Our Board members Todd and Mike wrote this little diddy and we hope to do something with this at some point for your amusement! |
Bombshell ready for her close-up!
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Also, please visit our CafePress store at: www.cafepress.com/friendsofscalesreptilerescue
You can also donate to us via Paypal if you are so inclined: FriendsofScales@gmail.com
This information can all be found on our website, including adoption papers! Visit us at: www.friendsofscales.com
You can also donate to us via Paypal if you are so inclined: FriendsofScales@gmail.com
This information can all be found on our website, including adoption papers! Visit us at: www.friendsofscales.com