Las Vegas Weekly

While Rick writes a nice story, he is coming a bit short on his information. I have had as many as 12 gliders, and now have six ranging from 7 months to 11 years, and my ex has 2. We have traveled the country with our little furry family, and what "stinks" is the not the animal, but when the makes are not fixed, their urine can smell. We have never had issue, ours all being fixed. So long as their cage is cleaned of fruit and food that drops, there is no issue. What the story lacks is this, these animals are complex true, which any complex thing needs time to learn about, yet the payoff, is priceless! They don't become so much a pet, as "the babies", and part of the family, in fact in our case....the family.
All of my gliders are adopted, by various sources. Ed & Gail are wonderful, somewhat over protective in a good way folks. The Larking man is a good salesman, however he does not tell the truth. He tells people that he feeds his gliders only fruit, and sells one glider at a time as a deal for customers. Gliders are omnivores, that require 50% of their diet to be protein...that means meats, chicken, meal worms, crickets etc, or the can suffer things such as hind leg paralysis, a sort of arthritis, that can be avoided. Also, the do live in colonies, that's because the are a "social" animal, so having one as he say to bond with, will only have the poor animal left sad and lonely, the more the merrier with gliders, and a pair is a minimum. So to that, he is wrong, and Ed & Gail are on point. When you own a glider, unlike other pets, you take on a new family member for about 12-15 years, and trust me having a few of ours die from age, or injury, will make a 6ft tall-230lb, former US. MARINE, drop to his knees and cry like a baby for days, they are not just a pet, they are a responsibility, and require you to be part of their lives, and in the short and long run, the payoff as stated makes gliders in my mind, the best pet anyone with the time can own. In closing, while the story covers a lot, it misses it's mark as to why people will open their home to rescue these animals, or protest against bad salesman, it's because these furry, lovable and sweet pets, transcend from pet to family member, if you both give each other the respect, love, and caring that any relashionship deserves. Kudos to Ed & Gail, they are heroes in the glider world. And if you desire (and you should) a glider) at least speak with them 1st, do some homework, have patience, and open your heart and you'll find out what my ex and I know, that gliders are the best little friends you can have.

P.S. I know Rick (writer),in fact, he met our gliders and they became the inspiration of sorts for this story, and by the way, they never bit him, nor did they smell!

Hi VegasMagicGuy,

The payoff might be priceless (I can see that from the way you interact with/talk about your own gliders), but I wanted to focus on the complexities/difficulties of ownership in this piece because I was afraid somebody might read the story and then "leap" into glider ownership without "looking" first. But you're right: your gliders don't smell, and they certainly didn't bite me! (I would have remembered).

-Rick

Dear Rick, this is part one of a two part comment. Gail and I are happy you got a chance to speak to Steve Larkin so you could show both sides of the story. You may recall that in my own communications with Mr. Larkin, he has wisely taken the high road when referring to our rescue. And he did likewise for your article.

Mr. Larkin makes an interesting comment about his suggie-stuffed RV and the "USDA Approved cages."
We too have a USDA license for the rescue and have access to all the rules and regulations about cages.

Guess what? The USDA guidelines are very loose and to be calling his cages "USDA Approved" is pure hyperbole. For example, a cage is considered "OK" by the USDA so long as the animal can stand up and not hit its head on the top of the cage.

That's "USDA Approved." This is typical of the "spin" Mr. Larkin puts on the truth.

We too are subject to unannounced surprise visits from our USDA ACI (Animal Care Inspector). Our ACI (Warren Striplin of the CO office) is a kind gentleman who seems to truly care about the welfare of these animals. For the most part, he is interested in our paperwork and likes to verify the vet visits, and the number of animals on hand. His first question is always "What's the number" which refers to the number of animals in our care.

After reviewing our paperwork and asking some pointed questions about the operation, he is typically satisfied and writes up a positive inspection report.

These ACIs have a heavy case load and often travel from state to state for weeks at a time on the road. For the most part, they are looking for heinous violations. Our inspector tells us he is not an enforcer. But he has the power to bring in the guys with the guns if something is terribly wrong.

The bottom line is it's pretty easily to get a pass from the USDA and for anyone like Steve Larkin, who is really just a front man for mill breeders, to imply that "USDA Approval" is some coveted thing, like he had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get "approval" is just more cynical misdirection on his part.

Our contention, quite apart from the oh-so-loose regulations, is he and his ilk simply lack a soul. We still feel very strongly that it is amoral to hustle these animals as an impulse item at a trade show.

Yours truly, Ed & Gail Margulies
Co-directors, Lucky Glider Rescue & Sanctuary

Rick this is part two of our two-part comment...

We wanted to go on record about the veiled implication, via Mr. Larkin's reference to the Home Show management company, that we can be easily dismissed crazed whack jobs. The "these Margulies people" comment is again typical Mr. Larkin hyperbole.

The rest of the story is even more interesting and reveals the "sick alliance" between the more uncaring of these trade show companies and people who sell exotics in impulse-buy venues.

Now check out the confederacy between these people... Gail in fact asked to buy a booth at the Home Show so we could offer information to people about these animals and how hard they are to take care of. And offer people a chance to ADOPT them instead of buy them. But they said NO because they have to "maintain a ratio of non-home related and home related vendors." So it's OK for Tropical Attitude Pets to skew the ratio, but not a non-profit animal rescue? That's cold.

So Gail went to speak with them face-to-face to tell them about the plight of these animals and how so many that are bought at their show on impulse end up in our rescue.

She suggested that at the very least Mr. Larkin should publish a list of area vets, and better information on (real) food instead of protein-deficient pellets.

I guess they don't like the idea of a non-profit animal rescue being a "buzz kill" to offset the huckstering of exotic animals at their show. Anyway, that face-to-face discussion was well-mannered and not like we were running around splashing pigs' blood on furs or anything over the top like that.

Mr. Larkin also shows photos of sugar gliders on dogs' heads as if their two species got along. Guess what? There are numerous animals surrendered to us as lone gliders after their mates were eaten by dogs! How can the man advocate that gliders are OK with cats and dogs? So he can hoodwink prospective buyers into walking away with some, that's why. It's just blatant disregard for the value of their little innocent lives pure and simple. Again people like him seem soulless to us.

We also think it's highly ironic and cynical that in taking the "high road" Mr. Larkin says that he even refers customers to us...

Oh thanks, Steve! So when people finally realize they made a mistake, we're like your little local clean-up crew? He knows well that a lot of these creatures end up in rescue because he makes misleading statements about how easy they are to care for and all you have to do is feed them lousy pellets.

So far as we are concerned, this person is not welcome in our town. He does not bring revenue into this town. He does not support local commerce. All he does is swoop in, make a few thousand dollars in a weekend and then begs out -- leaving us to clean up his mess. All to the detriment of many of these animals that end up abandoned because of his misleading and callous pitch.

Yours truly, Ed & Gail Margulies
Co-directors, Lucky Glider Rescue & Sanctuary

Having severe asthma and having never owned a pet, I was extremely cautious before I adopted 2 female sugar gliders. I was a difficult customer, asking questions such as, "Are you available once I take them home?, How do you select which pairs can breed?, What health concerns should I expect?, What is special about their care, diet and exercise needs?, As a breeder, why would you encourage public adaptation to this type of pet?", What is special about a baby glider vs. an adult glider?, Will you provide references?", etc. When I returned later that day, Steve Larkin answered more difficult questions, set realistic expectations and recommended external resources for education and reference.

Since that time, I spoke to another breeder and other owners. This other breeder was hard to contact and would suggest that his line of sugar gliders stay very small, he would not confirm that he kept records of the breeding lines, etc. This is unscrupulous and in severe contrast to Steve Larkin's actions with me.

When having 2 young gliders, Steve Larkin was an invaluable resource. Steve's diet recommendations are similar to those of the guidelines of Australian zoos for nutrition and overall health, with notes to phosphorus, calcium and protein intake - even the need to gnaw on proper items placed in their cage. Moreover, I feel that I was a well-informed to make my decision to adopt; being told that a singular glider needs interaction otherwise it will feel unattached, become despondent and perhaps become ill. There was never any pressure to purchase, especially not to purchase 2 gliders. Steve clearly said that he encourages questions and prefers an informed person "because [the sugar gliders] do grow up and will be with you a long time"; moreover, "it is an important decision." To this day, Steve Larkin remains available, supportive and helpful, often calling me back within hours if I don't reach him immediately.

Therefore, I have a hard time understanding the accusations from the 2 co-owners of the rescue. One wonders if their frustration with former glider owners is misdirected to the closest target, the breeder? Having volunteered at a "non-kill shelter", I know owners who give up their pet often tell half-truths to feel "less guilty" or "less judged" when dumping their animal. Often, these people are not prepared or have wrong expectations. It is a shame that these people did not receive the education and encouragement to become active, responsible caregivers. In words and deeds, I find Steve Larkin a conscientious and accountable breeder.

(Please note: I met Steve at a home show which also had several animal-related booths, including: a non-profit rabbit rescue, several ferret rescues, multiple cat and dog products booths, and a large pool exhibition where dogs were making competitive jumps into the water to retrieve a decoy and swim back.)

Wow!!!! I do commend anyone who decides to do rescue work for any species but when you let your emotions and lack of knowledge get in the way it only clouds your judgement and veiw.

Yes Steve Larkin is a business man but he also cares about Sugar Gliders. I have purchased three from him and he has allways been there for us. He is not hard to get in touch with. I may not totally agree with his choice of diet but thats what they get fed in a Zoo with a Vets approval.

Diet can be debated all day long and yet you will still not have everyone agree on one. As far as the smell factor goes it is generally caused by intact males. They do have a smell(not like Ferrets) about them but it can be managed by nuetering your males and keeping your cage and all it's contents CLEAN. Just like any cage for any other pet, it should be cleaned on a regular basis.

Sugar Gliders are a high maintenance pet but so are Dogs, Ferrets, Birds, and so on. When I purchased my Glider from Steve I too asked him many questions about care, habitat, personality, and the do's and dont's to name a few. He anserwed all of my questions and even suggested that I go and do some research. One year later I purchased our first two Gliders from him. Later that day I sat and listened to him discussing Gliders with other people and not once did he omit anything from them.

Say what you want, do what you will but for Gods sake at least do some research with an open mind before you pass judgement. Information is just a click away!

OK so I come across this article and I have to say I am shocked!

I admire anyone involved with any kind of animal rescue, and I have to say that for that I have to give props to the Margulies for the work they do.

Here is what I know about Steve Larkin. I met him at a Home show in SLC Utah, and he was very informative, upfront, and cautious when we first spoke. My little girl (4 at that time) had seen gliders at the Reptile expo a year earlier and we both had an interest in the critters. I did research on the internet because I was considering getting a pet for our family. So when we saw Mr. Larkins booth at the home show we both lit up. We asked Steve a bunch of questions and he was in line with everything we learned while researching on line. Among other things he told us about the attention these critters require and asked if we would be able to provide it with said attention. He told us we would need to keep the cage clean and feed fresh food every day. He said they "bark" at night, and we were excited to hear our first bark. So he sold us our first glider along with everything we needed to care for the glider including an "Owners Manuel", food, water bottle, food dish, heat rock, and cage. But the most important thing he gave us to go home with our glider was his phone number! We used this number to ask questions quite often, and if he didn't answer right away, he always returned our call.

I have seen Steve's Trailer he travels in, and it is very Clean and in order. His gliders are better taken care of then any other retailer I have seen. Every time there is a show that Steve is going to be at, we take our glider in and he checks her out and thanks us for bringing her in to see him. He truly loves these critters.

Yes these critters are a bit higher maintenance then a dog, but he told us that, and we accepted the responsibility.

I feel bad that there are people who take on the responsibility of one of these critters and then decide it is too much work. There are too many people like that in the world. Just look at the dog pound for instance. It is not only gliders that people don't want to care for. Maybe the Margulies should look outside the box and realize the problem is not the people selling the animals, but the lack of integrity in the people saying they will care for the animals. There are no arms being twisted. There are no falsehoods being told.

We have two gliders now. The first one we got from Steve is 6 years old now. Happy, healthy, clean, and friendly! The other came from a friend of mine who's daughter was going off to college and could not take it along with her.

I recommend gliders to anyone who loves animals and who will give them the time and attention they need.

I find it funny to read this article. The folks who run the rescue center do not have their facts clear. I own several sugar guilders that I purchased from Steve Larkin. He is so easy to get a hold of and is always more than willing to answer any questions I have. My sugar gliders are no more work to take care of than my dog. My 125 gal fish tank is more work than my gliders. I have no idea what these folks are talking about"apples, grapes, carrot, a little yogurt and most importantly the dry glider food is all that it takes.

To question Steve Larkin care and love of these animals is seriously wrong. He takes great care of his animals and loves them dearly. The comment of the older grandpa looking man that you just can't say no to says a lot about the people who love and buy these pets. We are not dumb or have not been duped but are informed consumers taking the information Steve Larkin provides and doing our home work.

The rescue folks make his USDA license as no big deal. I got the feeling they thought it was a joke. They talked about being licensed what more do they want? If Steve is doing all he can to be incompliance with the laws of the land what more is expected? I found it nice in a world of getting it for as cheap as you can that Steve has held strong on the material used to make his cages. He told me he could buy coated wire from china a lot cheaper that the material he now uses but the coating contains a poison to the gliders when they bit on the wire. Seems to me if Steve was this business for the dollar only he won't care and buy the cheaper wire!

I have found these little animals to be like any pet that we have ever had. The more I handle them, love on them, the more they become part of our family. We just added a yorkie to our family and we have to work with her. I have never had my gliders chew my furniture or destroy anything. I wonder if the sugar gliders brought to the rescue center were animals left in the cage never handled shown any love and thus are no different than a dog chained to the tree in the back yard.

Rescue folks need to direct their anger not at the man selling the animals but the bad pet owners. I think the gliders you have in the rescue center come from the pet owners not willing to put in the effort to care not just to feed but love and to make their sugar glider a part of their family. I hope they have done a better job with their kids!!!!

I am amazed @ people that dont think they have to take care of an animal! If you want a dog or cat DONT GET A GLIDER!! I have 7 Gliders @ this time. 3 adults in one cage and a mating pair in another with 2 babies. I have had my first glider since 05 and bought her from Steve! Steve has always been there for me. I call him whenever I have a question. These are not independent animals but You should want to be there for them. Gliders are not for everyone. Just like birds are not for everyone. They make the same amount of mess I've seen and i WILL never own a bird! Gliders only bark when not taken care of properly. They usually dont stink except for the mating 2. I sell my babies that i have when I have babies.. I warn people how if you feed them meat they will stink and if they are not handled they will bite. I have bought 3 gliders from Steve and they are healthy. He also guarentees his gliders for 30 days. HE is in BUSINESS!! He doesnt want to treat you like your stupid. So if he thinks you may know something... he wont tell you. In my opinon he has the highest form of respect. I recommend him to everyone! I recommend the cages he sells! I HATE BIRD CAGES! I recommend getting one glider@ a time, when buying. But they are social animals and dont deserve being deprived! Have you ever seen or handled HIS gliders?? If you have but not taken care of yours.. will not turn out like his. His are amazing as well as are mine. He is for the well being of the gliders. Just like me.. he doesnt sell them to people who doesnt seem to have an interest in them. He does say how long they live, they bite if not taken care of, bark if not handled properly (or feed properly), and you cannot train them. Thanks for your time..

Melanie from Oklahoma

I'm sorry, but my reply will take a couple of postings. The Margulies' talk about the "truth", but they've twisted it so much it's unrecognizable, and left out completely in some instances. First, California is an illegal state, so is Alaska, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. Massachusetts has passed some legislature in favor of the gliders. Otherwise, the rest of the states are legal states, but each city and county has its own regulations. Then, they don't mention the fact that several pet stores in Las Vegas sell sugar gliders, and there are breeders there as well. But, they're saying all of their problems are because of Steve Larkin. It was really a dirty trick, handing you a glider straight from it's nest. He knew it would pee and poop on you - and was counting on the shock effect. That was totally uncalled for theatrics. The truth is, and Steve tells all of his customers this, the glider will go to the bathroom a minute or two after waking. All you have to do is hold it over a tissue and let it do it's job. Then it's good for 2-4 hours. When in your pocket, it will squirm and come to the top when it has to go. Again use the tissue and it's ready to go back to the pocket. It doesn't like to pee or poop where it sleeps. I travel with mine and will take a freeway exit to a service station, let them do their duty, and head out again. They give you a clear signal, but can you learn to recognize it? The pellet food is Glider Grub, a soy-based protein. It was designed for little marmosets. Their nutritional needs are like those of the sugar glider. Purina only packages it in 50lb bags, but has given Steve Larkin approval to re-package it. A 5lb box will last 2 glider a year. Protein, for gliders, doesn't have to be meats. I read a posting once where a woman's vet said the oldest and healthiest gliders he saw in his practice were fed Glider Grub. I gave my gliders mealworms and crickets at one time. Their room smelled so bad, I stopped, and the odor left. The strong odors are caused by diet. My unaltered males don't smell any more than my neutered males. You have to keep their cages, toys, sleep pouches, etc. clean - on a regular basis. As for protein causing hind leg paralysis, Vegas Magic Guy is way off the mark. It has absolutely nothing to do with protein - it's calcium. Fruits and veggies are higher in phosphorous than calcium. For gliders, the ratio should be 2:1, with calcium highest. The only perfect food with the proper ratio, that I've found so far, is figs. Too much phosphorous will leach calcium out of a glider's bones and muscles - causing hind leg paralysis, which can kill the glider. Gliders definitely don't get onions or garlic (allicin will cause them to become anemic), and no chocolate or catnip toys (will kill them). To avoid hind leg paralysis, Steve sells Vita Glider. It's a calcium supplement you sprinkle on their fruits & veggies every other night. This will protect the gliders. Suggie Mama

Second installment. I have a question for the Margulies'. When Makudo first came to you, did you seek a veterinary ophthalmologist? I took Bogie to one because his right eye was blue. The doctor dilated his eyes and did a thorough exam. Luckily for Bogie, he'd just scratched it, and the doctor told me it would be black again in about 2-4 months. That's the time it takes for the cells of the eyes to regenerate themselves. You think gliders are abandoned because they're "tricky" to care for. How tricky is it to: 1) fill their food cup with Glider Grub, 2) fill their water bottles, 3) cut their fruits and veggies nightly, 4) spinkle Vita Glider on alternate nights, 5) clean cages and contents regularly, 6) play with, and carry, gliders. Tricky? No. Time consuming? Yes. The Margulies keep the room dark so the gliders will come out. When I turn on the light, mine hit the side of the cages to see me. They don't run and hide. The Margulies also seem to think the USDA is a joke. Maybe their inspector is lax, but most of the people I've spoken to have inspectors that want to see everything on their surprise visits. Bring out the records, go to the cages, feeding stations, etc. You can be written up and fined if things aren't in order. It is a big deal. As for Steve Larkin and his business practices. As I wrote before, I've purchased 20 gliders from him and won't buy from anyone else. His babies are sweet, healthy, and ready to bond. I have a good bond going in a week or two - just following Steve's directions. After getting my first two, my husband sent me to shows where Steve was, just to listen and learn. Steve tells everyone the truth about the gliders. If you feed them right, they won't stink. You have to give them attention - 2 to4 hrs per day if its a single glider, a little less if you have a pair. That much time is needed if you want a bond like his and Shakespear's. Some people follow instructions, others take them home to the cage, do nothing with them - then complain when they can't hold them. Steve's starter kit contains a book and CD on the care and nurturing of the glider. He's not responsible for what each customer does with their own gliders. I've heard him tell a lot of customers that they're not suited for a glider. They seem to appreciate that. What I've really heard a lot of is people saying they saw him a few months to a year ago and researched the gliders. Now they were ready to purchase one or two. He always recommends two, but for some customers, handling one at a time is easier, and they're more likely to hold and interact with it. Not so if they're stressed out. So, they get one and come back to see him a few months later for their second one. The first glider is bonded well and happy to have a new friend. Suggie Mama

Third installment. Steve has a list of glider vets in all states. He just updated his database. The pictures at his booth are from customers who have, using common sense, slowly introduced the glider to the other pets. Over time, they've come to realize the glider belongs there. Steve stresses that you never just put your animals together. It's a process that takes time. And still, they may never react together openly. A friend has a huge cat that brings in squirrels. He lays on the cage and yowls for the gliders to groom him. They do, through the cage. But my friend would never dream of letting them all loose together. He uses common sense. Steve gives instructions on glider rooms (making one room safe for the gliders to run in - but - only when you're there with them). The comment about the "suggie-stuffed RV" was totally uncalled for, but not unexpected, especially with all the other rantings and accusations the Margulies have thrown around. With Steve Larkin, what you see is what you get. He's a kind, warm person who genuinely cares for his gliders and customers. That's one of the reasons he gives his personal cell phone number to all customers. He'll even them with gliders they didn't buy from him. His concern is for the good of the glider - and the satisfaction of his customers. The Margulies have painted a picture of him as some type of wizzard who mesmerizes people into buying gliders they'll soon reject. Nothing can be farther from the truth. People like the Margulies' start out with good intentions and somewhere along the way, their outlook gets skewed. Then they get on a vendetta. It's sad when good work takes a vicious turn. If you want to know Steve Larkin, meet him in person, tour his trailer, check out his babies, listen to what he tells people. Make up your own mind. Suggie Mama

Ed and Gail,

When Steve told me that he "refers" customers, I'm pretty sure he meant that he sent first-time buyers to your sanctuary if they couldn't afford gliders from him; I didn't think he meant he referred customers to you after they realized they couldn't care for his gliders. Whether that's true, I don't know, but I'm pretty sure that's what he meant. Sorry if I didn't make that clear in the story.

But it's a good point you make about the cages. I didn't know that based on what Steve had told me.

-Ricky

Ed and Gail and Everybody Else,

I think the two things we can all agree on (everybody who left a comment, at least), is that 1) sugar gliders are tricky but rewarding pets, and 2) Steve Larkin, like him or hate him, is larger than life.

-Ricky

What a controversial piece this turned out to be! Lol...definitely wasn't expecting this kind of response!

As I said earlier, gliders are not tricky to care for. Please tell me what's so tricky about: 1) putting the Glider Grub in their dish, 2) filling their water bottles, 3) cutting up their fruits and veggies every night, 4) sprinkling Vita Glider on the fruits & veggies every other night, 5) cleaning the cages and contents on a regular basis, 6) carrying and playing with the gliders themselves? Which one of those is the "tricky" part? It is time consuming. But as you so aptly put it, they are well worth the effort.

Steve Larkin is known by people all over. He's not larger than life. He's a man who tells the truth about the gliders and products he sells. It's amazing that people will find all kinds of excuses when they're tired of taking care of pets. They blame the pet, they blame the pet store, or they blame the breeder. They blame everyone except themselves. If they're too lazy to take care of a pet that lives 15 years - and the life span is told to everyone who purchases, or even thinks of purchasing, a glider - they should back off and think long and hard about the committment. None of that is the breeder's fault. Do they blame the pet store when a customer decides they no longer want the cute puppy or kitty - and takes it to the pound? No. These people are looking for a target, and Steve's the one they chose. What, exactly, did Steve Larkin lie about? Everything I've read so far is total bunk. I've listened to him talk with customers and he hasn't lied yet!! Everything he's told people has been the truth.

Yes, it's turned into quite a controversial piece, but that's what happens when someone maliciously sets out to ruin a reputation and business.

Suggie Mama

Suggie Mama,

I think you and I might have different understandings of the phrase "larger than life." It doesn't mean unknown by people all over, or anything like that. Much the opposite. I meant the guy has a large personality and that people talk about him.

And even Mr. Larkin himself told me that sugar gliders aren't the easiest pets to take care of.

Now, I hope you're not insinuating that it was ME who "maliciously set out to ruin Mr. Larkin's reputation and business"; I didn't know the guy existed when I "set out" to write a story on gliders! And I made that clear within the text of the story, if you'd like to reread.

And if you do read through the story again, you'll see that I gave Steve ample space to make his case (just as ample space was given to Ed and Gail to make theirs). And frankly, I think this guy did a find job of standing up for himself and making his points--and again, the story reflects that.

Okay, I'm not going to go back and forth on this one any more, but I do thank you for reading the piece. And again, I thank Ed and Gail and Steve for their time.

-Ricky

Rick,

Yes, I think our definitions of "larger than life" do differ. But you're right about people all over talking about him. He's still helping people with gliders they bought years and years ago. People have heard of Steve through friends and have called him for help with gliders they never purchased from him. He never refuses to help anyone. He takes in rescues also. I asked him once about what happens when gliders get too old to breed - I feared the worst. He just smiled and said that they have a home for life with him. I liked that answer.

I would never think that you were the one being malicious. That was in reference to the Margulies. I know it must be tough taking in rescues, and I'm sure they've seen all sorts of horrors. But you can't blame one person for it all. And you certainly don't set out to ruin someone for it.

If you really want to find out about this man, go to a show where he is - and just watch and listen to him before introducing yourself. See if he tells prospective customers the same thing most people here have said. You'll see he is exactly as he presents - genuine and caring about his gliders and customers alike. Suggie Mama

I don't believe this article gives a fully balanced amount of space to the breeder. Any time you allow the word "nemesis" into an article, it immediately requires an equal amount of room for a reply.

The first 2/3rds of the article is devoted to the viewpoint of the Margulieses, with some good "general glider information" peppered here and there. It would be better to write a more informative article for future of the sugar gliders, those rescued and those in good homes. Instead, we read the negatively-charged comments and accusations with more than 200 words and 10 more lines of the article devoted to this viewpoint.

Although the article gives Mr. Larkin a chance to reply, it is only a chance to defend. Luckily we see several comment to this piece confirming Mr. Larkin as a respected and conscientious breeder. But it's almost too late. The fist sugar gliders were imported to the US less than 20 years ago, which should emphasize the need for consumer education regarding these pets.

Why not talk about educating owners? .. better stating the needs of the exotic pet? .. the comparison between rescues of exotic pets vs. rescues of common pets and why people give them up? .. the common thread that animal shelters are overflowing with adoptable animals?

There was so much more to say about an exotic pet, educating owners, the specialized care and the future of this type of animal. Unfortunately, this is an opportunity missed.

Very well said. I've been to many many shows Steve Larkin as been at, and what really made me smile was the people who walked up and said they'd seen him several months to a year or so ago - and did a lot of research into gliders before deciding they wanted one. Steve's encouraged people to wait and learn more about gliders before making the decision to buy.

No one has mentioned all of the gliders he's sold over the years he's been in business, that have found wonderful glider owners. A lot of customers come back to see him at shows and bring their gliders to visit. It's wonderful to hear the stories of how they and their gliders interact and where they go together. It seems like, from the ones I've seen and talked with, the people who take their gliders everywhere with them - on vacations, in the motor home, on the plane, wherever they may be headed - have a great relationship with them. They can't imagine life without their gliders.

I guess people crab more about the negative, so it gets the attention. They don't usually praise the positive as much.

Suggie Mama

I have purchased 3 sugar gliders from Steve Larkin and he has been there for us the entire time. I went through 2 pregnancies with my little girl and he was there to guide me through the entire process. We now have 5 and love them all. He answers emails, phone calls and will even work with you in order to get supplies for cages. I have had a great experience with him and his company and would refer him as a breeder any day!

I realize I am a little late with this comment but this is a very touchy subject for me. I think Steve Larkin is the very best thing that happened to me a few years ago. I purchased a glider from him and nothing could have been a better purchase in my lifetime. Not only did Steve help me with this purchase but he was with me to the very end with help no matter what we needed. It was a pleasure to see Steave and as a matter of fact we named another glider we bought from him after him. When he heard what happened to our Chewey he was quickly calling us to see if he could help. I am appalled that anyone would try to hurt his reputation or business because they were very uneducated about sugar gliders! Reminds me of advice given by people about children but never had a kid! To bad that people have to be so vicious because someone is maybe a little successfull? I am certain Steave loves Sugar Gliders and wishes no one would abandon them BUT life happens and it's simply not his fault but the individual. I knew of a wonderful person who rescued gliders and know the responsibility and problems that occurred. However that wasn't Steave's fault but the people who simply couldn't or wouldn't take their own responsibility for a purchase I am preaty sure were told would be a lifetime project! I only wish with all my heart I still had my little Chewey back with me!! We love you Steave and hope all this hopela didn't hurt you in anyway. Jo

Part one

Ed, Gail, Keep up the good work.

I'm in the Kansas City area. I have had gliders over 11 years and have been rescuing for about 6 years. I also have experienced situations exactly like Ed and Gail. I also rescue gliders and many of those I have had come to me originated from Steve Larkin. I've had gliders come to me having been fed his "diet" that were so malnurished that I've had some die as a result. Others that took months to get healthy.

I've even have two gliders here right now that were rescued in Utah and brought to me, again, thanks to Larkin.

Part two

Gliders are complex. They are not little rodents you can just feed some pellets and expect them to live long healthy lives.

Heat rocks! OMG how wrong it is to put a heat rock in with gliders. 1st, providing that they are actually OLD enough to be away from their parents, they do not need a heat rock. Only very young joeys (under 8 weeks out of pouch) do not have the ability to regulate their body temperatures. 2nd, there is such a risk of them burning themselves on the heat rocks or chewing the electrical cords. These are hazzards that are NOT necessary with healthy, appropriate age gliders.

Anyone that is insisting you buy THEIR cage (which what he sells is TOO SMALL, minimum for 2 gliders should be 2 foot by 2 foot by 3 foot or larger) , THEIR diet, THEIR heat rocks, THEIR other garbage in order for you to own one of their gliders is ONLY ABOUT THE MONEY, not the welfare of the animal.

Diet, there is much more to a balanced diet than just the calcium:phosphrous ratio. And a diet lacking in calcium or having too much phosphrous is NOT the only cause of hind leg paralysis. Illness such as giardia (which MANY of the gliders Larkin has sold has) or parasites can cause gliders to not absorb the calcium properly and that too can lead to hind leg paralysis.

Perhaps you should ask Larkin what happened at the Wichita home show and why he is not welcome back there. Ask about how he sold two joeys that were taken immediately to the vet where they were determined to both be infected with giardia and less than 8 weeks out of pouch and not properly weened yet. I bet you will NOT get the truth from Larkin on that!

Part three

Ask Larkin about how many breeding gliders he has and ask to see their living conditions at his "breeding facility". My bet is he won't let you see for yourself and if he does, he won't show you ALL of them.

Gliders have (usually) 1-2 joeys at a time (3-4 are posible but extremely rare). They breed in the wild once or twice per year but in captivity, on average 4 times per year. So one breeding pair MIGHT produce 8 joeys per year. Do the math. How many breeding gliders would he have to have to be able to take 30-50 joeys to each home show each weekend? How many does he sell per year?

Now tell me how those breeding gliders are properly cared for and socialized (interacted with) so that they are healthy, both physically and emotionally, as well as tame?

My opinion of Larkin and others like him is they are all parasites feeding off of impulse buyers who either don't know or don't care about where the animals come from or what living conditions they must endure, simply because they are cute.

For those of you that have purchased from Larkin, I wish only the very best for you and your gliders and hope that they are fortunate enough to live long healthy lives. Sadly, that has not been the case with the "Larkin" gliders that have come through my home.