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

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

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

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

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