For my frequent readers, you've no doubt come to enjoy the various photos that Jade Walker has sent along - think roaches, centipedes, and tarantulas. He emailed me to let me know that his female Goliath Birdeating Spider, featured in my post from a couple of weeks ago, just died yesterday. The cause of death is unknown, but it was certainly premature.
This particular arachnid, named Gion, was very special to Jade. So if you have enjoyed his photos, please feel free to leave some comments for him. He needs some cheering up!
To see Gion in action, check out this video.
Awh, Jade I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Many people might not understand how one could become attached to a big, hairy spider but I do. She was a beauty and will be sorely missed, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteTake care hon' We love that you've shared your lovelies with us!
Awww, Jade. You have my condolences.
ReplyDeleteWill there be a funeral?
We had her cremated, but apparently you can't do that with a spider. When they went to check the oven, there were no ashes to give me back.
ReplyDeleteI saved a few of her molts, and I'm having a pair of her fangs mounted in earrings for me.
I'm still really torn up. She was pretty much my closest friend.
:( How long had you "had" her Jade? Or is it, "how long had she had you?" ;)
ReplyDeleteShe was a beautiful spider; thanks so much for sharing her with us. I hope you continue sending your wonderful pics!
ReplyDeleteShe really was beautiful & I'm so sorry for your loss......This may not matter to you because she's such a common species BUT, I have a Chilean Rose hair tarantula that I love & I would be so sad If she died!!! I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThat's a drag. I'll drink a toast to yer spidey.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the kind words everyone.
ReplyDeleteI had Gion for her entire life. I got her a few days after she hatched, and her fifth birthday was last month.
I fell out of the hobby and had no bugs for a couple years before I found her. She ignited a great passion in me.
I always said that I wanted her cremated and her ashes mixed with mine after I passed. She really meant that much to me.
I get misty every time I start to think about her. I know she was just a spider, but she was VERY special to me.
As time passes, the hurt will fade. I do realize that. Until then, it's not easy.
Don't worry, though. As long as I have my creepy crawlies, I'll continue sending in pictures. It's nice to know I have friends here. <3
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteArachnophile said...
ReplyDeleteWow Jade, the fact that you could get that attached to a tarantula,quite frankly, makes you one of my favorite people ever. That your wife is a partner in all this wonderful invertebrate madness makes her crazy-cool in my books too.
I hope that wasn't too gushy from a total stranger...
Thank you so much for sharing your love for her with us and honor her memory(uhm the spider "her", I mean) *rolleyes*
Plus, making earrings out of her fangs is one of the coolest things I've ever heard!
Damnit... you could've at least freaking warned people about what was going to be shown on that video!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs for the death of the spider. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm not a spider person myself, but when over half my fish died recently due to illness that spread too quickly... it really hurt and well.. people just don't realize that you can get attached to other pets that aren't cats/dogs.
So yeah.. I know how much it had to suck. *HUGS*
Most of my charges have been tetrapods. But I understand the attraction, and relate to the loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the life expectancy for tarantulas in captivity?
Love the "yuuummy" comment on the video.
xris- The yummy wasn't me. That was my friend, Jake (who's hand was in the other picture a while back).
ReplyDeleteThe life expentecy of goliaths is about 15 years, for females.
My condolences, Jade.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young, I had a pet praying mantis whose life was cut short due to an unfortunate accident. I'd had no idea that I could become so attached to an insect, but I found that it really was a great loss. So, I think I can understand, to some extend, what you are going through.
Hugs! :)
Oh, man, dude, that sucks. I'm really sorry. :(
ReplyDeleteJade, So sorry for your loss. Does her name, Gion, have a meanng?
ReplyDeleteelizabeth- Don't laugh, okay? It proves that I'm a nerd. Gion is four random letters from one of the forests that, that species is from. I don't remember the name of that forest, now. I don't know how I got that inspiration, either.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was kid, my pet was a Valley Garter Snake that I had for 10 years. I was pretty sad when he died, too. I hope you feel better in time <:)
ReplyDeleteMan, that sucks...sorry you lost her, Jade, she was a beautiful arachnid!
ReplyDelete--TwoDragons
Jade,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. She was a gorgeous critter.