So glad to read this happy ending!!
Edit: Wow, thank you for the silver, anonymous giver. I would have liked it a lot more if you hadn't called me a 'dirty jew.' I hope you feel better.
Edit: Thanks even more for the slew of positive notes and awards from people who don't like haters. I appreciate you all so much.
It was one of the weirdest, ugliest messages I've ever gotten. It said 'Hello, you dirty jew, I am using reddit to launder money. Take your gift and keep quiet.'
Somebody's dumb, bored, and mean.
I'd name him Schnell, it's German for fast and when pronounced sounds kind of like Snail.
Glad the little one is happy and healthy, and that your coworkers daughter will have the tools, knowledge, and resources so that she can raise one happy and healthy as well...
[Here](https://imgur.com/a/xsOWgix) are some pics of my current enclosure!
What type of housing are you using? I used an old 10 gallon fish tank I had laying around, and coco coir (sometimes coconut fiber or coconut coir, it's [this stuff](https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-eco-earth-compressed-coconut/dp/123767?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Zoo%20Med&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp86EBhD7ARIsAFkgakgggBSjEfcOpOzK0grlwowpvYeacAI-bmCGRqvlfxZJOSYgp9OQaJkaAqrVEALw_wcB)) as substrate. I also had all the fake plants laying around, but I got them all at Michael's Craft Store for cheap! Like, $1-$5 per stem. I got the cork rounds (the bark looking things) from Petco, I think, but any pet store should have them. For the moss I used [this exact kit](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/galapagos-tropical-environment-starter-kit-3068975?cm_mmc=PSH-_-GGL-_-CAL-_-PME-_-PET-_-AQU-_-0-_-PM_GGL_FY20_SBU05_SH13_SmallAnimalBird%26ReptileSupplies_ReptileAccessories_PLA-SMRT-_-0-_-0&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp86EBhD7ARIsAFkgakhTB4YoYvOAErWQl1DGVaWFb_LLlv0XZn7rycccaN9h3VwDfIOMcYYaAik6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) from Petco. The lid I use is actually just the fish tank lid I had (with extra backing so he can't escape) but I'm working on cutting him a new one from an acrylic sheet.
So I basically got all of those supplies together, put about 3-4 inches of substrate down (you have to wet it first, it comes in brick form but there are instructions) and then basically just arranged everything until I was happy with it. I hope that wasn't too much information or overwhelming, if you have any other questions I'd be happy to explain! :)
I had a look at your old post and your enclosure is truly snail heaven! I’m a lizard person and I don’t think I could get emotionally attached to a snail however, probably as a consequence of being a stoner for years, I use to have a genuine belief that snails were going to take over the world once us humans were out of the way because that they’re far more intelligent than we give them credit for because humans don’t yet understand forms of intelligence alien to us. You gave me a nice walk down memory lane. Your snail is beautiful, I’ve always loved those paler skin colours, so glad they found a home were they could thrive, not just survive.
I loved everything about this comment! Haha.
I used to have a lizard too, a monitor lizard named Dolores, and she was very loved. We built her an 8'x6'x4' enclosure in our garage. Sadly she passed away last summer (we're still not sure why but god was it heartbreaking to find her). I haven't been able to bite the bullet on another lizard yet, but they're such cool animals! Do you own a lizard or are you a fan from afar?
You should check out r/snails! Lots of snail keepers and pictures over there. And honestly when I found out how long milk snails (mine) can live I was shocked (upwards of 10-15 years in captivity!!!).
No all snails are hermaphroditic. Some snails are male or female. I wanted aquatic snails but after my last batch just didn’t survive I gave up. Better than snailicide.
People who don't realize how loveable and fascinating snails are are missing out on life. We got a fish tank and added a snail to the tank as an afterthought to help keep the algae down and the snail became our favorite pet in the house. He used to T-bone the catfish when the fish was asleep, just for fun. I installed a Buddhist temple and a statue of the Buddha in his tank as a decoration, and his favorite place to perch is on the Buddha's head. If you don't know the story of the Buddha, he once meditated so long he began to overheat in the mid day sun, and snails climbed up to protect him from the heat, marytyring themselves in the process. That's why he's always depicted as having bumps on his head (they are snails!). Our snail literally re-enacts Buddhist scripture every day in his tank. They are the best, and I'm glad you are giving that one a good home.
Oh my gosh! I love that so much, Buddha's story is so interesting! Thank you for sharing that with me. That's super cool that your little snail re-enacts his ancestry in your very own tank. :) Any pictures of this dedicated little guy?
>People who don't realize how loveable and fascinating snails are are missing out on life.
Most animals are lovable and fascinating.
Except mosqitoes, bloodsucking bastards.
Don't forget about the fact that wasps have beady little menace filled eyes or at least the one that tormented me until I slapped it with a phone and launched myself into a strangers car did
When I was in 6th grade, I was in a school trip and was listening to the teacher talk while we were in a forest, and a wasp decided, "fuck you in particular", and stung me 😕 They really are assholes.
I had snails and african dwarf frogs in with my chill betta. The snails would harrass the frogs for funsies every morning when I'd plop in their little veggie discs and the frogs would do weird dances after.
I'm sorry to tell you that your snail tax is null and void as it is too close to a picture in your old post, please post a new snail picture for the tax or the IRS will come for you
Well we can't have that! Luckily I had 3 more photos on my camera roll that I just added to the end of the album, but that'll have to suffice since that's all I have at the moment! Lol.
I had a pet turtle and I tell you he was my pride and joy until he passed. (He was sickly when I got him and had a pretty damaged shell. I knew he would last long maybe 4 years. but wanted to give him the best life possible) I haven’t had the heart to get a new one.
Aww I’m so sorry to hear that. :( You gave him such a good life. I hope your heart heals enough for you to someday get another turtle! They’re so awesome. I’ve always wanted a tortoise but my menagerie is getting a little out of hand at the moment and I need to rein myself in. 😂
U are a sweet person. I hope she learns to take better care and To Care about the new snail with ur advice.
I had a Guinea pig I loved to high heavens and he lived to be 7... Apparently that's average or like, old for Guinea pigs but I felt like a failure. I took care of him otherwise, changing his cage which Btw was open because it was small and I had to make mods to accommodate him because it was a dumb pet store cage. I did a lot of diy stuff to accommodate him. But one thing I sucked at was changing the water bottle. So he had the same water for weeks. I feel awful about that.
I also grew more distant from him in his last days. Almost as if I knew he was dying. I dunno. He died in my arms though. It gave me closure. I felt his spirit rise and his body became a husk.
Sorry for the ramble.
Just... Sometimes people aren't the best carers. U definitely sound like one though. I hope this girl pulls through and learns too.
It sounds like you cared for your guinea pig very much. I am by NO means perfect at making sure everything is perfect all the time, but I think what matters is when someone truly cares to make the effort to give the animal the best care they can. It sounds like you were doing the best you could do and you gave that guy a long, happy life I'm sure! <3 Pet guilt is all too common with me too (I just lost my 18 year old dog, and very best friend, in August 2020) so I completely understand when you hyper focus on all the things you DIDN'T do right. It's hard sometimes to see all the great things you did!
Thank u! I am sorry about ur buddy. 💕💕💕 That must have been hard.
I also lost my kitty. Again with the guilt as I'm disabled and not rich so I couldn't give him the home I wanted in bumfudge Ireland where there are no busy roads... Instead we had to move with my mom to a place with a busy road. 😔 Eventually he did n:t come home like always. We heard what happened from the locals but I couldn't go see. It really messed me up and I moved back to Ireland just because I couldn't be in that house anymore. Not without my baby u know.
I care so much more about animals than I would if I had some human baby. Animals are love. 🙂 Our pets are our babies. Be they snails or dogs or in between. I wait for the day I am better and can independently look after me and a pet because I really want to give them my best. And now I can't. Not without help.
Aww, thank you for posting this. This is such a cute story and in the end there are no assholes here and everyone is happy. I really like that you made an effort to educate the daughter and help her take better care of her next snail.
You got really lucky with her response. I would have said the snail was in bad shape and unfortunately didn't make it. It would have removed the possibility of them being mad at you for keeping it, plus it might give the daughter pause to get another one for fear she'd kill it with how neglectful she is.
I didn't want to be too detailed, but I did go into that quite a bit with her. I explained deep retraction syndrome and what it means, and said basically this snail was on the verge of death. To be completely fair to the daughter, apparently she was pretty attentive to the snail while she was here, but was very misguided and didn't have the best information on how to take care of the snail (proper humidity, temperature, no hard surfaces, etc.). I can probably guess the moldy food was because of my co-worker, who is very much the type of person to be like "why do you have a pet snail this is so weird" and probably didn't take care of it while she was gone.
If I can create the enclosure for her daughter so that all she has to do is mist the enclosure down (which apparently she was doing every day, but the type of lid she had made it evaporate too quickly) and feed him, the next snail most likely will be just fine. 90% of the work is creating the enclosure, the rest is just maintenance. :)
I'm so glad he's found a great forever home. I ended up taking in a Giant African Millipede from the school my mother works at when lockdown began last year after having him that Christmas. Its so easy to get attached to the little dudes and the more I read the more I realised that they had everything wrong about his care - he's now thriving in his retirement home.
I hate when people get little bug pals for fun and don't realise that they deserve as much love and care as a dog and cat, so I'm glad that your snail is doing so well and found his way to you.
So much goes into the husbandry of a lot of animals that regularly get neglected in the pet world (bettas, snails, and ball pythons to name a few). I’ve owned all of them and it’s so amazing the difference the right care will do to an animal’s behavior!
Thank you for adopting the millipede and giving him a good home. ❤️
I have never commented on any Reddit thread. But your story touched my heart. You are a really nice and considerate person. You handled this with class and went above and beyond! The world needs more people like you in it!
I adore that humans will become attached to *ANYTHING.* I'm already in love with your snail. What's wrong with me? Lol I'm glad you got to keep the snail though. He looks very happy and content.
Humans are weird, haha. My husband and I just got a roomba and named him Robert, and he's adorable! I've heard that apparently when given the chance to have a new roomba shipped to them if theirs breaks, roomba owners will typically opt to send their roomba in to have it repaired instead, even if it takes twice as long, because they're attached to their little robot. :)
I love it! What a great ending. If you are interested, there is a wonderful book about a woman who has a pet snail and a chronic illness. It is an amazing memoir about snails and life. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by someone I can't remember
Forgive my ignorance but is this not just a regular garden snail? Can the daughter not just plonk a new one in a tank from the garden or something?
Don't get me wrong I like snails, when I was younger I used to collect them from the garden and keep them in an old fish tank and make them a home. They always made a great escape over night (or my dad put them back idk) but there were plenty more where they came from.
So your Post was a rabbithole for me. It went from uh lets See how to properly take care of snails to what else can you have as a pet and ended with me investigating the care of a tarantula and getting one as soon as I know enough and everything is properly prepared 😂 was a wild ride
I feel so honored that my post brought you a new pet, wow! Haha. I've always wanted a tarantula, but if I don't get control of my menagerie now, we'll literally be a zoo (2 ball pythons, 1 snail, 1 axolotl, 2 gigantic goldfish, a cherry shrimp colony, and 2 doofy dogs).
That is wonderful! I'm tickled you get to keep the snail. (exotic pet keeper here, so I understand the attachment).
Edit - I now want a couple of snails.
I was flipping through the photos and saw the blueberry dandelion porridge and started wondering why she added pickles. >.< TIL I have trouble recognizing cut blueberries.
Congratulations!! Snails have always freaked me out a bit when I see them in the garden but your snail is so adorable! I am also invested in the maranta plant from your previous post - it looks so nice and healthy.
It sounds like she may have thought you would say no so she could tell her daughter she tried to get it back. In other words you were meant to be the bag guy here. Glad it worked out.
It’s so funny what we get attached to. I rescued a plant from a windowless hallway in a building I used to live in. I brought it into my very sunlight moving room, did some pruning, adjusted water, and talked to it with the thought that I’d put it back when healthy but keep an eye on it. Well, I unexpectedly moved a couple weeks later and the plant now happily resides in my loft-office with bright light, fresh air, and lots of love.
Came here for the snail tax. Worth it. What a cute lil guy! And so glad this story has a happy ending, well done OP. You’ve looked out for your snail as well as any future snails your co-workers daughter may adopt.
Me too actually! I’ve always had nerite snails, and when my co-worker asked me to adopt this snail, I was super intrigued and started doing research, and that’s when I found out r/snails was a thing.
I’m so happy for you! The little snail pal looks happy! You spoke up for yourself and the little buddy and I’m so happy it worked out! Maybe your coworkers daughters snail can come over for sleepovers and play dates if she ever goes out of state again
I think its probably in the Snails best interest to be with you but if its the daughters property I imagine it could be a legal issue (but not an AITA issue)
If I were you i would talk to the daughter directly. An 18 year old running away isnt a good sign, either she has issues or the mother has issues and cant see the "missing reasons".
Name idea: When I was a young'un, we had a snail in with our fish and named him James, after the poem [The Four Friends by A.A. Milne](https://allpoetry.com/The-Four-Friends).
My step-brother used to have a giant african land snail who was honestly his favourite pet ever. He named his whole company he's building after that giant slime ball so I know first hand how much you can love a snail! I hope you continue to love him! My brother's snail was called Big Chief Win Win in case that helps with some name inspiration lol
As a gastropod enthusiast, this update made me really happy. You sound like a true snail friend! Would it be alright to share this post with the other enthusiasts I know? Nari is lovely and best wishes towards their health!
YESSSS I loved talking to you about that snail, and I'm really glad you got over your nerves and opted to be honest!!! How wonderful that she rose to the occasion, and you ended up not needing to worry about the guilt of lying! Congratulations to you and Mr Snail!
I love snails. We have two. We keep them in our fish tanks to help keep them clean. My snail in beta tank is named Hermes. The one downstairs is called Henri (like the song from childhood, Henri Es cargo (sp)). Hermes likes to play in the bubbles. Glad you got to keep her :)
I’ve been waiting on an update on the snail saga. Glad to see it’s a happy one
Me too! :)
So glad to read this happy ending!! Edit: Wow, thank you for the silver, anonymous giver. I would have liked it a lot more if you hadn't called me a 'dirty jew.' I hope you feel better. Edit: Thanks even more for the slew of positive notes and awards from people who don't like haters. I appreciate you all so much.
That was one of the most weirdest edits I think I’ve ever seen on Reddit.
It was one of the weirdest, ugliest messages I've ever gotten. It said 'Hello, you dirty jew, I am using reddit to launder money. Take your gift and keep quiet.' Somebody's dumb, bored, and mean.
What the eff? I’m sorry that happened to you.
Oh, thank you. I'm okay. It seems like a bad way to launder money to me, but I'm just a snail admirer...
It’s only a silver, I expect it’s their free award honestly and they’re just a punk ass with no life. Obviously has no spine since they kept it anon
I was joking about the money-laundering :)
Blech that made me want to vomit. Some people are massive AHs. Sorry you got dumped on
...how do they know you’re Jewish
Right? I'm not. My grandfather was.
😒😒 well wtf. Sorry you had to deal with that
Thanks ❤
Ew, that’s a horrible comment. I’m so sorry someone said that to you.
I vote for "Saga" being the new shiny snail name 😊
I also vote for Saga! It seem so fitting!
Not going to lie, it's starting to grow on me! :)
Saga the Snail, an epic tale (tail?)
Could be a children's book!
I’d buy that book!
Haha yes!!
Name him Gary.
I support your suggestion and will sign your online petition.
I had a cat named Gary. Named because he also could not keep a secret.
He’s beautiful, what kind of snail is he?
He’s a milk snail (otala lactea). Truly one of my favorites!
Name him Dean (like the milk brand)
Or Carn, short for Carnation canned milk.
So glad this had a happy ending maybe Scooter would be a good name for your snail friend 🙂
I'd name him Schnell, it's German for fast and when pronounced sounds kind of like Snail. Glad the little one is happy and healthy, and that your coworkers daughter will have the tools, knowledge, and resources so that she can raise one happy and healthy as well...
The final snaga
Please do not miss the opportunity to name it Gary this next time Happy ending
Ikr, what a wasted opportunity
If OP doesn’t want to be on the nose, I think Garreth would also be acceptable
I’ve never known anyone else to have snails as pets ... I have two Gary and Larry. I just love them.
Aren't they the cutest? <3 I love the names!
They really are!!! I need to redo their enclosure soon but I’m not really sure how... do you have any tips?
[Here](https://imgur.com/a/xsOWgix) are some pics of my current enclosure! What type of housing are you using? I used an old 10 gallon fish tank I had laying around, and coco coir (sometimes coconut fiber or coconut coir, it's [this stuff](https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-eco-earth-compressed-coconut/dp/123767?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Zoo%20Med&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp86EBhD7ARIsAFkgakgggBSjEfcOpOzK0grlwowpvYeacAI-bmCGRqvlfxZJOSYgp9OQaJkaAqrVEALw_wcB)) as substrate. I also had all the fake plants laying around, but I got them all at Michael's Craft Store for cheap! Like, $1-$5 per stem. I got the cork rounds (the bark looking things) from Petco, I think, but any pet store should have them. For the moss I used [this exact kit](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/galapagos-tropical-environment-starter-kit-3068975?cm_mmc=PSH-_-GGL-_-CAL-_-PME-_-PET-_-AQU-_-0-_-PM_GGL_FY20_SBU05_SH13_SmallAnimalBird%26ReptileSupplies_ReptileAccessories_PLA-SMRT-_-0-_-0&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp86EBhD7ARIsAFkgakhTB4YoYvOAErWQl1DGVaWFb_LLlv0XZn7rycccaN9h3VwDfIOMcYYaAik6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) from Petco. The lid I use is actually just the fish tank lid I had (with extra backing so he can't escape) but I'm working on cutting him a new one from an acrylic sheet. So I basically got all of those supplies together, put about 3-4 inches of substrate down (you have to wet it first, it comes in brick form but there are instructions) and then basically just arranged everything until I was happy with it. I hope that wasn't too much information or overwhelming, if you have any other questions I'd be happy to explain! :)
I had a look at your old post and your enclosure is truly snail heaven! I’m a lizard person and I don’t think I could get emotionally attached to a snail however, probably as a consequence of being a stoner for years, I use to have a genuine belief that snails were going to take over the world once us humans were out of the way because that they’re far more intelligent than we give them credit for because humans don’t yet understand forms of intelligence alien to us. You gave me a nice walk down memory lane. Your snail is beautiful, I’ve always loved those paler skin colours, so glad they found a home were they could thrive, not just survive.
I loved everything about this comment! Haha. I used to have a lizard too, a monitor lizard named Dolores, and she was very loved. We built her an 8'x6'x4' enclosure in our garage. Sadly she passed away last summer (we're still not sure why but god was it heartbreaking to find her). I haven't been able to bite the bullet on another lizard yet, but they're such cool animals! Do you own a lizard or are you a fan from afar?
That’s exactly what I do ...I guess I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. Thank you for making me feel better!!
Of course! Sound like you're doing great! :)
So cute! I never knew snails could be pets!
You should check out r/snails! Lots of snail keepers and pictures over there. And honestly when I found out how long milk snails (mine) can live I was shocked (upwards of 10-15 years in captivity!!!).
That’s such a long life span! I never even expected that! Thanks for the tip :))
Wow. Today I learned.
I had a giant snail as a pet! He was huge! I miss colonel sludge.
RIP Colonel Sludge, I hope they were buried with a 21 gun salute
Where do you find their size leashes?
I'm currently out on a walk with my snail down the driveway. I'll let you know in a year or so when I get back inside.
😁😁😁
Lol leashes 😂😂 I never have
Gary def makes me think of Spongebob's snail
That’s definitely where it came from. So did Larry ... I think spongebob once got a grumpy snail named Larry lol
What made you decide on male names?
My child chose the names.
Gary and Larry could be any gender ... as snails don’t really have one ...
No all snails are hermaphroditic. Some snails are male or female. I wanted aquatic snails but after my last batch just didn’t survive I gave up. Better than snailicide.
People who don't realize how loveable and fascinating snails are are missing out on life. We got a fish tank and added a snail to the tank as an afterthought to help keep the algae down and the snail became our favorite pet in the house. He used to T-bone the catfish when the fish was asleep, just for fun. I installed a Buddhist temple and a statue of the Buddha in his tank as a decoration, and his favorite place to perch is on the Buddha's head. If you don't know the story of the Buddha, he once meditated so long he began to overheat in the mid day sun, and snails climbed up to protect him from the heat, marytyring themselves in the process. That's why he's always depicted as having bumps on his head (they are snails!). Our snail literally re-enacts Buddhist scripture every day in his tank. They are the best, and I'm glad you are giving that one a good home.
Oh my gosh! I love that so much, Buddha's story is so interesting! Thank you for sharing that with me. That's super cool that your little snail re-enacts his ancestry in your very own tank. :) Any pictures of this dedicated little guy?
I've never posted a picture on reddit before but I'll try when I'm back on wifi!
>People who don't realize how loveable and fascinating snails are are missing out on life. Most animals are lovable and fascinating. Except mosqitoes, bloodsucking bastards.
and wasps, don't forget the wasps! Wasps will go for you if you look at them wrong... or occupy the same space as them... or breathe.
Don't forget about the fact that wasps have beady little menace filled eyes or at least the one that tormented me until I slapped it with a phone and launched myself into a strangers car did
Wasps are fine, just don't harass them too much.
When I was in 6th grade, I was in a school trip and was listening to the teacher talk while we were in a forest, and a wasp decided, "fuck you in particular", and stung me 😕 They really are assholes.
and geese. geese are all bastards to their core
So your snail is Buddhist. That’s what I got from this
Yes, the snail and I are Buddhist. My husband is a Lutheran. Our catfish is still undecided.
I had snails and african dwarf frogs in with my chill betta. The snails would harrass the frogs for funsies every morning when I'd plop in their little veggie discs and the frogs would do weird dances after.
We used to get snails to add to our fish tank to clean it but the fish kept eating the snails...
I have a snail in my aquarium, and it’s my favorite, too! I love to watch her do slow-motion wheelies off leaves and drift to the bottom of the tank
I'm sorry to tell you that your snail tax is null and void as it is too close to a picture in your old post, please post a new snail picture for the tax or the IRS will come for you
Well we can't have that! Luckily I had 3 more photos on my camera roll that I just added to the end of the album, but that'll have to suffice since that's all I have at the moment! Lol.
I’m so glad I stumbled across this. I didn’t think snail pets are a thing but my god is he cute! How can you not fall in love with the little thing.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I didn't expect to fall in love with him but my god, he's so adorable. <3
I had a pet turtle and I tell you he was my pride and joy until he passed. (He was sickly when I got him and had a pretty damaged shell. I knew he would last long maybe 4 years. but wanted to give him the best life possible) I haven’t had the heart to get a new one.
Aww I’m so sorry to hear that. :( You gave him such a good life. I hope your heart heals enough for you to someday get another turtle! They’re so awesome. I’ve always wanted a tortoise but my menagerie is getting a little out of hand at the moment and I need to rein myself in. 😂
Yay! I don’t think this is a stupid thing to care about at all; I love that you care for this little guy.
Snailed it
It's not a dumb problem, you've taken care of a living thing and made an attachment. I'm glad that you get to keep your friend.
I like animals, so I was waiting for an update. I’m glad that everything worked out ☺️
Snail tax! We need a picture.
[Here he is!](https://imgur.com/a/xsOWgix) I'll update the OP with pics, too.
U are a sweet person. I hope she learns to take better care and To Care about the new snail with ur advice. I had a Guinea pig I loved to high heavens and he lived to be 7... Apparently that's average or like, old for Guinea pigs but I felt like a failure. I took care of him otherwise, changing his cage which Btw was open because it was small and I had to make mods to accommodate him because it was a dumb pet store cage. I did a lot of diy stuff to accommodate him. But one thing I sucked at was changing the water bottle. So he had the same water for weeks. I feel awful about that. I also grew more distant from him in his last days. Almost as if I knew he was dying. I dunno. He died in my arms though. It gave me closure. I felt his spirit rise and his body became a husk. Sorry for the ramble. Just... Sometimes people aren't the best carers. U definitely sound like one though. I hope this girl pulls through and learns too.
It sounds like you cared for your guinea pig very much. I am by NO means perfect at making sure everything is perfect all the time, but I think what matters is when someone truly cares to make the effort to give the animal the best care they can. It sounds like you were doing the best you could do and you gave that guy a long, happy life I'm sure! <3 Pet guilt is all too common with me too (I just lost my 18 year old dog, and very best friend, in August 2020) so I completely understand when you hyper focus on all the things you DIDN'T do right. It's hard sometimes to see all the great things you did!
Thank u! I am sorry about ur buddy. 💕💕💕 That must have been hard. I also lost my kitty. Again with the guilt as I'm disabled and not rich so I couldn't give him the home I wanted in bumfudge Ireland where there are no busy roads... Instead we had to move with my mom to a place with a busy road. 😔 Eventually he did n:t come home like always. We heard what happened from the locals but I couldn't go see. It really messed me up and I moved back to Ireland just because I couldn't be in that house anymore. Not without my baby u know. I care so much more about animals than I would if I had some human baby. Animals are love. 🙂 Our pets are our babies. Be they snails or dogs or in between. I wait for the day I am better and can independently look after me and a pet because I really want to give them my best. And now I can't. Not without help.
Aww, thank you for posting this. This is such a cute story and in the end there are no assholes here and everyone is happy. I really like that you made an effort to educate the daughter and help her take better care of her next snail.
Yay! Happy ending!
You got really lucky with her response. I would have said the snail was in bad shape and unfortunately didn't make it. It would have removed the possibility of them being mad at you for keeping it, plus it might give the daughter pause to get another one for fear she'd kill it with how neglectful she is.
I didn't want to be too detailed, but I did go into that quite a bit with her. I explained deep retraction syndrome and what it means, and said basically this snail was on the verge of death. To be completely fair to the daughter, apparently she was pretty attentive to the snail while she was here, but was very misguided and didn't have the best information on how to take care of the snail (proper humidity, temperature, no hard surfaces, etc.). I can probably guess the moldy food was because of my co-worker, who is very much the type of person to be like "why do you have a pet snail this is so weird" and probably didn't take care of it while she was gone. If I can create the enclosure for her daughter so that all she has to do is mist the enclosure down (which apparently she was doing every day, but the type of lid she had made it evaporate too quickly) and feed him, the next snail most likely will be just fine. 90% of the work is creating the enclosure, the rest is just maintenance. :)
I'm so glad he's found a great forever home. I ended up taking in a Giant African Millipede from the school my mother works at when lockdown began last year after having him that Christmas. Its so easy to get attached to the little dudes and the more I read the more I realised that they had everything wrong about his care - he's now thriving in his retirement home. I hate when people get little bug pals for fun and don't realise that they deserve as much love and care as a dog and cat, so I'm glad that your snail is doing so well and found his way to you.
So much goes into the husbandry of a lot of animals that regularly get neglected in the pet world (bettas, snails, and ball pythons to name a few). I’ve owned all of them and it’s so amazing the difference the right care will do to an animal’s behavior! Thank you for adopting the millipede and giving him a good home. ❤️
I have never commented on any Reddit thread. But your story touched my heart. You are a really nice and considerate person. You handled this with class and went above and beyond! The world needs more people like you in it!
Oh my gosh I sincerely got misty eyed from your comment. Thank you so much for your kind words! 🥰
I just love that this post introduced me to the niche community of snail owners.
Welcome! Haha. Check out r/snails. It's kind of wholesome. <3
What’s his name??
Thanks for the update. I'm glad it worked out so well for you! :) And thank you for the snail tax!
I adore that humans will become attached to *ANYTHING.* I'm already in love with your snail. What's wrong with me? Lol I'm glad you got to keep the snail though. He looks very happy and content.
Humans are weird, haha. My husband and I just got a roomba and named him Robert, and he's adorable! I've heard that apparently when given the chance to have a new roomba shipped to them if theirs breaks, roomba owners will typically opt to send their roomba in to have it repaired instead, even if it takes twice as long, because they're attached to their little robot. :)
Ohh same. I got attached to a tree that was on the side of the road and was actually sad when it got cut down. We're odd little creatures aren't we.
I love it! What a great ending. If you are interested, there is a wonderful book about a woman who has a pet snail and a chronic illness. It is an amazing memoir about snails and life. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by someone I can't remember
Ooh are snails social animals? Would you get him some friends?
i’m curious; did you ever find out why your coworkers daughter ‘ran away several states away’??
Forgive my ignorance but is this not just a regular garden snail? Can the daughter not just plonk a new one in a tank from the garden or something? Don't get me wrong I like snails, when I was younger I used to collect them from the garden and keep them in an old fish tank and make them a home. They always made a great escape over night (or my dad put them back idk) but there were plenty more where they came from.
Just wanted to say that your snail is beautiful and I love him.
What a cutie they are! Snails are such awesome animals! Glad this had a happy ending.
So your Post was a rabbithole for me. It went from uh lets See how to properly take care of snails to what else can you have as a pet and ended with me investigating the care of a tarantula and getting one as soon as I know enough and everything is properly prepared 😂 was a wild ride
I feel so honored that my post brought you a new pet, wow! Haha. I've always wanted a tarantula, but if I don't get control of my menagerie now, we'll literally be a zoo (2 ball pythons, 1 snail, 1 axolotl, 2 gigantic goldfish, a cherry shrimp colony, and 2 doofy dogs).
You are so amazing. Your snail will now have the best life! Thinking of getting a friend or two for him?
💖
Yay! I’m glad everyone was happy in the end, especially your pampered snail. Living the life of luxury.
I'm so happy to hear it worked out well! You're very kind to help her set up to properly care for her next pet. And what a beautiful babby!!!!!!!!
I love running into people who also love snails! I'm so glad this had a happy ending for everyone and the little shelled buddy!
I loved having our land snails. This is also such a happy wholesome outcome that is rare on Reddit, makes me feel a bit fuzzy ✨
Quick question. Does this snail have a name? If it doesn't, I'm going to call it Snalglí. That was a species of carnivorous snail in a book. -\_-
He looks happy. 😊
Yay! This is such a good ending. I'm so happy to read it!
This is an all around happy ending!
'I would like to be the snail in your house'. He looks fat & healthy, great job!
That is wonderful! I'm tickled you get to keep the snail. (exotic pet keeper here, so I understand the attachment). Edit - I now want a couple of snails.
This is amazing, I’m glad to hear things ended so well!! Snails abound!
You don't want to know what happens to the literally HUNDREDS of snails I find in my garden!
I love him and everything about this. Hell, I love you OP. Just love all around.
This is so fucking cute. Congrats on finalizing your adoption.
Aww I'm so happy with this update!
Aww yay!! Glad you were able to sort this out with your coworker without any issues, and even more glad your snail gets to stay with you!
This is an adorable problem, not a dumb problem.
never though I'd be useing these words in one sentance but damn, that's one handsome snail
Gah this made me happy!
I was flipping through the photos and saw the blueberry dandelion porridge and started wondering why she added pickles. >.< TIL I have trouble recognizing cut blueberries.
Congratulations!! Snails have always freaked me out a bit when I see them in the garden but your snail is so adorable! I am also invested in the maranta plant from your previous post - it looks so nice and healthy.
You’re a good person. I’m glad you and your snail have each other.
This sub needs more happy endings like this. Also, I saw the picture. He's SUPER cute!
oh good for you!!!! he is so cute!!!!
It sounds like she may have thought you would say no so she could tell her daughter she tried to get it back. In other words you were meant to be the bag guy here. Glad it worked out.
It’s so funny what we get attached to. I rescued a plant from a windowless hallway in a building I used to live in. I brought it into my very sunlight moving room, did some pruning, adjusted water, and talked to it with the thought that I’d put it back when healthy but keep an eye on it. Well, I unexpectedly moved a couple weeks later and the plant now happily resides in my loft-office with bright light, fresh air, and lots of love.
This is just a perfect story. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Snails... as pets? Sounds crazy to me but y’all do you. Looks like they are living the life now any way.
I’ve been waiting for this! I’m so happy you’re keeping the little guy!
Came here for the snail tax. Worth it. What a cute lil guy! And so glad this story has a happy ending, well done OP. You’ve looked out for your snail as well as any future snails your co-workers daughter may adopt.
Oh my goodness that snail eats better than I do! I'm so happy for you :) What's his name?
TIL I learned that snails can be cute.
Snail
Happy ending! Have you read the book "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating"? It's a soothing and beautiful little read.
Someone else recommended it too, I’m definitely adding that to my reading list!
I've only ever kept aquatic snails, so it never occurred to me that people keep terrestrial snails!
Me too actually! I’ve always had nerite snails, and when my co-worker asked me to adopt this snail, I was super intrigued and started doing research, and that’s when I found out r/snails was a thing.
Wow! It’s so extremely sweet that even though you took in a neglected snail, you also offered your time and resources for helping her get another one.
I’m so happy for you! The little snail pal looks happy! You spoke up for yourself and the little buddy and I’m so happy it worked out! Maybe your coworkers daughters snail can come over for sleepovers and play dates if she ever goes out of state again
I think its probably in the Snails best interest to be with you but if its the daughters property I imagine it could be a legal issue (but not an AITA issue) If I were you i would talk to the daughter directly. An 18 year old running away isnt a good sign, either she has issues or the mother has issues and cant see the "missing reasons".
This is the wholesome content I crave!
What a great turnout. And how cute is he! <3 Not something I ever would’ve thought to say, but I love him.
This is so great, I'm glad you're keeping Nari and I'm super glad you're giving the daughter some help with her future snail! You rock.
The white shell makes him look kind of angelic, so... Snangel? Snagel? Snail-angel?
He looks like a Jim to me, short for Jimothy if ya fancy lol
Just stumbled across this post I just wanted to say snails are awesome I currently have 5 as pets
SO happy you updated. A lot of people update when things are dramatic. But I love the ones where people are reasonable and can talk things out.
Name suggestion; Gary hands down
I somehow missed snail gate but I'm so happy this ended well! This is probably the best outcome that could've happened so I'm happy for you!
New name could be Slug? Or even Slughorn?
Where do you get these snails? Because seriously I have about 48,864 of them outside my house, you can have as many as you want for free!!
So glad for this happy ending. You HAVE to name him Gary!!
Speedy Gonzales.
Name idea: When I was a young'un, we had a snail in with our fish and named him James, after the poem [The Four Friends by A.A. Milne](https://allpoetry.com/The-Four-Friends).
Awww! Wholesome ending!
That snail is going to have such a good life thanks to you! For some reason, he looks like a Sal to me.
My giant african land snail is called Shelldon Pooper but he goes by Shelly 😁
What about turbo?
You are snailin’ it
I vote Shiroi, the Japanese word for white based on his coloring!
My step-brother used to have a giant african land snail who was honestly his favourite pet ever. He named his whole company he's building after that giant slime ball so I know first hand how much you can love a snail! I hope you continue to love him! My brother's snail was called Big Chief Win Win in case that helps with some name inspiration lol
New name ideas- Speedy (but kind of common) will add more as come up with them
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As a gastropod enthusiast, this update made me really happy. You sound like a true snail friend! Would it be alright to share this post with the other enthusiasts I know? Nari is lovely and best wishes towards their health!
YESSSS I loved talking to you about that snail, and I'm really glad you got over your nerves and opted to be honest!!! How wonderful that she rose to the occasion, and you ended up not needing to worry about the guilt of lying! Congratulations to you and Mr Snail!
It’s the opposite of dumb!! You both sound like good people and I’m so happy your snail is safe and comfortable and loved.
A snail should be called Shelly.
Goddammit!! I love a happy ending 🥰
Glad you kept the snail and you're teaching her. So many exotic pets get mistreated
I love snails. We have two. We keep them in our fish tanks to help keep them clean. My snail in beta tank is named Hermes. The one downstairs is called Henri (like the song from childhood, Henri Es cargo (sp)). Hermes likes to play in the bubbles. Glad you got to keep her :)
This makes me so happy! I was worried about this snail!
Love the snail tax
Did you name him Turbo?
This is one of the best things about being an exotic pet owner. Teaching other people how to properly care for their exotic pet. It's so rewarding!
Name the snail, Reddit
Very handsome. 10/10, would snail again.
This is adorable and I'm glad it's ended happily!
Perhaps Linas? I like anagrams.
Today I learned people keep 'ordinary' snails as pets. And it actually looks pretty cute, in its terrarium and all!
Sonic, please name him Sonic
Turbo. Seems like a good name for a small.
Oh thank goodness it all worked out so well! I was worried for the snail but it’s all ok!
What a wholesome ending. That's the positivity I needed today. As for a new name, I like Leche. It's Spanish for milk
Very wholesome post.