Worried about Earl

[Catherine]

Thank-you so much. I have never had an old snake before and I have only lost one adult who died of a stroke when he was only five. I am in new territory with this, but I trust my instincts. I know the signs that something is wrong and for several months now I have sensed that it was more than age. Now that I can feel a lump I know where I stand.
What I don't know is how this will progress. I think it will be slow because he is a big old snake. I hope he goes naturally at home with those he loves. But I also know I will do what is best when the time comes.
I think the real loss comes the day you realize the end is coming. No matter how long it takes, I know there is not going to be a return to the strong healthy Earl I have known. Earl is such a gentle creature and so loving. I am really lucky that he came to spend his last years with me.