Moving Forward

Today I feel a lot better; much better. The kind and thoughtful comments left by you have made losing Gus so much easier. Gus and Fiona's breeder has actually been fantastic and incredibly supportive, understanding and kind. She has a waiting list for her joeys, but she has put us in touch with another breeder that is actually closer to home. This new breeder has two sets of joeys ready to go and another just "out of pouch." We could technically wait for the two just out of pouch because they would be in a better stage to bond, but I don't think we can wait that long for Miss Fiona's sake. Those joeys won't be ready to go to a home until February or so and that is much too long for a Sugar Glider to be alone
Fiona seems a bit lost, but Mr. K and I are making sure to play with her and we both took our turns carrying her around in the bonding pouch yesterday in order to give her a warm body to be near. I also make sure that her Snuggle Safe pad is always warm and tucked up under one of Mr. K's shirts in her cage. That way, if she is feelin she needs some warmth, it is there. This might be a bit easier if she was a bit more bonded because we would be able to have her out of the cage perched in a pocket even when she's awake, but she is not quite there yet. She did come out and run in her Wodent wheel quite a bit last night; she ate her food and took treats; and played with us and  the feather toy we got for her and Gus. We're trying our best to keep her occupied and give her the interaction she needs to be a happy, healthy little Glider, but I think a fuzzy companion is going to be necessary in the long term.
We are supposed to get a phone call from the new breeder later today and then we'll go from there. It would seem that the tent is going to be put back up in our living room and we'll start this process all over again. However, that may not necessarily be a bad thing for Fiona. I think she could use a bit more time in the tent. Because the tent is so small, she is forced to interact with us and I am sure that will help her bond further. I am not sure how many "brothers" Fiona will end up with as Sugar Glider breeders prefer to sell the joeys in pairs since Sugar Gliders are so social. Our cage is definitely big enough for three Sugies as it is taller than Mr. K and wider. Sugies also do not seem to react poorly to having odd numbers as some other animals might. The breeder only has males available so we will have to ensure both are neutered very quickly. They are a bit older than Gus and Fiona and so will reach sexual maturity much faster and that will cause two problems:
1. They may fight as there is only one female,
and 2. Fiona may become a Mom. No thanks. :)
So even though the last 24 hours have been quite tough, and I still get a bit teary from time to time, we are doing much better. Getting Fiona a new companion will make me feel much better as well because that will provide her with the stimulation and companionship that she needs.
Again, thanks all of you so much for your comments and virtual hugs: they mean so much to Mr. K and I.