Male toad gets a new companion

[Schnauzer]

Southern Toads and toads in general are not considered social animals, but rather solitary. I have kept Southern Toads (and one Woodhouse) since I was 9 years old. I am am never without at least one toad for more than a few weeks and have found quite the contrary to be true. Every toad I have had has done better with at least one other toad. When by themselves, especially after the death of all other tank-mates, they stop eating. My male toad was in quarantine for three months when Butterball and Ginger passed away, but he could see them and often watched them through the glass. Ever since their death, he hasn't eaten. I kept him alive for about 4.5 months by force-feeding him vitamin paste for anorexic reptiles. Several nights he almost died, but I soaked him in warm water and gave him more vitamins. I always gave him a cricket, but he wasn't interested. His parotid glands (poison glands behind the eyes) shriveled up to half their original size and his muscles atrophied. He was at the end of his rope.

I saw a European Toad at my local pet store's monthly reptile extravaganza shortly after Butterball and Ginger died. I went to another show as soon as I could (about 4 months later) and the guy who does the extravaganza told me he was converting to captive bred animals only... so no toad. I searched everywhere for months trying to find another one to save my male, but failed. The toads have virtually disappeared since Chytridiomycosis hit my area, and amphibians all around the world are perishing too.

Last Thursday it rained all day and into the evening. I've noticed that toads come out the most on temperate nights with light rain. This was the day - it was now or never with the changing weather. I got my flashlight and went deep into the woods with no luck. I continued on my path all the way to the road when I saw one jumping! I caught it! It was a large old female. She appeared well-fed compared to other toads I've caught, so that gave me hope.

When I returned with the new toad, I felt victorious. I didn't bother to quarantine her despite the risk of Chytrid because at this point my male was going to die too soon anyway. I put her in the terrarium with my male and promptly added a cricket. So help me, within 60 seconds he ate it!! I couldn't believe it! I wasn't sure if 60 seconds was even enough time for him to realize another toad was there, but apparently it was!

I'm really feeling the effects of Chytrid. I used to see toads everywhere, and now I can't find any. I even had 13 in a 29 gallon tank at one point in time. Toads can live for 10 years and this female is probably near the end. This means I still need to find another toad as my male is on the younger side. If it took me 4 months of searching and a perfect night to find this one, how will I find the next one? Please, for the sake of these wonderful animals, support amphibian conservation and research.